External Relations at the University of Virginia (UVA) is seeking an energetic, creative, and highly organized Assistant Director for Lifetime Learning to join the Office of Engagement within External Relations. The University of Virginia has a strong and reputable advancement community, boasting effective, results-oriented, and resourceful professionals. Our community comprises a robust central advancement organization, 12 University schools, and more than 25 University-related programs. We offer a wide variety of career opportunities, as well as an outstanding environment for professional growth and development.

Position Summary

The Lifetime Learning team curates and delivers approximately 100 faculty-led lectures, panel discussions, podcasts, vodcasts, and blogs accessible both online and in person. These programs are thoughtfully designed to engage UVA constituents with intellectually stimulating content, fostering deeper connections to the University and to one another.

The Assistant Director will spearhead the design and implementation of diverse educational offerings, including virtual webinars, in-person extended learning experiences, and online discussions. This role demands a proactive, detail-oriented professional with exceptional project management skills and a deep passion for education and community engagement. They play a vital role in delivering impactful, high-quality programming that strengthens lifelong connections among UVA alumni, parents, and friends.

The Assistant Director will coordinate with faculty speakers, venues, and vendors to provide educational programs. They will operate with authority and a degree of independence, eventually requiring little supervision on projects. They will serve as the primary client contact for projects and will be responsible for the success of their programs. The Assistant Director reports to the Senior Director for Lifetime Learning.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the full lifecycle of high-impact educational programs, including strategic planning, development, execution, and post-program evaluation.
• Apply standard project management methodologies and processes to all programs, including conducting post-project evaluations and identifying and sharing best practices.
• Develop and manage comprehensive project plans, including detailed task lists, timelines, budgets, and short- and long-term resource allocation strategies based on input from stakeholders and team members.
• Leverage project management tools to organize programs, track progress, coordinate deliverables, and communicate outcomes effectively.
• Plan, lead, and facilitate project and program team meetings to ensure alignment and successful execution.
• Develop and implement communication and change management plans; proactively identify changes in scope and communicate updates effectively and diplomatically to stakeholders.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with faculty, vendors, venues, internal partners, and stakeholders across Grounds, serving as the primary liaison for assigned programs.
• Coordinate and host both virtual and in-person programs and events, including managing logistics, introducing speakers, and ensuring a seamless, engaging participant experience.
• Collaborate with leadership and communications partners to develop and execute strategic marketing plans to ensure program success.
• Utilize participant data, feedback, and outcomes to inform program development, drive continuous improvement, and produce responsive, audience-centered programming.
• Develop and deliver programs throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia and in regional and/or national contexts.
• Represent the team on internal committees and contribute to cross-functional projects and initiatives as needed.
• Work collaboratively within a team environment while maintaining full accountability for the success of assigned programs.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree
• Experience: At least one year of experience
• Licensure: None

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and at least one year of relevant experience (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
• A demonstrated interest in higher education and/or philanthropy and a willingness to acquire knowledge in these fields.
• Proven experience in project management, event planning, or curriculum development.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously from inception to completion.
• Enthusiastic lifelong learner who finds satisfaction in being involved in many UVA faculty-related programs and initiatives and enjoys professional growth opportunities.
• Demonstrates outstanding organizational abilities and meticulous attention to detail, consistently upholding a high standard of excellence.
• A dynamic and flexible attitude towards work, with an eagerness to assist with a variety of tasks and the ability to quickly pivot between team priorities.
• Excellent communicator with the ability to market and communicate educational programs.
• Public speaking, networking, and people skills are vastly important for the success of this position.
• Proven expertise in delivering exceptional customer service and cultivating strong, lasting relationships.
• Commitment to confidentiality and discretion when dealing with sensitive data.
• Exceptional public speaking and communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences and communicate confidently and professionally with alumni, stakeholders, executives, and colleagues.
• Demonstrated initiative, sound judgment, and strong problem-solving skills across varying environments.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with a strong orientation toward collaboration and teamwork.
• Adaptable and responsive to evolving circumstances.
• Competence in using computers and related software/hardware, including Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, WordPress, Monday.com (or other project management software), and AI tools.
• Willingness to work evening and weekend hours, and ability to travel overnight as required.
• To be successful, the person in this role will need the confidence and public speaking ability to serve as a face of UVA in public settings, whether virtually or in-person.

Salary Range

• The anticipated hiring range is $61K - $65K annually, commensurate with education and experience.

Position Type & Work Location

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

• This is a restricted position, which is dependent on funding and is contingent upon funding availability.

• UVA External Relations offers a flexible and hybrid workplace. All team members must have access to and maintain a secure home office environment with high-speed internet service and work collaboratively with others using various technologies and tools. This position may be required to work intermittently in a shared office space located in Charlottesville, Virginia. This position is hybrid, and the incumbent must live within a reasonable driving distance of Charlottesville.

About UVA and the Community

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

Application Timeline

Application review will begin after 5/26/2026.

Additional Requirements

• 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 R0083721. Complete an application with the following documents:

• Resume

• Cover Letter

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.

Reference Check Process

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.

Contact

• For additional information about the position, please contact Sandi Hall, Senior Associate Director for Staff Success, at eym5wh@virginia.edu.

• For questions about the application process, please contact Jon Freeman, HR Recruitment Specialist, at jf2sw@virginia.edu.

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

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Education: Bachelor's degree

Experience: At least one year of experience

Licensure: None

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 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.