Student Success & Academic Programs Manager

Virginia Tech; Blacksburg (VA); On-site; USD 56,700 - 69,300; Full time

Job summary

Virginia Tech in Blacksburg is looking for a Student Success & Academic Programs Manager to serve as a key resource for undergraduate students in the Department of Mining and Minerals Engineering. This role involves guiding students from enrollment through graduation and overseeing various departmental functions such as outreach and scholarship administration.

The ideal candidate will possess relevant degrees and experience in a student-focused setting, ensuring academic achievement and a supportive student experience.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or equivalent experience in student development or related fields.
• Experience working in academic advising or similar roles.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information.

Responsibilities

• Guide undergraduate students through their academic journey.
• Oversee departmental functions including student outreach and scholarship administration.
• Support graduate students and promote student success initiatives.

Skills

Student-focused collegiate setting experience

Confidentiality and professional setting experience

Effective communication skills

Strong computer skills

Education

Master’s degree in educational administration or related field

Bachelor’s degree in education, counseling, or related field

Tools

NACADA academic advising standards

Student information systems (e.g., Banner, PeopleSoft)

Job description

Job Description

The Student Success & Academic Programs Manager serves as a central resource for undergraduate students in the Department of Mining and Minerals Engineering (MME), guiding them through their academic journey from initial enrollment through graduation. Working in close partnership with faculty and departmental leadership, this position promotes student persistence, academic achievement, and on‑time degree completion while fostering a supportive and inclusive student experience.

Beyond direct student advising, the Manager oversees several departmental functions that shape the undergraduate experience and the department’s outward‑facing presence. This includes prospective student outreach, scholarship administration, course scheduling support, curriculum updates, employer relations, and the annual MME career fair. The position also offers periodic support to graduate students and works across the department, college, and university to advance student success initiatives.

The MME department is one of the largest mining engineering programs in North America and enjoys a strong international reputation for its academic, research, and outreach programs. At Virginia Tech, MME is a smaller engineering program with a strong reputation for its well‑connected student, faculty, staff, and alumni community. The department currently enrolls approximately 100 undergraduate students and 30 graduate students. In 2021, the department was recognized as a University Exemplary Department for its commitment to student well‑being and success.

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree in educational administration, student development, or related field from an accredited university or a bachelor’s degree in education, counseling, or related field, with training and work experience at a level that equates to an advanced degree.
• Experience working in a student‑focused collegiate setting (i.e. academic advising, classroom instruction, counseling, etc.).
• Demonstrated experience working with sensitive information and maintain a high level of confidentiality in a professional setting.
• Experience in and/or knowledge pertaining to university operations, policies, and procedures in areas such as orientation, course registration, degree and graduation requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Working knowledge of NACADA academic advising pillars, competencies, and standards.
• Experience with student information systems, such as Banner, PeopleSoft, Starfish, Navigate and degree audit software.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and present information clearly in one‑on‑one and group settings.
• Ability to occasionally work an alternative schedule to facilitate advising and new student programming/events as well as travel for recruiting purposes as needed.
• Work history with a strong computer skills in electronic file management, word processing, database management, and spreadsheets.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.

Overtime Status

Exempt: Not eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Regular

Salary Information

$63,000 to commensurate with experience

Hours per week

40

Review Date

June 20, 2026

Additional Information

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.

Disability Accommodations

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact [e-mail] during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.