Assistant Director, Vertically Integrated Projects (VIP) Program - University College

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 Assistant 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 Assistant 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.