Assistant Director of Hoos First: First-Generation and Limited-Income Initiatives Office

The Division of Student Affairs at the University of Virginia is seeking applicants for a visionary practitioner to serve as the Assistant Director of Hoos First: First Generation and Limited Income Initiatives. The Hoos First office aims to empower, support, and advocate for first-generation and/or limited income (FGLI) students at UVA in an inclusive environment where their shared experiences are welcomed and affirmed. Reporting to the Director of Hoos First, the Assistant Director will strive to expand access to academic support and financial resources, foster community engagement, sense of belonging, strengthen well-being, and develop relationships with existing campus programs focused on FGLI students. Additionally, the Assistant Director will assist with the day-to-day operations of the Cavalier Fund , which is designed to financially assist undergraduate students seeking funds to support their academic or co-curricular development.

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 approximately 300 employees within five units - the Office of the Vice President and Chief Student Affairs Officer, Student Health and Wellness , University Career Center , Office of African-American Affairs , Policy, Accountability & Critical Events , and Housing & Residence Life and several units reporting to the Dean of Students.

Job Responsibilities:

Staff Supervision and Leadership

• Supervise Hoos First professional and student staff, offering mentorship and guidance to ensure the team's effectiveness.
  
• Collaborate with the Director to plan, develop, implement, and evaluate Hoos First programs or initiatives that align with the department's goals and the institution's strategy.
  
• Allocate resources efficiently and effectively to support the department's initiatives while maintaining financial sustainability.
  

Hoos First Mentoring Program

• Reestablish the Hoos First Faculty/Staff Mentoring Program which includes recruiting mentors and mentees, facilitating mentor trainings, curating opportunities for participant engagement.
  
• Co-direct initiatives aligned with the university’s 2030 Strategic Plan surrounding first-generation and low-income students.
  

Programming

• Assist with the planning and execution of Hoos First signature events during annual University programming such as Hoos First Celebration Week, Summer Orientation, Wahoo Welcome, Family Weekend, and Final Exercises.
  
• Assist with programming during annual University recruitment and onboarding events in collaboration with University partners.
  
• Participate in ongoing professional development to continue learning and sharing best practices for supporting first-generation and limited-income students.
  

Cavalier Fund Management

• Assist with the review and processing of Cavalier Fund applications.
  
• Meet with students as needed to address questions or concerns related to their applications.
  
• Collaborate with University departments and student organizations to streamline the payment disbursement process and ensure efficiency in supporting student activities
  

Additional Responsibilities

• Serve on university-wide and Student Affairs committees. These committees may focus on matters related to student life, University policies, or broader institutional decision-making.
  
• Collaborate with Director to make strategic recommendations for program enhancements.
  
• Work closely with students, offering guidance and support in addressing a range of academic and personal challenges.
  
• Other duties as assigned.
  

Qualifications:

• Master's degree in higher education, counseling, education, social work, or related field is required.
• At least three years of experience. Graduate Assistant experience may be considered, and additional experience can substitute for the Master’s requirement.
• Experience working in higher education or with student affairs programs preferred.
• Strong organizational and leadership skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Proficiency in budget management and financial reporting.

Compensation and Benefits:

The hiring range for this position is $55,000-$62,000 commensurate with qualifications and experience. Employment is contingent on successful completion of a background check. This position will not sponsor applicants for work visas. This is an in person, 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.
• Retirement benefits
• Tuition and professional development benefits after six months of employment
• Employee wellness program featuring activities to earn up to $500/year.

Physical Demands:

This position primarily involves regular office work and may require occasional travel to attend meetings, conferences, or events to support the mission and work of Student Affairs.

Application Process:

To apply for this position please visit the UVA job board and search for Assistant Director of Hoos First. Internal applicants must apply through their UVA Workday profile by searching ‘Find Jobs.’ Complete an application online with the following documents:

• Resume

• Cover letter

Upload all materials into the resume submission field. Applications that do not contain all required documents will not receive full consideration.

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 references is required. For questions about the application process please contact Michele Jarman , Academic Recruiter. The position is open until filled, but applicants are encouraged to submit applications by July 7, 2025

About the University: 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 and the Office of the Vice President and Chief Student Affairs Officer visit: http://www.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.