Virginia Tech® home

Job Architecture Search

General Director, Community Engagement

Classification Information

Community Engagement
Community Engagement works collaboratively with and through groups of people affiliated by geographic proximity, special interest, or similar situations to address issues affecting the well-being of those people in order to bring about environmental and behavioral changes that will improve the community and its members. It often involves partnerships and coalitions that help mobilize resources and influence systems, change relationships among partners, and serve as catalysts for changing policies, programs, and practices.
Management / Leadership
Manager: The positions work is achieved through the direction of others. Managers have direct accountability for setting goals and using resources. They are responsible for administrative oversight of individuals, including conducting recommendations for hiring and termination, writing evaluations, disciplinary actions, day-to-day oversight as well as long-term goal setting and accountability for the performance and productivity of the employees. Managerial positions are reflected in the M1-M3 career track levels in the management/leadership track.
Level 3
Director: Directs and controls the activities of multiple university units or leads a team of professionals with significant university wide impact. Typically has indirect reports. In charge of overall control of planning, staffing, budgeting, etc. for the unit. Collaborates with executive leadership on establishing strategic goals across the function.
G - General Administration
Roles that are in administrative/ professional non-student facing functions.

Position Summary

The General Director of Community Engagement plays a critical leadership role in advancing the university’s community engagement strategy, overseeing multiple programs and initiatives designed to enhance the well-being of both internal and external communities. This position is responsible for directing and coordinating the university’s community engagement efforts, ensuring they align with the institution’s mission and long-term strategic goals. The General Director manages a team of professionals and works collaboratively across departments to lead initiatives that foster positive community impact through strategic partnerships, mobilization of resources, and long-term behavioral changes. The General Director oversees the planning, execution, and evaluation of community engagement programs, ensuring they are aligned with university-wide objectives and sustainable growth. This includes directing the development of initiatives that address local, regional, and global community needs, using data-driven strategies to inform decisions. As a key representative of the university, the General Director cultivates strategic alliances and partnerships with external organizations, government entities, and other community stakeholders to create mutually beneficial collaborations and enhance the university’s community presence. In addition to strategic leadership, the General Director is responsible for overseeing the financial, operational, and personnel aspects of community engagement efforts, including budgeting, resource allocation, and performance evaluations. The position requires strong managerial skills, with accountability for setting goals, implementing policies, and ensuring high levels of efficiency and effectiveness across community engagement programs. The General Director will also play a key role in promoting cross-functional collaboration, providing guidance and mentorship to team members, and ensuring that the community engagement department supports the broader objectives of the university. As a member of the university’s leadership team, the General Director works closely with executive leadership to establish and execute university-wide strategic goals related to community engagement, while also monitoring trends and community needs to continuously adapt and refine engagement strategies. The Director is also tasked with ensuring that community engagement efforts have a measurable impact, driving both short-term success and long-term sustainability. This leadership role is integral to the university’s mission of improving community well-being, fostering relationships, and leading initiatives that bring about meaningful environmental and behavioral changes.