Senior Communication Strategist - Manning Institute of ...

This role is responsible for planning, developing, and implementing executive and organizational communications strategy for the UVA Paul and Diane Manning Institute of Biotechnology. Preferred candidates will have previous experience designing and implementing creative and impactful communications strategy for C-suite executives, as well as in health or life sciences organizations. They will possess command of a wide range of communications specialty areas, including writing and editing, multimedia, social media, speech writing, and pitch deck/presentation development. The ideal candidate will be exceptionally skilled at understanding how to capture and effectively reflect the voice of the Chief Scientific Officer and articulate the vision and potential of the Manning Institute to a multitude of audiences. They will have the desire to establish a foundation of excellence and a proven record of exceeding goals, both qualitatively and quantitatively. These roles are responsible for handling a range of tasks across various communications functions. Staff and leaders in these positions may engage in digital media management, graphic design, public relations, and other activities as needed to support comprehensive communications strategies. Leads and executes communications strategies for the Chief Scientific Officer and the UVA Paul and Diane Manning Institute of Biotechnology. Drives compelling communications across all channels that will: + Increase visibility and positive engagement with the Manning Institute’s internal and external key constituent audiences + Effectively capture the voice of the Chief Scientific Officer and Head of the Manning Institute + Refine the narrative of the current research and future potential of the Manning Institute to contribute to pitch decks, web content, leave-behinds and other material + Partner with UVA Health marketing and communications colleagues, as well as PR agency partners, to develop and execute a thought leadership strategy for the Manning Institute, its leadership, and its prominent researchers + Plan and execute communications calendar across all channels + Monitor and apply national biopharma and healthcare trends for communications context + Partner with other communications team members for overall communication integration and editorial calendar management + Accompany the Chief to specific events/meetings in order to capture and note key insights, later integrating into strategic communications Manage end-to-end communications including (but not limited to) recognition programs, video messages, social media, website content, internal executive newsletters, Community Update, Board communications, events, speeches, and thought leadership opportunities that align with the overall UVA Health and UVA executive communications strategy. Responsible for planning, editorial calendar management and implementation of communications content targeted at a broad variety of internal and external audiences (leaders, peers, UVA Health team members, influencers, media, patients, potential donors and investors, biopharma and life sciences companies, local and state government officials, etc.) to support organizational business strategies and to promote and advance the Manning Institute as an academic healthcare and biotechnology development thought leader. Essential Responsibilities: Reporting to the Sr. Director of Media Relations at UVA Health, serves as primary communications liaison for the Manning Institute portfolio of work. Oversees the development and implementation of sophisticated and integrated (internal and external) communications plans for local, regional and national initiatives and / or functional areas including development of executive thought leadership voice, communications positioning, messaging, and tactics consistent with the UVA brand and business strategies. Following implementation, monitors the effectiveness of the communications program and materials. Modifies programs and projects as needed to improve results. Creates measurement reports and dashboards. Serves as a collaborator and an integrator with other communications leads from the content, media, social, internal teams and other stakeholders and teams. Education: Bachelor's degree in journalism, English, public relations, communications, corporate development, or related field. Experience: Experience leading executive communications programs with both internal and external audiences in a life sciences, biotechnology, pharmaceutical or academic translational research enterprise environment. Basic Qualifications: Experience Minimum ten (10) years of experience in PR, Communications, or similar roles. Minimum 5 years executive communications experience. Licensure: None Additional Job Requirements: Extensive experience working senior executives and confidential, high-risk and / or highly sensitive content. Experience contributing to business goals through strategic communications. Experience managing enterprise-wide communications across large, complex organizations. Extensive experience with stakeholder management and change management in a large organization. Experience working across internal and external communications with a demonstrated understanding for how they influence each other. Demonstrated ability to plan and manage complex projects: ability to work effectively with team members and senior executives under tight deadlines. Contributes to the development of innovative communications principles, ideas, and practices. Additional expertise required: Advanced skills in the areas outlined. Extensive experience leading executive communications programs with both internal and external audiences. Experience in a biopharma, life sciences or academic healthcare enterprise is required. PHYSICAL DEMANDS This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The job does occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings, and programs. Position Compensation Range: $70,600.00 - $141,201.00 Annual **Benefits** + Comprehensive Benefits Package: Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance + Paid Time Off, Long-term and Short-term Disability, Retirement Savings + Health Saving Plans, and Flexible Spending Accounts + Certification and education support + Generous Paid Time Off UVA Health ( is a world-class Magnet Recognized academic medical center and health system with a level 1 trauma center. 2023-2024 U.S. News & World Report “Best Hospitals” guide ( rates UVA Health University Medical Center as “High Performing” in 5 adult specialties and 14 conditions/procedures. We are one of 70 National Cancer Institute designated cancer centers. UVA Health Children’s ( is named by 2023-2024 U.S. News & World Report ( as the best children's hospital in Virginia with 9 specialties ranked among the best in the nation. Our footprint also encompasses 3 community hospitals and an integrated network of primary and specialty care clinics throughout Charlottesville, Culpeper, Northern Virginia, and beyond.

Created: 2025-10-10