Director of Strategic Communications – Resilient Energy Technology & Infrastructure

WVU Online

Director of Strategic Communications for the Resilient Energy Technology & Infrastructure Consortium at West Virginia University. Leading strategic communications across core verticals, stakeholder engagement, and storytelling.

Posted 7/17/2026full-timeMorgantown • Virginia, West Virginia • 🇺🇸 United StatesLeadWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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

Expertise in developing and executing strategic communications plans tailored to diverse stakeholder audiences, with a strong focus on storytelling and media relations. Proven ability to translate complex information into clear narratives while managing digital channels and maintaining brand integrity.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Strategic Communications PlanningMedia Relations ManagementDigital Channel ManagementStakeholder EngagementContent Development

ATS Keywords

Tailor your resume

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills

Press Release WritingContent EditingWeb Content DevelopmentSocial Media ManagementProject Management

Soft Skills

Outstanding Writing SkillsStrong Organizational SkillsPrioritization SkillsCommitment to AccuracyInclusive Communication

Tools & Technologies

Email MarketingDigital Presence ManagementMultimedia Asset Production

Industry Keywords

Public RelationsStakeholder AudiencesCommunity EngagementWorkforce DevelopmentEnergy Sector

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Identify and map RETI’s primary stakeholder audiences, including the National Science Foundation, federal and state agencies, congressional offices, industry partners, capital providers, academic collaborators, workforce organizations, community leaders, the press, and the public.
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 in language tailored to each audience.
Continuously refine stakeholder strategies based on engagement data, feedback, and evolving consortium priorities.
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 — technology, commercialization, workforce, and community engagement — into a unified consortium narrative.
Identify and develop signature stories, case studies, and impact features that bring the consortium’s work to life for diverse audiences.
Ensure that the consortium’s public-facing voice is consistent, authentic, and aligned with the values of West Virginia University and consortium partners.
Partner closely with the Chief Technology Officer, Chief Commercialization Officer, Chief Workforce Officer, and community engagement leads to understand activities, milestones, and successes within each vertical.
Work proactively across the leadership team and partner organizations to surface emerging stories, technical advances, partnership wins, training cohort results, and community outcomes.
Translate vertical-specific accomplishments into broader narratives that demonstrate RETI’s integrated value to industry, government, and the region.
Coordinate with partner communications teams across consortium organizations to amplify shared messaging and avoid conflicting or duplicative communications.
Develop and oversee the production of high-quality communications content, including press releases, op-eds, website content, social media, newsletters, impact reports, briefing documents, and multimedia assets.
Manage the consortium’s digital presence, including the RETI website, social media channels, and email communications, ensuring content is timely, accurate, and aligned with brand standards.
Develop talking points, speeches, and presentation materials for the CEO and senior leadership team.
Oversee design, video, photography, and other creative resources, working with internal staff and external vendors as needed.
Develop and maintain relationships with national, regional, and trade press covering energy, advanced manufacturing, innovation, workforce development, and Appalachian economic development.
Manage media inquiries, press releases, and proactive media outreach to advance the consortium’s visibility and reputation.
Prepare consortium executives and subject matter experts for interviews, press events, and public appearances.
Monitor news coverage, social media, and public discourse related to consortium priorities and provide regular intelligence to leadership.
Develop tailored communications products for federal, state, industry, academic, and community audiences, including stakeholder newsletters, briefing memos, impact dashboards, and event materials.
Support the CEO, Chief Operations Officer, and Chief Officers in preparing for board meetings, congressional briefings, partner convenings, and community events.
Support consortium engagement with West Virginia University leadership, the WVU University Relations team, and partner communications staff to ensure aligned messaging.
Develop community-facing communications that build trust, transparency, and engagement with residents in West Virginia, western Pennsylvania, and central Appalachia.
Work with RETI’s existing graphics and media contract to maintain RETI’s brand identity, visual standards, and editorial style guide.
Manage the consortium’s communications archive and asset library so that materials are accessible, current, and well organized.

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 the following:
Progressively responsible strategic communications experience, including experience leading communications functions or major communications initiatives.
Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience will be considered.
All qualifications must be met by the time of employment.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
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, with the ability to manage multiple workstreams and deadlines simultaneously.
A demonstrated commitment to accuracy, integrity, and inclusive communications.

Benefits

Comp & perks

37.5-hour work week
13 paid holidays
24 annual leave (vacation) days per year
18 sick days per year
WVU offers a 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