Assistant Director of Student Affairs

UVA's School of Education and Human Development (EHD) is seeking an Assistant Director of Student Affairs who will work closely with the Director of Student Affairs to support and enhance the student experience through both proactive and responsive student services. This position serves the full EHD student body, approximately 2,000 undergraduate and graduate students -with a specialty focus on supporting online and nontraditional learners.
Key responsibilities include the development and implementation of online student support, student programming and events, student case management, communication and outreach efforts, and support for student groups and organizations. The Assistant Director will collaborate closely with student affairs staff, faculty, students, and other key stakeholders to ensure that EHD's diverse student population, particularly those navigating online learning pathways, receives comprehensive and equitable support throughout their academic journey.
The successful candidate must demonstrate strong communication skills, the ability to manage multiple priorities, and a commitment to equity, inclusion, and belonging. As a collaborative and highly organized professional, the Assistant Director will contribute to the academic success, sense of belonging, and overall well-being of EHD students as an integral member of the broader Student Affairs team.

Responsibilities Include:
Online Student Support (30%)

• Liaise regularly with key Academic Programs and offices to create a cohesive strategy to support EHD's diverse learners.

• Collaborate with EHD Admission and online program faculty to implement consistent online recruiting and outreach strategies for prospective online students

• Identify and support the elimination of institutional barriers that impact student success and retention.

• Reinforce academic advising for programs and students who need additional support.

• Serve as school point of contact for online student logistical questions (technical, financial, etc.).

• Non-degree student advising and non-degree to degree seeking student conversion.

• Maintain Canvas Virtual Community for EHD students, faculty, and staff.

• Proactively identify students in need of academic, transition, or other forms of support.

• Regularly report on student success metrics and provide just in time support and programming.

• Coordinate programming with and referrals to academic support (e.g., library).

• Collaborate with Learning Design and Teaching Innovation team to create effective virtual resources and to inform teaching and learning strategies that will best support the EHD student populations.

• Collaborate with other units to implement consistent forms of retention strategy processes.

• In concert with departmental support staff colleagues, serve as key support contact for students learning off Grounds or Online.

Student Programs and Initiatives (20%)

• Create innovative programs and initiatives to support the student experience related to climate and belonging.

• Work in consultation with the Director and members of the Online Programs team to develop and launch student support programming for online students.

• In consultation with Student Affairs leadership, develop proactive measures to educate, advise and counsel students regarding academic and student life issues as well as university policies, procedures and regulations.

• Assist with planning and staffing of key student events including Orientation, Graduation, and Welcome Week.

• Participate in the strategic planning for assigned areas and assist the Director in developing and implementing the overall departmental strategic plan.

• Work with Senior Director of Academic Effectiveness to create systems to collect data and feedback related to student experience and programming to inform improvements or new programs.

Case Management (20%)

• Ensure students receive effective and active support and services to assist them in their academic and personal success throughout the student lifecycle.

• Work with Director of Student Affairs to triage initial student concerns and coordinate appropriate response and support.

• Support the ongoing management of student cases including follow-up communication and connecting students to necessary resources and university staff.

• Coordinate support and outreach for students who are on academic probation and/or leave of absence.

• Identify and document the network of campus and community services to meet specific needs related to academic stress, legal issues, mental health services, financial support agencies, food services, etc.

• Works in consultation with the Director and members of the Online Programs team to support online students who are facing acute or long-term difficulties impacting their academic progress.

Student Outreach and Communication (20%)

• Work with EHD Admission team to create and track communication with incoming new students

• Support communication and outreach efforts related to student events, programs and organizations.

• Manage content collection and distribution bi-weekly EHD student newsletter sent to all enrolled students.

• Provide case management support for students of concern, including outreach, referral, and coordination with university care resources.

• Serve as lead advisor and resource for online and hybrid students, developing virtual programming to support engagement and connection.

• Maintain EHD's Virtual Student Community (Canvas) and other platforms used for communication and support.

Support Student Organizations and Groups (10%)

• Serve as the liaison to all EHD student organizations at both graduate and undergraduate levels ensuring that EHD's diverse programs, departments, levels and viewpoints are represented in those leadership roles.

• Advise EHD Council - the student representative board for all on Grounds students enrolled in the school - by attending regular meetings with the full board and Executive Board.

• Serve as liaison for Central Student Engagement office to ensure students have access to important information, policy updates, and are educated about all related opportunities.

• Collaborate with faculty, advisors, and support teams to identify barriers to student success and implement proactive interventions.

• Liaise with the Associate Director of Student Affairs and Career Services to align services across populations.

Minimum Requirements
Education: Master's degree required.

Experience: 2 years of experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in higher education, counseling, social work, or related field preferred.

• Demonstrated experience with program development, student engagement, and equity-focused practices

• Experience supporting online, nontraditional, and diverse student populations

• Familiarity with Canvas, Handshake, and case management tools

• Strong written and verbal communication, organizational, and technology skills

• Strong interpersonal, communication, and project management skills

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment

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.

Salary Range: The anticipated hiring range is $60,000-$65,000, commensurate with education and experience.

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

Work Arrangement: This position is based in Charlottesville, VA, and is eligible for a hybrid schedule of 4 days on Grounds per week, with additional on-site presence as needed, in accordance with UVA's remote work guidelines.

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 January 5, 2026.

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

Visa Sponsorship: 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 R0079153. 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.

Internal applicants: Apply through your Workday profile by searching "Find Jobs."

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.

Department Contact: For questions about the position, please contact Shene V. Owen.

Recruiter Contact: For questions about the application process, please contact Margaret Weeks.

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.