Senior Associate, Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service

University of Virginia; Charlottesville (VA); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Virginia’s Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service seeks a Senior Associate for the Institute for Engagement & Negotiation (IEN) in Charlottesville, VA. The role focuses on stakeholder engagement, client communication, and meeting facilitation, with responsibilities in budget management, proposal development, and intern supervision.

The ideal candidate brings 4+ years in project management or facilitation, a Bachelor's degree, and a commitment to equity-focused engagement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or combination of education and related experience in lieu of a degree required.
• 4+ years of relevant experience required. (Relevant work experience must be in project management or facilitation.)
• Master’s Degree and/or 5+ years of related work experience preferred.
• Experience in facilitating spaces where issues of systemic racism, equity, and historical disparities inform stakeholder engagement and desired outcomes
• Virginia Mediator certification
• Experience in two or more the following: stakeholder engagement, conflict management, mediation, negotiation, facilitation.
• Substantive experience in two or more of the following: natural resources, health, climate resilience, community resilience, environmental and social justice, environmental and racial and social equity, land use, sustainability, or food systems.
• Knowledge of public outreach and stakeholder best practices and ethics
• Knowledge of current issues relating to Virginia's built and natural environment
• Familiarity with local, state, and federal environmental policy, regulations, programs, and institutions
• Multilingual skills (Spanish preferred)
• High proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and One365/ SharePoint/ Teams

Responsibilities

• Support IEN project teams via stakeholder engagement and client communication.
• Lead meeting facilitation and coordinate meeting logistics.
• Manage project budgets and assist with proposal development.
• Supervise student interns and contribute to IEN trainings and presentations.
• Demonstrate proactive planning, coordination, and ability to manage multiple complex projects.

Skills

Project management

Facilitation

Stakeholder engagement

Negotiation

Conflict management

Multilingual Spanish

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

SharePoint/Teams

Job description

The Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service seeks applications for a Senior Associate to join the Institute for Engagement & Negotiation (IEN). IEN is a nationally recognized leader in fostering collaborative change across a broad range of issues and their team offers exceptional knowledge, skills, and experience with the facilitation in a variety of settings.

Senior Associates support IEN’s project teams via stakeholder engagement and client communication, meeting facilitation, coordination of meeting logistics, management of project budgets, proposal development, and supervision of student interns, among other tasks. Senior Associates also help to lead IEN trainings and presentations. The position offers the potential for growth, and IEN encourages and supports educational training for continued skill development. The successful candidate must enjoy working across a broad range of interests and working closely with colleagues in a fast-paced environment, be highly proactive at collaborative planning and coordination, and bring the ability to manage multiple complex projects at one time.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree or combination of education and related experience in lieu of a degree required.
• 4+ years of relevant experience required. (Relevant work experience must be in project management or facilitation.)

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s Degree and/or 5+ years of related work experience.
• Experience in facilitating spaces where issues of systemic racism, equity, and historical disparities inform stakeholder engagement and desired outcomes
• Virginia Mediator certification
• Experience in two or more the following: stakeholder engagement, conflict management, mediation, negotiation, facilitation.
• Substantive experience in two or more of the following: natural resources, health, climate resilience, community resilience, environmental and social justice, environmental and racial and social equity, land use, sustainability, or food systems.
• Knowledge of public outreach and stakeholder best practices and ethics
• Knowledge of current issues relating to Virginia's built and natural environment
• Familiarity with local, state, and federal environmental policy, regulations, programs, and institutions
• Multilingual skills (Spanish preferred)
• High proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and One365/ SharePoint/ Teams

The ideal candidate will bring lived experience with, or demonstrated experience serving, the communities with which the Institute for Engagement & Negotiation (IEN) engages and works. They will possess exceptional interpersonal and professional communication skills, both written and verbal, with demonstrated success working effectively with individuals from a variety of backgrounds. The successful candidate will demonstrate excellence in proactive project and time management, problem-solving, and collaborative decision-making. They will also have the ability to manage project finances, including budgets, and experience with proposal writing. Above all, the ideal candidate will demonstrate a strong commitment to and ability to advance the mission of the Institute for Engagement & Negotiation.

Physical Demands

This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of computers and video conferencing. The job does occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings and programs, with occasional overnights. Candidates must have the ability/ willingness to drive or travel to events to meet with clients and stakeholders. If possible, candidates will possess a valid driver’s license in good standing or be able to acquire a valid Virginia driver’s license within the first 90 days of employment.

Anticipated hiring range

$65,000 - $75,000 commensurate with education and demonstrated experience.

Anticipated Start Date

November 2026

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.
• This position is located in Charlottesville, VA. The Senior Associate may work remotely but will be expected to attend in-person all IEN trainings, staff community days, or other IEN in-person events, as well as project meetings when those are being held in-person.

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

The position will remain open until filled.

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.

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.