Federal Work Study Required: Descendant Program Assistant (Student Wage)

University of Virginia Physicians Group; United States; On-site; USD 17,000 - 24,000; Part time

Job summary

The University of Virginia invites applications for the Descendant Program Assistant, an undergraduate federal work-study role located in Charlottesville, VA. The position supports UVA’s partnership with the Descendants of Enslaved Communities (DEC) by facilitating descendant research and outreach efforts.

You will assist in DEC leadership activities, help schedule MEL tours, update the DEC website, and prepare newsletters and social media.

Qualifications

• Working toward a BA (undergraduate student).
• Interest in history or related field; genealogical training/experience a plus but not required.
• Knowledge of local Charlottesville/Albemarle County Black history and UVA enslaved history.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Descendant researcher in curating research findings and compiling data for DEC reporting.
• Facilitate scheduling and management of MEL tours.
• Conduct administrative tasks including updating DEC website, producing newsletters and social media updates.

Skills

Interest in history

Genealogical training

Team collaboration

Education

Working toward a BA

Job description

In partnership with Student Financial Services Descendants of Enslaved Communities is recruiting an undergraduate federal work study student for the position of Descendent Program Assistant. This position will be located at 201 W. Main St. Suite 3 Charlottesville, VA 22902. For further consideration all candidates must be receiving federal work study funding.

Primary Purpose

The purpose of this position is to support UVA’s partnership with the Descendants of Enslaved Communities (DEC) at UVA, by facilitating descendant research and outreach efforts; and assisting both the DEC Leadership Working Group and the UVA Descendant Researcher in identifying and cultivating relationships with the descendants of people enslaved by UVA.

Additional Responsibilities

Additional responsibilities include providing support for programming related to the Memorial to Enslaved Laborers such as scheduling, and program coordination as needed.

Reports to: Will work directly with DEC Treasurer/MEL Tour Coordinator, UVA Descendant Researcher, and DEC Leadership Working Group on all aspects of descendant outreach and programming.

Requirements

• Minimum education: working toward a BA.
• Strong interest in history or related field and/or genealogical training/experience a plus but not required.
• Developing knowledge and interest in local Charlottesville/Albemarle County and surrounding counties Black history and history of enslavement at the University a must.

Experience

• Demonstrated interest and/or experience in conducting a U.S. history research project, successful experience working individually as well as part of a team; managing projects and timelines.
• Experience building and maintaining positive community partnerships; experience working effectively with and understanding the needs of culturally and ethnically diverse populations.
• Highly successful verbal and written communication skills with demonstrated capability in project management.
• Ability to work successfully through and with colleagues.
• Ability to present effectively to small and large groups and to generalist and expert audiences.
• Strong analytical, problem solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Ability to investigate and analyze information, draw conclusions, and communicate those conclusions effectively.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively and effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community; strong and collaborative team-building skills.

Specific Tasks Include

• assisting Descendant researcher curate research findings and compile data in a usable manner for consumption by DEC and reporting purposes
• facilitate the scheduling and management of MEL tours
• conduct administrative tasks as needed including updating website information for the DEC; produce newsletters and update social media

All federal work study eligible students who would like to express Interest in this position should submit a resume and cover letter in Workday, The Program Assistant position will be paid at $15.00 per hour. 10-12 hour per week commitment (negatable for the right candidate) is preferred from the hiring manager. This position will begin September 21, 2026 ( or later) and will end May 14, 2027.

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Learn more about UVA’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.

In 1819, Thomas Jefferson founded the University of Virginia and inaugurated a bold experiment. Two centuries later, Jefferson’s vision thrives. Across Grounds - and throughout the world - UVA students, faculty, staff and alumni challenge convention, break barriers and pursue the greater good.

The University of Virginia is made up of eleven schools and affiliated foundations in Charlottesville plus the College at Wise in Southwest Virginia. The University of Virginia Health System is a renowned academic medical center committed to providing outstanding patient care, educating tomorrow's health care leaders and discovering new and better ways to treat diseases. The University's Medical Center, School of Medicine and Physicians Group are recognized for their excellence in patient care, education and research. At UVA, we offer a rich collection benefits, which have long been recognized and valued for their comprehensiveness and competitiveness in the market. In addition to a robust array of traditional benefits such as health care, time off, and retirement, UVA offers a comprehensive list of benefits and services to help staff and faculty meet their personal and family needs.