Director of Outreach

Director of Outreach

The Commonwealth Cyber Initiative (CCI) is Virginia's 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 Commonwealth's exceptional research institutions, diverse higher education system, vibrant startup ecosystem, and deep concentration of cyber talent to fuel innovation and economic growth.

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.
• Cultivate 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:

• Master's 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.

Overtime Status: Exempt: Not eligible for overtime

Appointment Type: Restricted

Salary Information: Starting at $120,000; commensurate with experience

Hours per week: 40

Review Date: May 29, 2026

This position is located in the Virginia Tech Research Center in Arlington, VA. A hybrid work arrangement may be offered that would include designated weekly office hours, and such a schedule will be confirmed following onboarding/training and aligned with business needs.

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

Dedicated to its motto, Ut 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 an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors 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 numerous Extension offices and research 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.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Alex Tuuri at View email address on click.appcast.io during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.

Each agency within the Commonwealth of Virginia is dedicated to recruiting, supporting, and maintaining a competent and diverse work force. Equal Opportunity Employer