"Strategic Outreach Manager"

Strategic Outreach Manager

Company: Virginia Tech

Job Location: Blacksburg, 24061

Category: Economic and Business Development

Type: Full-Time

Job Description

The Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI) is seeking a Strategic Outreach Manager to drive our organizational strategy, growth, and external engagement activities. This role is pivotal in achieving sustained growth and excellence, directly supporting the Virginia Tech Global Distinction priority. We are looking for an experienced professional with a strong background in organizational strategy and effectiveness, coupled with excellent writing skills. The Strategic Outreach Manager will play a key role in VTTI's proposal activities, foster strategic partnerships, and enhance the institute's capabilities. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker with excellent organizational skills and a strong ability to collaborate across divisions and drive organizational efficiency.

Key Responsibilities:

• Proposal Support and Strategy: Partner with the Proposal Manager to provide comprehensive support for proposal development, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and client requirements. Streamline proposal processes across departments, enhancing efficiency and effectiveness.
• Organizational Strategy and Growth: Shape business development strategies in collaboration with Chief of Staff and Chief Growth Officer. Assist in aligning organizational strategies and priorities across departments by ensuring consistency in messaging and objectives from proposal through project completion. Support the Chief Growth Officer in identifying new areas of growth and opportunities based on industry trends.
• External Engagement: Work closely with VTTI leadership to align goals with overall business development strategies and co-create campaigns targeted toward growth markets. Support the Chief of Staff in defining KPIs and metrics to measure the impact of external engagement strategies on overall goals.

Directions Given and Received:

• Work independently to complete tasks and projects, demonstrating strong self-motivation and initiative.
• Receive guidance and direction from the Chief Growth Officer, Chief of Staff, and VTTI's Proposal Manager, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and priorities.
• Collaborate with these leaders to develop and refine strategies, proposals, and engagement plans.
• Provide regular updates and reports to the Chief Growth Officer, Chief of Staff, and Proposal Manager, ensuring transparency and accountability.
• Adapt to feedback and direction from multiple stakeholders, balancing priorities and managing expectations effectively.

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree in Business, Journalism, English, Communications or related field. A lesser degree coupled with significant industry experience in emerging transportation technology will also be considered.
• Demonstrated experience leading the development of an organizational strategic plan and guiding the execution of strategic plans
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work across various functions and leadership levels
• Comprehensive knowledge of English grammar and demonstrated ability to edit and write internally- and externally-facing materials for multiple audiences
• Ability to communicate complex technical information to both technical and non-technical audiences
• Demonstrated experience in technical writing, research editing, and grant/contract proposal coordination
• Familiarity with federal government acquisition, solicitation/RFP process and contracting resources
• Strong knowledge of the proposal and project management process
• Advanced project and program management skills, with proven experience leading enterprise-wide initiatives
• Demonstrated ability to develop and manage industry partnerships
• Attention to detail and excellent analytical, critical thinking, strategic planning, and problem-solving skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience leading industry events and curating bespoke experiences and technology demos
• Experience in a supervisory role
• Previous experience in a similar role within a research institute, academic institution, or industry research division

Overtime Status: Exempt: Not eligible for overtime

Appointment Type: Restricted

Salary Information: Commensurate with experience

Hours per week: 40+

Review Date: 7/21/2025

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