Associate Director of the Second Year Experience

The University of Virginia’s mission to develop engaged citizen-leaders is the foundation of the Division of Student Affairs' work, which is guided by six core values - academic rigor, diversity and inclusion, health and wellness, honor, public service, and student self-governance. The Division of Student Affairs consists of over 300 employees within five units - the Office of the Vice President and Chief Student Affairs Officer and the Dean of Students, Student Health and Wellness , University Career Center , Office of African-American Affairs , and Housing & Residence Life and several units reporting to the Dean of Students - all working together, for and alongside students, to create the distinctive student experience for which UVA is known. We are seeking an Associate Director of the Second Year Experience.

Key Position Responsibilities

Leadership and Oversight of the Second Year Experience
Supervise a professional staff member in Orientation & New Student Programs. Direct the comprehensive development, implementation, oversight, and assessment of the Second Year Experience at UVA to include driving mission, vison and executions of programs and services to support new students during their first 24 months. Formulate goals, learning objectives, and an annual timeline of program activities to improve the success of second-year students. Collaborate with University partners to build on high-impact experiences and expand awareness of second-year student issues to develop appropriate services to support this population of students. Develop and execute a communication strategy that reaches second-year students in a way that engages students and highlights University resources designed for second-year students. Assist in the coordination of key initiatives that support student transition and success such as New Student Orientation, Wahoo Welcome, Family Weekend. Collect and analyze data to provide creative and intentional initiatives that support second-year student success. Manage programmatic budget resources and documentation appropriately.

Leadership and Oversight of Transfer Student Experience
Coordinate selection, training and supervision of Transfer Transition Coaches (TTC) who are purposed as advisors and on-boarding coaches to all incoming Transfer students to help ease their transition. Develop and design week-long welcome week programming for incoming Transfer students, with particular attention to program development that assist Transfer students in integrating into broader UVA community. Develop and oversee Transfer programming budget. Lead assessment efforts for TTC program and fall programming for Transfer students through identifying best practices that would align with the UVA culture and community. Advise the Transfer Advisory Board, a student organization that advocates and outreaches on behalf of the undergraduate transfer population. Coordinate and implement year-round programming for transfer students with particular emphasis on student engagement, social/emotional support, and academic success. Coordinate mid-year orientation programming for students who transfer into the University during the spring semester.

Student Support
Participate in the selection, training, and supervision of student groups affiliated with Orientation and New Student Transition, including Orientation Leaders and other student staff. Create relationships with students to facilitate both formal and informal mentorship and advising, with specific support for second-year students through targeted outreach and programming. Co-advise the Second Year Council .

Incident Response
Provide empathetic support to students and families as they navigate the transition to and through college. Examples may include triaging student and family concerns, managing interpersonal conflicts among students, and referring students to mental and physical health resources.

Qualifications
Master's degree or equivalent in Counseling, Higher Education, or other discipline, or a terminal degree in a relevant field. Minimum of five years of progressive relevant experience. Ability to provide leadership and vision for the second-year student experience that aligns with the University’s strategic direction. Deep knowledge of trends, retention and transition programs and services on a college campus including advising and working with college students in a professional capacity. Demonstrated experience delivering programs and services that address academic and involvement needs of second-year students. Ability to work in a highly student self-governed environment, and the ability to develop mutually beneficial relationships with various University partners (e.g. faculty, staff, school deans). Strong commitment to the Division's core values of academic rigor, honor, student self-governance, public service, diversity and equity, and health and wellness. Demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion and advocacy. Ability to lead and manage a cross-functional, collaborative team. Strong oral and written communication skills.

Details and Application Process

The anticipated hiring range for this position is $70,000.00 to $80,000.00 and is commensurate with experience and qualifications. This is an exempt-level position with UVa benefits . Employees’ benefits package highlights include:
22 days of paid time off, increasing with service; 13+ paid holidays each year, in addition to paid time off Parental and Community Service Leave Health plan with options to meet healthcare and financial needs available immediately Competitive retirement benefits Tuition and professional development benefits after six months Employee wellness program featuring activities to earn up to $500/year.

The position is open until filled, but to assure full consideration, candidates are encouraged to have submit applications by February 25, 2024 . Please apply through the UVA job board and complete an application online. Requested application materials include a letter of interest or cover letter; resume or curriculum vitae; and the names, telephone numbers, and e-mail addresses of at least three professional references. All applications, nominations, and inquiries will remain confidential. Applications that do not contain all of the required documents will not receive full consideration. The successful candidate will pass a criminal background check. For information regarding the position or the application process, please contact Michele Jarman , Academic Recruiter.

Located in central Virginia, the University of Virginia is a highly selective public research institution with a major commitment to undergraduate education. The student experience is grounded in the institutional core values of academic rigor, diversity and inclusion, health and wellness, honor, public service, and student self-governance. For more information about the University of Virginia click here .

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, i ncluding the UVA Health System which represents the UVA Medical Center, Schools of Medicine and Nursing, UVA Physician’s Group and the Claude Moore Health Sciences Library, are fundamentally committed to the diversity of our faculty and staff. We believe diversity is excellence expressing itself through every person's perspectives and lived experiences. We are equal opportunity and affirmative action employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, veteran status, and family medical or genetic information.

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