Assistant Director, Academic Programs & Student Experience

University of Virginia; Charlottesville (VA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Virginia’s Department of Chemistry seeks an Assistant Director for Academic Programs to partner with faculty leadership across undergraduate and graduate programs, ensuring consistent administration and an exceptional student experience.

This role serves as primary support to the Director of Undergraduate Programs and the Director of Graduate Studies, balancing strategic program ownership with hands-on execution in Charlottesville, on-site.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred.
• Experience in higher education administration with ownership of academic programs.
• Ability to interpret and apply university, school, and departmental policy with sound judgment.
• Experience supporting students through advising coordination, admissions, onboarding, and milestone progression.

Responsibilities

• Serve as primary support and strategic partner to the Director of Undergraduate Programs and the Director of Graduate Studies.
• Oversee graduate admissions operations and undergraduate major/minor declaration processes.
• Maintain authoritative records of student progress and flag at-risk students.
• Track degree-completion requirements and coordinate joint graduation activities for both programs.
• Coordinate with central offices on visa and compliance for international students.
• Own new student orientation and graduate onboarding; support undergraduate onboarding.
• Handle routine inquiries and escalate high-stakes cases to directors as needed.
• Coordinate graduate recruitment events and visits.

Skills

Communication

Higher education administration

Policy interpretation

Advising coordination

Data literacy

Cross-office collaboration

Process design

Student-focused

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree preferred

Job description

The University of Virginia’s Department of Chemistry seeks an Assistant Director for Academic Programs to partner with faculty leadership across undergraduate and graduate programs, ensuring consistent administration and an exceptional student experience.

This role serves as primary support to the Director of Undergraduate Programs and the Director of Graduate Studies, balancing strategic program ownership with hands-on execution in Charlottesville, on-site.