Director of Outreach

Job Description

About CCI
The Commonwealth Cyber Initiative (CCI) is Virginias central hub for cybersecurity research innovation and workforce development where cutting-edge ideas take shape talent pipelines are built and cross-sector collaboration drives real-world impact. CCI brings together researchers students industry leaders and public partners to advance cybersecurity at the intersection of autonomous systems and intelligence.

With a vision to position Virginia as a global center of excellence in cybersecurity CCI leverages the Commonwealths exceptional research institutions diverse higher education system vibrant startup ecosystem and deep concentration of cyber talent to fuel innovation and economic growth.

About the position
CCI is seeking a dynamic and strategic Director of Outreach to lead high-impact engagement efforts that advance strategic engagement and partnership initiatives strengthen workforce development and foster innovation and entrepreneurship. This is a highly visible leadership role for someone who thrives on the intersection of industry and government and is motivated to build ecosystems that create lasting impact.

The Director will be expected to:
- Build and manage relationships with industry government community organizations and educational institutions to expand program impact support talent pipelines and promote collaborative innovation.
- Design and execute outreach strategies that connect students researchers entrepreneurs and employers while positioning CCI as a regional and national leader in workforce development and innovation ecosystems.
- Cultivates relationships with federal and Commonwealth of Virginia agencies industry partners foundations and other funding organizations to identify and submit for funding opportunities to develop support or expand workforce development and innovation programs.
- Serve in a critical role in connecting the organization to employers entrepreneurs and community partners ensuring programs remain relevant impactful and aligned with evolving workforce and innovation trends and needs.

Required Qualifications

Masters degree in communication business administration marketing or related field.
Demonstrated progressively advanced experience in outreach partnerships workforce development innovation ecosystems or higher education engagement.
Demonstrated experience building partnerships with industry government and community stakeholders.
Strong project management and organizational skills.
Experience leading administrative teams.
Excellent communication networking and relationship-building abilities.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience working within higher education research institutions or innovation hubs.
Knowledge of workforce development policy and entrepreneurship ecosystems.
Experience supporting grants sponsored programs or external partnerships.

Exempt: Not eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Restricted

Salary Information

Starting at $120000; commensurate with experience

Hours per week

40

Review Date

May 29 2026

Additional Information

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its mottoUt Prosim(That I May Serve) Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world Virginia Tech is aninclusive communitydedicated to knowledge discovery and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36000 undergraduate graduate and professional students in eightundergraduate colleges aschool of medicine aveterinary medicinecollegeGraduate School andHonors College.The university has a significant presence across Virginia including Blacksburg the greater Washington D.C. area the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke sites in Newport News and Richmond and numerousExtension officesandresearch institutes.A leading global research institution Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance. These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.