Director of Strategic Communications – Office of Innovation and Commercialization

WVU Online

Director of Strategic Communications ensuring message clarity for the RETI Consortium. Leading communications strategies across various stakeholders for impactful energy initiatives.

Posted 7/16/2026full-timeMorgantown • Virginia, West Virginia • 🇺🇸 United StatesLeadWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in developing and executing strategic communications plans tailored to diverse stakeholder audiences, with a strong focus on storytelling and media relations. Proficient in managing digital channels and creating compelling narratives that translate complex information for non-specialist audiences.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Strategic Communications PlanningMedia Relations ManagementDigital Channel ManagementNarrative DevelopmentStakeholder Engagement

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Writing and EditingPress Release DevelopmentWeb Content CreationEmail MarketingProject Management

Soft Skills

Organizational SkillsPrioritization SkillsCommitment to AccuracyIntegrity in Communications

Tools & Technologies

Social Media ManagementWebsite Management

Industry Keywords

Public RelationsCommunicationsStakeholder AudiencesTechnical Content TranslationCommunity Engagement

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Ensure that the message, story, and impact of the Resilient Energy Technology and Infrastructure (RETI) Consortium are told clearly, consistently, and compellingly to the audiences that matter most.
Identify and map RETI’s primary stakeholder audiences.
Develop a comprehensive strategic communications plan that defines messaging priorities, channels, cadence, and engagement tactics for each stakeholder group.
Establish and maintain a messaging architecture that articulates RETI’s mission, value proposition, and impact.
Serve as the principal storyteller for RETI, translating complex technical, commercial, workforce, and community work into clear and compelling narratives.
Build and maintain a cohesive impact story that integrates progress and outcomes from across all four core verticals.
Manage the consortium’s digital presence, including the RETI website, social media channels, and email communications.
Develop and maintain relationships with national, regional, and trade press.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing, English, public affairs, or a related field.
A minimum of five (5) years of experience in progressively responsible strategic communications experience, including experience leading communications functions or major communications initiatives.
Demonstrated experience developing and executing strategic communications plans across diverse stakeholder audiences, including federal, state, industry, academic, and community partners.
Demonstrated ability to translate complex technical, scientific, or policy content into clear, compelling narratives for non-specialist audiences.
Outstanding writing and editing skills across a range of formats, including press releases, executive communications, op-eds, web content, and reports.
Demonstrated experience managing media relations, including national, regional, and trade press.
Demonstrated experience managing digital channels, including websites, social media, and email marketing.
Experience preparing senior executives for media interviews, public speaking engagements, and stakeholder meetings.
Strong organizational, project management, and prioritization skills.
A demonstrated commitment to accuracy, integrity, and inclusive communications.
Valid driver's license.

Benefits

Comp & perks

37.5-hour work week
13 paid holidays
24 annual leave (vacation) days per year
18 sick days per year
Range of health insurance and other benefits
401(a) retirement savings with 6% employee contribution match, eligibility to continue health insurance, and other retiree perks.
Wellness programs