The Presidential Fellow is a full-time position for a student who will receive an undergraduate degree from UVA in Spring 2026 or a person who has recently received a UVA undergraduate degree. As a staff member in the Office of the President, the Presidential Fellow works on initiatives related to the President’s current, highest priorities while carrying out other essential duties related to the activities of the President’s staff. The Presidential Fellow will conduct research, coordinate outreach and communications, and manage special projects as assigned by the President, Chief of Staff, and other members of the President’s Office team.

The Fellow will be comfortable conducting research and analysis, developing presentations for leadership and managing complex projects with stakeholders to deliver impact against key priorities. The Fellow will be a team player working well with ambiguity, a need for flexibility and high independence. This position has a 12-month term limit, with an anticipated start date during Summer 2026. At the conclusion of the appointment, the Presidential Fellow will be required to submit a written summary report of accomplishments, including recommendations for current and future initiatives.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

Project Support and Communications

• Assists with and helps to execute special projects and events in the Office of the President
• Serves as a liaison between the President’s Office and other University departments for specific projects and assignments
• Serves on University committees as needed
• Stays abreast of key issues of interest to the student body and helps identify issues that need attention or intervention.
• Provides coverage and assistance during major University events, as necessary (e.g., Final Exercises, Founder’s Day, visits by dignitaries)
• Drafts briefing and background materials for the President and President’s office staff in advance of meetings and events
• Drafts letters and correspondence for the President’s Office; assists with tracking correspondence to ensure a coordinated and timely response
• Conducts research related to the President’s speaking events and drafts talking points, in support of the President’s speechwriter
• Drafts content for the President’s social media accounts

Support for the President’s Priorities

• Identifies and supports opportunities for the President to engage with the University community, with a particular focus on opportunities for student interaction
• Researches and analyzes contemporary issues in higher education as well as conducts analysis to inform the shaping and implementation of major University initiatives for the President’s review and use
• Serves as liaison to the President’s Student Advisory Council

Other Duties as Assigned

• Carries out other duties as assigned by the President or President’s Office staff
• Assists with unforeseen priorities that emerge in the Office of the President
• May be required to assist the University or State government generally in the event of an emergency declaration by the Governor

Minimum Qualifications

• A degree from UVA with recent demonstrated knowledge of the culture within the University of Virginia is required

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Excellent oral and written communication skills; proven ability to clearly articulate information in multiple forums to a broad array of stakeholders
• Excellent operational and project management skills, including the ability to prioritize and multi-task
• Excellent analytical and research skills and demonstrated ability to deploy technology solutions (including AI tools) to solve problems and conduct analysis
• Ability to interact with executive level administrators, government officials, faculty, staff, students, alumni, parents, and other stakeholders in a productive, positive, and professional manner
• Ability to handle sensitive issues while maintaining confidentiality. High emotional intelligence, empathy and collaboration to work successfully in a matrix environment
• Ability to exercise discretion in prioritizing tasks, sharing information, and using independent judgment
• Ability to work independently as well as in collaboration with cross-functional teams
• Ability to take initiative by thinking proactively about team needs
• Strong belief in the University’s mission and motivation to make impact

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong knowledge of and passion for the University of Virginia, its culture, policies, and procedures
• Ability to translate prior UVA experiences and knowledge in support of the institution’s mission, strategic aims, and programs

Physical Demands

This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The job does occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings, and programs.

The anticipated hiring range is $50,000–$55,000, commensurate with education and experience.

This is an exempt-level, benefited position. Learn more about UVA benefits.

This position has a term limit of 12 months, with anticipated start date in Summer 2026.

This position is based in Charlottesville, VA, and must be performed fully on-site in a shared office space.

To learn more about UVA and the Charlottesville area, visit UVA Life and Embark CVA.

Application review will begin after March 16, 2026.

Background checks will be conducted on all new hires prior to employment.

This position will not consider candidates who require immigration sponsorship now or in the future.

How to Apply

Please apply online, by searching for requisition number R0080861. Complete an application with the following documents:

• CV
• Cover letter
• A writing sample or writing exercise
• A list of at least five references

Upload all materials into the resume submission field. You can submit multiple documents into this one field or combine them into one PDF. Applications without all required documents will not receive full consideration.

Internal applicants: Search and apply for jobs on the UVA Internal Careers website.

Reference checks will be completed by UVA’s third-party partner, SkillSurvey, during the final phase of the interview. Five references will be requested, with at least three responses required.

For questions about the application process, please contact Jessica Russo, Senior Recruiter, sxv9zv@virginia.edu.

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