The Special Assistant for Academic Engagement provides high-level administrative and programmatic support to the three Residential Colleges (RCs) and the Principal of each RC. This seasoned professional plays a key role in advancing the academic mission and intellectual life of the Residential Colleges by coordinating and delivering the approved signature programs and events, and ensuring effective operations that reflect the University’s vision for living-learning communities. The role works independently and requires exceptional event management experience as well as political savvy, sound judgment, and the ability to work collaboratively across academic, administrative, and auxiliary units to ensure success of the events and initiatives of the Residential Colleges. Reporting in the office of the Vice President of Student Affairs, this is a key role in ensuring the long-term success of the residential colleges.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide high-level administrative and logistical support to the RC Principals and affiliated faculty, coordinating activities that promote the intellectual and community life of each Residential College.

• Coordinate the Residential College Speaker Series, including all travel, logistics, marketing, and communications.

• Maintain the calendar of events and websites across all three RCs and ensure clear communication of activities to students, faculty, and partners.

• Support the administrative needs of RC principals, including communications, websites, and documentation.

• Reserve space for approved events.

• Plan and execute approved Residential College Program for each RC following the approved budget. This will include signature programs for each RC that strengthens academic and social connections through shared academic experiences and informal intellectual engagements, such as through readings, seminars, or discussion groups.

• Plan and execute approved Pavilion events and other signature programs that strengthen academic and social connections.

• Coordinate Residential College Welcome and Wrap-Up events, fostering community engagement and continuity across the academic year.

• Support Principals in the development and execution of shared academic experiences and informal intellectual engagements, including readings, seminars, and discussion groups.

• Collaborate with HRL, the RC Program Coordinator Residence Staff in the RC, and the RC’s governing student council to coordinate the Residential College Program

• Follow UVA policies on expense reports and purchase orders and choose FDM strings for each transaction to ensure expenses follow the budget approved by the Vice President & Chief Student Affairs Officer and the Vice Provost for Academic Affairs.

• Review Monthly Budget Worksheet to confirm expenses charged to Residential College Budgets are approved expenses; identify any expenses that were incorrectly charged and work with VPSA finance to correct those charges.

• Represent the RCs in meetings and partnerships with Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, Housing & Residence Life, and other University stakeholders to advance shared goals as appropriate.

• Contribute to ongoing assessment and strategic planning processes for the Residential Colleges.

• Other duties as discussed.

Role Context

Residential Colleges are vibrant intellectual communities that embody the spirit of the Academical Village — spaces where living and learning are inseparable. They foster deep intellectual engagement, personal growth, and connections across diverse perspectives. The Special Assistant is integral to realize this vision by coordinating initiatives that bring the academic and intellectual missions to life through meaningful programming, partnerships, and engagement with students and faculty for all three Residential Colleges.

Minimum Requirements

• Education: Bachelor’s degree required, or a combination of education and relevant experience in lieu of a degree.

• Experience: Minimum of four years of relevant administrative, program coordination, or academic support experience required.

• Exceptional event management skill, including implementing events as approved and following the approved budget.

• Comfort submitting purchases through the University’s Workday system

• Demonstrated experience supporting academic programs for undergraduate residents.

• Strong organizational, communication, and relationship management skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience supporting academic programs, faculty initiatives, or high-profile events.

• Strong organizational, communication, and relationship management skills.

• Ability to navigate complex institutions with professionalism, diplomacy, and discretion.

• Understanding of higher education environments and appreciation for the integration of academic and residential life.

About the Position

As the Residential Colleges are experiencing their strategic transformation, this will be a four-year-termed position with the possibility of renewal pending performance and project need with an end date of June 30, 2030. This is an exempt-level position with UVa benefits.

The salary for this position will be $65,000 – 80,000 commensurate with candidate's experience and qualifications.

This position is located on the UVA Grounds in Charlottesville, VA. This is a exempt-level, benefited position; learn more about UVA Benefits. This is an in office position. This position will not be able to sponsor applications for immigration now or in the future.

The role will require frequent traveling, standing, and climbing stairs to access the buildings and facilities of the three residential colleges. The position will require occasional light lifting, bending, and stooping, in addition to the use of desktop computers in an office environment. The job occasionally requires traveling some distance to attend meetings and programs including the three Residential Colleges (Brown, Hereford, IRC) and the Rotunda.

Application Timeline

This position will remain open until filled. Review of applications will begin after March 23, 2026.

How to Apply

Applicants not employed at UVA please apply through the UVA job board; current employees please search and apply for jobs on the UVA Internal Careers website and complete an application. Complete an application with the following documents:

• Resume

• Cover Letter

Applications without all required documents will not receive full consideration.

Reference Check Process

References will be completed via UVA’s standardized process SkillSurvey. A total of five references will be requested via SkillSurvey during the final phase of the interview process. A minimum of three is required. The selected applicant will pass a criminal background check.

About UVA and the Community

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

Contact

For questions about the application process, please contact Michele Jarman, Academic Recruiter.

Job Profile

J1030 - Administrative Operations Professional 2

Career Stream and Level

Professional-P2

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.