Public Relations Specialist or Manager, Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy

The Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy at the University of Virginia seeks a Public Relations Specialist or ManagerCoordinate all public relations activities and develop a media relations strategy for UVA Batten, Build and maintain strong relationships with media and press outlets, Manage media inquiries and interview requests, Develop story ideas and provide strategic recommendations for earned media, Monitor communications trends and proactively develop timely, relevant responses and content, Support crisis communications, issues management, and reputation safeguarding, Partner with faculty, students, and alumni to identify storytelling opportunities that raise the school’s profile, Manage end-to-end execution of Batten’s newsletters, including: Batten Newsletter (biweekly), Research and Insights Newsletter (2–3 times per year), Ensure alignment of communications with UVA Batten’s mission, voice, and brand identityBachelor’s degree required, 3+ years of relevant experience in communications, media relations, or public affairs, Experience with Meltwater and Salesforce software, including Marketing Cloud, Strong writing and editing skills, with proven ability to craft press materials and public statements, Meticulous approach to research, writing, and fact-checking to ensure all communications uphold the highest standards of accuracy and credibility, Ability to navigate complex or controversial subjects with nuance and sound judgment, ensuring content consistently reflects the Batten School’s commitment to nonpartisan leadership and public good, Strong relationships with both local and national business and industry media outlets, Ability to balance strategic input with tactical execution, Experience in higher education, nonprofit, or mission-driven settings preferred