University of Virginia
Alumni Association
JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Title:
Vice President, Communications & Editor
Full-time/Part-time:
Full-time
FLSA Status:
Exempt
Supervisor:
President & CEO
Date Prepared:
December 1, 2015
GENERAL SUMMARY:
The Vice President of Communications/Editor must be a visionary, collaborative,
innovative and motivational leader. He or she directs the conceptualization and creation
of compelling reader-first print and multimedia content, and ensures its integration
across traditional and digital/social media platforms. The Vice President creates an
environment that enables the staff to bring their initiative, creativity and passion to
advance the department’s goals, the Alumni Association’s goals, and their own and their
colleagues’ goals.
The Vice President must be acutely aware of and understand how to answer
stakeholders’ needs (alumni, people around Grounds and Alumni Hall staff) to engage
our audiences, and contribute to the Alumni Association’s success.
The Vice President is responsible for the long-range evolution of the association’s
editorial assets and strategies. This portfolio includes the quarterly print magazine,
enewsletter, web platform, print magazines, social media, mobile applications, video,
marketing communications and other assets to reach the broadest audience. The Vice
President must also be a leader in innovation and must cultivate an entrepreneurial,
innovative spirit in the department.
The Vice President has oversight of all written and electronic communications at the
University of Virginia Alumni Association. He or she leads a staff that creates compelling
communications materials promoting positive awareness of the University, the Alumni
Association and its programs through print and digital media.
The Vice President also oversees the marketing efforts for all of the departments of the
Alumni Association, collaborating with the Marketing Director to identify goals, needs
and methods of communication with the varying constituencies of each department.
As a member of the Alumni Association management team, the Vice President engages
in a high level of independent and collaborative management in formulating the mission
and executing the vision for the Alumni Association. He or she serves as the
Association’s primary contact with the University community on communications-related
matters.
Success entails working closely with the President/CEO and other management team
members and department managers to cooperatively develop strategies, tactics, and
new products and services to meet the needs of the alumni and the Alumni Association.
He or she also independently develops strategic initiatives within the Communications
Department and provides creative and strategic editorial leadership in the editorial
department. He or she is responsible not only for the overall direction of the
Communications Department editorial operation, but also for the content of all
Communications Department online and print publications and products.
Toward that end, the Vice President develops a five-year strategic plan for the
Association’s overall communications efforts.
SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
 Oversees publishing of quarterly print full-color University of Virginia Magazine.
Develops content for the print magazine, Alumni Association web site, the
monthly e-newsletter and the magazine website. Serves as Editor for
publication.
 With Managing Editor, supervises communications department consisting of
writer/editor(s), marketing/advertising professional(s), digital content developers
and graphic design professional(s). Works with publisher and Communications
Department staff to make collaborative decisions about magazine content and
related issues.
 Responsible for helping develop and implement online initiatives and establishing
digital strategy.
 Meets with Alumni Association staff, members of the University community and
alumni about matters pertaining to the magazine and Alumni Association
communications. Maintains active communication with Alumni Association president,
alumni and UVa. faculty and staff. Attends University events and meetings that
pertain to the magazine and other communications.
 Crafts branding messages, defines communications goals. With Art Director, work to
standardize graphic identity. Establishes communications policies for the
association.
 Have the ability to quickly access developing events and create a strategic
communication plan across multi-platforms with a clear and effective message.


While developing this plan, work with the Alumni Association management and the
University’s top level administration to understand the needs of alumni regarding a
variety of situations.
Works with CFO to create annual budget incorporating costs for each fiscal year.
Administers budget throughout the year.
Serves as departmental liaison to the Board of Managers.
EDUCATION:
 A bachelor's degree is required. A Masters degree is desirable
EXPERIENCE:
1.
Ten to Fifteen years of direct experience in publishing/marketing
communications/advertising (preferably in higher education) with regularly
increasing responsibility.
2.
The incumbent should be experienced and/or skilled in planning and budgeting, creative
thinking, idea conception, problem-solving, writing and editing, advertising, client relations,
print design, Web design, new media, product placement, marketing, branding, media
placement, media relations, public relations, and project management.
3.
Must possess project team or staff management experience. Previous project
management experience desirable.
4.
Experience preparing and administering an operations budget and monitoring
expenditures preferred.
5.
Experience in a supervisory position preferred.
SKILLS/CERTIFICATIONS:
1.
Intermediate to advanced proficiency working with personal computers and
related hardware/software.
2.
Must be comfortable serving in a gatekeeper role. This means listening to and
reading ideas and suggestions and assessing whether they are appropriate for
the magazine. Must demonstrate diplomacy when faced with ideas that aren’t a
good fit.
3.
Must have an air of diplomacy and collaborative.
SUPERVISION:
The incumbent provides training and guidance in branding, marketing and communications to the
entire Association and assists other departments with hiring freelancers. The Managing Editor,
who oversees the daily operations of the department, reports to the Vice President
ABILITIES:
1.
Must be self-directed and rely on experience and judgment to plan and
accomplish goals.
2.
Strong interpersonal skills required, including technical and non-technical writing
and presentation skills.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills to a variety of
constituents in various platforms.
Must be committed to exceptional customer service and support.
Must possess strong problem analysis and decision-making ability.
The incumbent is required to continue education in the field through attending
conferences, reading trade journals, and training in new technologies, etc.
CONTACTS:
1.
UVA Alumni Association Department Managers and Directors
2.
Board of Managers, Alumni Engagement and Membership and Marketing
Committees
3.
UVa Alumni Association employees
4.
University of Virginia employees, faculty and staff
5.
Outsourcing providers, vendors and free lancers
6.
The media
ENVIRONMENTAL/WORKING CONDITIONS:
General fast-paced office environment.