| Benefits of working at VCU |
All full-time university staff are eligible for VCU’s robust benefits package that includes: comprehensive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave granted up front, generous tuition benefit, retirement planning and savings options, tax-deferred annuity and cash match programs, employee discounts, well-being resources, abundant opportunities for career development and advancement, and more. Learn more about VCU’s benefits here. |
| Duties & Responsibilities |
Position Summary:
The Virginia Commonwealth University Institute for Transformative Learning, part of University College, invites applicants for the position of Assistant Director, Vertically Integrated Projects (VIP) Program. The Assistant Director will report to the Co-Director of the Institute for Transformative Learning/Director of Undergraduate Research and VIPs. This is a full-time, 12-month university and academic professional position.
Primary Purpose and Duties:
The Assistant Director of the Vertically Integrated Projects (VIP) Program at VCU plays a vital role in supporting and advancing university-level initiatives through the Institute for Transformative Learning. With primary responsibilities for VIPs, the Associate Director assists in managing and developing an interdisciplinary research and educational program that merges faculty-led research and project-based learning with undergraduate education. The Assistant Director supports VIP's mission to integrate research, foster hands-on learning, promote interdisciplinary collaboration, and enhance student career readiness. This role involves overseeing daily program operations, coordinating student and faculty engagement, and promoting continuous program growth. As part of the Institute for Transformative Learning team, the Associate Director also provides critical operational support for other transformative learning initiatives such as Relevant, Experiential and Applied Learning (REAL) and service-learning.
Key Responsibilities:
Program Management and Development - Support the VIP Program Director and two faculty co-directors in developing program objectives and guidelines aligned with university goals.
- Assist with creating, reviewing, and approving VIP syllabi to ensure high academic and experiential standards.
- Coordinate faculty applications for new projects, collaborating with faculty to refine project proposals and match them with program standards.
- Assist in managing budget planning and resource allocation for VIP teams, including labs, equipment, and software.
- Assist with maintaining accurate program records, documentation and database(s) for data reporting and assessment in compliance with VCU’s policies and procedures for VIPs and other transformative learning initiatives such as REAL and service-learning.
Student Recruitment and Onboarding - Oversee and coordinate student awareness and outreach (marketing, recruitment and enrollment) process for students, ensuring a streamlined and accessible process for VIP and other Institute for Transformative Learning initiatives.
- Conduct orientation sessions for new VIP students and ensure they understand program expectations, roles, and policies.
- Support students in project engagement based on academic backgrounds and professional aspirations.
Faculty Engagement and Support - Provide guidance and resources to faculty mentors, helping them develop and maintain effective project structures and mentorship practices.
- Coordinate faculty orientation and training sessions on VIP program objectives, project management, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
- Regularly communicate with faculty mentors to ensure projects align with VIP goals and address any concerns or development needs.
Training and Orientation - Coordinate and develop orientation and training sessions for faculty, staff, students, and community partners.
Mentorship and Evaluation - Facilitate mentorship support for VIP participants by fostering collaboration with graduate students and more senior undergraduates.
- Implement and oversee evaluation methods, including student performance assessments, peer feedback, and self-reflection practices.
- Use feedback to continuously improve VIP program components and outcomes.
Community and Industry Partnerships - Help integrate existing and new partnerships with industry and community organizations, aligning projects with real-world challenges and opportunities for external funding.
- Coordinate with the VIP Director to support VIP’s community engagement and outreach efforts, including career fairs, symposiums, and networking events.
Administrative Support - Maintain accurate program records and documentation, ensuring compliance with VCU’s policies and procedures.
- Prepare reports and data analyses to monitor VIP program growth, participant performance, and program impact.
- Assist in the promotion of the VIP program by developing marketing materials, organizing information sessions, and managing program-related communications.
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| Qualifications |
Minimum Hiring Standards: - Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Strong writing, public speaking, and student engagement skills.
- Strong organizational and multitasking skills.
- Strong interpersonal skills capable of building and maintaining strong relationships.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills to include the ability to communicate with stakeholders at all levels within the university and external constituents.
- Evidence of strong time management skills and ability to meet deadlines.
- Demonstrated experience working in and fostering an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from various backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU.
Preferred Qualifications
- Education: Master’s degree preferred, in a related field (e.g., Education, Educational Leadership, Interdisciplinary Studies, or Public Administration).
- Experience: Minimum of 3 years of program management experience, ideally in an educational or research setting. Experience with faculty development, interdisciplinary programs, undergraduate research, student mentorship, and community engagement is preferred.
- Skills: Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills. Ability to manage multiple projects and work effectively in a team environment. Proficiency in project management software and a commitment to fostering a collaborative, student-centered learning environment.
Other Requirements:
- Familiarity with academic research environments and student experiential learning.
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