Project Associate, University Annual Giving & Stewardship

University of Virginia; Charlottesville (VA); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Virginia External Relations is seeking a detail-oriented Project Associate for University Annual Giving & Stewardship to coordinate projects, manage timelines, and support donor relations initiatives. Reporting to the Executive Director, you will handle communications, risk management, and action items across UVA’s broad advancement programs.

The role supports GiveCampus pilots, university-wide campaigns, and administrative duties, while maintaining strong relationships with teams

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Two or more years of relevant professional experience required.
• Proven ability to manage projects independently and collaboratively.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate projects and initiatives that support annual giving and stewardship across the University.
• Monitor project progress and support operational processes.
• Provide constituent service and assist with scheduling, travel, and meetings.
• Coordinate GiveCampus pilots and campaigns, audits, and system updates.
• Assist Executive Director and Donor Relations team with administrative tasks.

Skills

Project coordination

Customer service

Cross-functional collaboration

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Monday.com

Workday

Salesforce

GiveCampus

Excel pivot tables

Copilot/Claude AI tools

Job description

Project Associate, University Annual Giving & Stewardship

The Rector & Visitors of the University of Virginia

Category

Finance, Business & Human Resources

Location

Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America

Position Summary

External Relations at the University of Virginia (UVA) is seeking a highly organized, proactive, and service-oriented professional to join the External Relations team as a Project Associate, University Annual Giving & Stewardship (UAG&S). The University of Virginia has a strong and reputable advancement community, boasting effective, results-oriented, and resourceful professionals. Our community comprises a robust central advancement organization, 12 University schools, and more than 25 University-related programs. We offer a wide variety of career opportunities, as well as an outstanding environment for professional growth and development.

University Annual Giving & Stewardship (UAG&S), part of UVA’s Office of Engagement, seeks a collaborative, adaptable Project Associate to coordinate projects, administrative operations, and constituent service. The role manages project plans, timelines, communications, risks, and action items; supports GiveCampus pilots, University-wide campaigns, audits, and system updates; and provides administrative support to the Executive Director and Donor Relations team. Reporting to the Executive Director, the ideal candidate is self-directed, anticipates needs, brings clarity to complexity, and translates strategic priorities into reliable systems while adapting as needs evolve.

What We're Looking For

We are seeking a detail-oriented and collaborative professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment and enjoys supporting both people and processes. The successful candidate will bring strong organizational skills, sound judgement, a customer-service mindset, and the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously. The ideal candidate is energized by problem-solving, excels at building relationships across teams, and can balance independent work with collaborative partnership. They are adaptable, resourceful, and committed to delivering high-quality work that helps themself and colleagues succeed. We value individual talents and believe in helping team members understand and apply what they naturally do best.

What You'll Do

Reporting to the Executive Director of University Annual Giving & Stewardship, you will help coordinate projects and initiatives that support annual giving and stewardship efforts across the University. You'll partner with colleagues throughout External Relations, monitor project progress, support operational processes, provide constituent service, and help ensure the successful execution of team priorities.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and track project plans, timelines, milestones, risks, dependencies, decisions, and action items.
• Coordinate UAG&S meetings, stakeholder communications, shared resources, and follow-up.
• Maintain the pan-University annual giving forms and campaigns list and support planning and reporting.
• Coordinate GiveCampus initiatives, including board expansion, donor-advised fund and pledge pilots, and stewardship updates.
• Complete monthly allocation audits and coordinate UVA Fund updates for NextGen.
• Manage constituent inquiries through the UAG&S inbox.
• Process expenses, reimbursements, and invoices in accordance with UVA policies.
• Support the Executive Director with scheduling, travel, expenses, and meetings.
• Collaborate with the Office of Engagement administrative team on shared initiatives and participate in the Administrative Professionals Training program.
• Participate in relevant meetings and complete assigned follow-up.

Why UVA

UVA External Relations is one of the most respected advancement organizations in higher education, bringing together talented professionals who are passionate about engagement, philanthropy, and service. Team members enjoy a collaborative culture, opportunities for professional growth, a flexible hybrid work environment, and the chance to contribute to meaningful work that impacts students, faculty, research, and programs across the University.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree required.
• Experience: Two or more years of relevant professional experience required. Additional relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Proven ability to manage projects independently and collaboratively.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in project management, operations, advancement, annual giving, stewardship, or related work.
• Proficiency with Monday.com, Workday, Salesforce, GiveCampus, Excel pivot tables, and AI tools such as Copilot or Claude.
• Ability to manage competing priorities, maintain accurate and confidential records, and solve problems proactively in a dynamic environment.
• Strong communication, sound judgement, attention to detail, customer service, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Familiarity with CliftonStrengths—you'll use it to understand your natural talents and contribute to team success.

Salary Range

The anticipated hiring range is $55,000 - $60,000, commensurate with education and experience.

Position Type & Work Location

This is an exempt-level, benefited position. Learn more about UVA benefits.

• This is a restricted position, which is dependent on funding and is contingent upon funding availability.
• UVA External Relations offers a flexible and hybrid workplace. All team members must have access to and maintain a secure home office environment with high-speed internet service and work collaboratively with others using a variety of technologies and tools.
• UVA External Relations offers a flexible hybrid work environment. This position is based in Charlottesville, Virginia, and requires frequent in-person work in a shared office setting. Candidates must reside within, or be willing to relocate within, 50 miles of Charlottesville.

About UVA and the Community

To learn more about UVA and in the Charlottesville area, visit UVA Life and Embark CVA.

Additional Requirements

• Background checks will be conducted on all new hires prior to employment.
• This position will not consider candidates who require immigration sponsorship now or in the future.

Reference Check Process

Reference checks will be completed by UVA's third-party partner, SkillSurvey, during the final phase of the interview. Five references will be requested, with at least three responses required.

Contact

• For additional information about the position, please contact Ann Walker, Senior Associate Director of Staff Success, at [e-mail].
• For questions about the application process, please contact Daniel Strong, Senior Recruiter, at [e-mail].

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.

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.

Minimum Requirements

• Education: Bachelor's degree required.
• Experience: 2+ years of relevant experience required. Additional relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Licensure: None.
• PHYSICAL DEMANDS: This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The job does occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings, and programs.