Strategic Director of External Relations & Communications

Virginia AG; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 160,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) is seeking a Director of External Relations and Communications to lead external engagement with the General Assembly, state agencies, and higher education institutions. The role oversees the Communications Team, aligning outreach with policy goals and the agency’s strategic plan.

The position reports to the Executive Director and drives messaging, media relations, and council communications to support statewide priorities and legislative

Qualifications

• Experience tracking Federal and State legislation and coordinating policy changes with contact in state agencies, the Secretariat of Education, federal agencies, Congressional staff and industry associations.
• Experience analyzing Federal/state policy and regulatory issues and developing position papers with recommendations to executive management.
• Experience establishing and implementing strategic policy initiatives.
• Experience networking with senior legislative staff, elected officials, industry leaders and other stakeholders to advance policy goals.
• Experience leading and supervising staff.
• Extensive knowledge of strategic communications planning, messaging, and media relations for diverse audiences.
• Ability to translate policy and data into clear communications; and to present testimony and materials to the General Assembly.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the agency’s external facing communications strategy across divisions.
• Collaborate with leadership to develop budget and policy recommendations and engagement strategies.
• Engage external stakeholders in line with state, Council, and agency priorities.
• Lead interactions with General Assembly, Governor’s office, and Administration officials.
• Coordinate briefs and presentations of priorities to General Assembly and committees.
• Oversee the Communications Team (website, design, branding, media, content, newsletters, crisis comms).
• Ensure quality and accessibility of all public-facing materials.
• Provide leadership for messaging related to statewide initiatives and strategic plan.
• Oversee all Council meetings and related activities.
• Coordinate proactive media engagement and timely responses to inquiries.
• Translate policy and research into public communications for awareness and engagement.
• Identify opportunities for external engagement at state/national levels.
• Participate in convenings with public and private institutions and legislative liaisons.
• Represent the agency in stakeholder meetings.

Skills

Legislation tracking

Policy coordination

Strategic communications

Staff supervision

Public speaking

Policy analysis

Media relations

Microsoft Office

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) is seeking a Director of External Relations and Communications to lead external engagement with the General Assembly, state agencies, and higher education institutions. The role oversees the Communications Team, aligning outreach with policy goals and the agency’s strategic plan.

The position reports to the Executive Director and drives messaging, media relations, and council communications to support statewide priorities and legislative