Program Manager, Thought Leadership - Batten Institute at Darden School of Business

The University of Virginia Darden School of Business seeks a Program Manager to join its Batten Institute for Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Technology team. The Program Manager advances the Darden School mission of inspiring purpose-driven, innovative leaders who will change the world.

Darden is uniquely positioned to bring stakeholders together around issues of global importance and contribute faculty-inspired frameworks to these discussions that help drive to solutions. This position supports the Thought Leadership team in its efforts to build the school’s reputation for incubating and translating research and ideas that directly impact business practice across Batten’s three primary focus areas: entrepreneurial mindset, innovation, and technology.  While most of the team’s efforts have been focused on translating academic research into work products that are easily understood and actionable by practitioners (i.e., writing content), there is a growing need to think more strategically about how to reach these audiences and utilize the right vehicles to do so.

The Thought Leadership team currently uses several vehicles to reach practitioners including writing articles in UVA and school-level media outlets (UVA Today, Darden Report, Ideas to Action); posting content in Batten-specific media outlets (Linked In, Substack, newsletter); producing podcasts; and hosting webinars and in-person events. Batten is also exploring strategic partnerships with think tanks and other schools. The Program Manager will help to track, manage and support these efforts and assist the team in identifying new opportunities to reach our targeted audience.

The Batten Institute is one of several Centers of Excellence at Darden working to create meaningful content and engage with audiences outside of Darden’s walls. The Program Manager will collaborate with peers in these centers on topics of shared interest, such as sustainability and artificial intelligence, including: the Institute for Business in Society, the Mayo Center for Asset Management, the LaCross Institute for Ethical Artificial Intelligence in Business, and the Sands Institute for Lifelong Learning.  While most interactions will be with Darden faculty, staff, and alumni, occasionally there will be engagement with students interested in a particular topic.

The Program Manager reports directly to the Batten Institute Director of Thought Leadership and will work in close collaboration with every member of the Institute team, as well other units of Darden including the Office of Shared Services, Communications and Marketing, Darden Media, and Executive Education and Lifelong Learning teams. 

This position is based in Charlottesville, VA.

Responsibilities:

• Manages the planning and implementation of profile-raising events, programs, and projects, programs, and events (in-person and virtual), in the areas of entrepreneurship, technology and innovation.

• Ensures that relevant Darden faculty and staff are brought into projects that align with their research, expertise and interests.

• Helps to strategize ways to further amplify thought leadership products, including potential external partnerships.

• Tracks content creation projects, major milestones, and metrics for impact.

• Connects the dots across the school (and across UVA grounds) and identifies new opportunities for cross-center and cross-school collaboration and co-creation.

• Works to build relationships with Darden faculty and staff, alumni, and students who have an interest in topics featured by thought leadership initiatives.

• Edits and prepares content working closely with the Darden Media and Communications and Marketing teams for posting on Batten- and Darden-level outlets.

• Manages and updates the thought leadership sections on the Batten Institute website.

• Stays up to date on media platforms and outlets that resonate with intended audience and best practices for engagement. May assist in producing Good Disruption podcast and Batten newsletters.

Education and Professional Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree with at least four years of relevant experience required.

• Exhibits growth mindset, detail orientation, and ability to overcome barriers and inertia with a positive and proactive attitude.

• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written. Technical and/or creative writing skills a plus.

• Ability to be a collaborative team player who can work and communicate effectively and professionally with students, faculty, staff, and other important Darden enterprise stakeholders.

• Demonstrates results for achieving metrics-driven goals through systemic development with educational or similar organizations.

• Fluency with modern communications channels including social media.

• Ability to coordinate the activities of multiple parties to achieve desired objectives.

• Ability to manage strategic initiatives and ensure successful execution against agreed-on plans and objectives, at times singlehandedly.

• Ability to drive results, without direct hierarchical control and amidst occasional ambiguity.

• Genuine interest in learning and ability to understand and translate technical topics for broader audiences.

• Belief in the mission of the Batten Institute, the Darden School, and passion for the University of Virginia.

This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to the growth and success of the Batten Institute’s mission and initiatives, while building essential career skills in an exciting, student-centered environment. If you are passionate about entrepreneurship, innovation, and technology and possess the skills and qualifications outlined above, we encourage you to apply.

To Apply:

Apply online using the following link: http://jobs.virginia.edu/us/en/job/R0072605/Program-Manager-Thought-Leadership-Batten-Institute-at-Darden-School-of-Business. Internal applicants must apply through their UVA Workday profile. Complete the application, and upload the following Required materials:

• Resume

• Cover letter detailing your interest in the position

***Please note that you MUST upload ALL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS into the CV/Resume box, into which multiple documents can be uploaded. Applications that do not contain all of the required documents will not receive full consideration.***

For this position, the selected candidate will need to complete the required background check prior to the start date of the position.  

This position will remain open until filled.

Questions regarding the application process should be directed to Marcus Rozier, Academic Recruiter, at hjv5vm@virginia.edu.

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Click here to read more about UVA’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.