The Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service seeks applications for a Program Manager to support the Virginia Natural Resources Leadership Institute (VNRLI) at the University of Virginia. VNRLI is a flagship program of the Institute for Engagement & Negotiation (IEN), a nationally recognized leader in fostering collaborative change across a broad range of issues. IEN offers exceptional knowledge, skills and experience with the foundational elements of what makes collaboration successful in the natural resource community.
VNRLI is a yearlong series of three-day workshops with a cohort of 30-35 natural resources professionals from all geographic corners and professional sectors of Virginia. This position will be responsible for all scheduling and logistics of the program, including budget management, maintaining the program website, the coordination of lodging, catering, and meeting space, marketing and recruitment, communication with program Fellows, faculty, and sponsors, and representing the program at external events. This role also involves coordination of the VNRLI alumni network, including alumni events, newsletter, and monthly webinar series. Every aspect of this work requires a deep commitment to efficient and effective collaboration with the VNRLI faculty team, as the program’s success and platinum reputation has been built on continuous adaptation of the program to emerging issues, new ways of thinking about the program, and more. The Program Manager will demonstrate their ability to be proactive in working collaboratively with the core faculty team through timely advance provision of information, ideas, challenges, and options, and will reflect the highest level of professionalism and sensitivity to participant needs. The position offers the potential for growth, and IEN encourages and supports educational training for continued skill development.
The VNRLI Program Manager will report to the Associate Director of Operations.
Qualified candidates must have a bachelor’s degree and two years of experience in event and/or training coordination. Relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
Preferred Qualifications:
At least one year experience with project management
Some prior experience in graphic design, copy writing for marketing materials, and/or maintaining websites.
Experience working with multiple stakeholders (e.g. the public, state and local governments, private business and industry)
A valid driver’s license in good standing and ability/willingness to drive passenger vans if needed.
High proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and experience with a design program (Canva, Adobe InDesign, etc.)
Knowledge, skills, and abilities:
Superlative people and professional-level communication skills are essential, including dealing with people from all walks of life and with different values and cultural norms, including university colleagues, partners in the public and private and nonprofit sectors, different types of funders (corporate, nonprofit, government), program participants, and graduate and undergraduate student interns
Excellent problem-solving skills
Excellent at efficient conference coordination, logistical coordination, coordinating complex projects, and multi-tasking, setting and maintaining schedules, working proactively to prevent conflicts and “manage up”
Ability to manage project finances, including budget management, grant writing, and running donor campaigns
Proven ability to work independently, take initiative, and work proactively to account for inevitable delays and challenges with events
Strong experience in working on collaborative decision teams and excellent skills in managing a collaborative team to be both efficient and effective
Able to work under direction of and follow priorities set by IEN Director as well as IEN’s collaborative faculty team
Commitment and ability to support the mission of the Institute for Engagement & Negotiation
Preferred Qualifications
Experience in the following areas: marketing and graphic design training and experience, communications training and experience, experience working with state government and with environmental issues
Ability to work with and oversee graduate student associates
Knowledge of public outreach and stakeholder engagement practices
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
2+ years' experience in graphic design and copy writing for marketing materials
2+ years' experience in managing and designing materials for websites
For additional information about the position, please contact Kelly Altizer, Associate Director of Operations at kaltizer@virginia.edu
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 some 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.
This position is located in Charlottesville, VA. The Program Manager may work remotely but will be expected to attend in-person all VNRLI sessions, and IEN trainings, workshops, staff community days, or other IEN in-person events. Each of the six VNRLI sessions requires 2-3 nights away.
The anticipated start date is November 2024. This position is a restricted position and is dependent upon project need, availability of funding and performance. Anticipated Hiring Range: $58,000 - $62,000 commensurate with education and experience. This is an Exempt level, benefited position. For more information on the benefits at UVA, visit hr.virginia.edu/benefits.
This position will remain open until filled. This position will not sponsor applicants for work visas. The University will perform background checks on all new hires prior to employment.
To Apply:
Please apply through Workday, and search for R0066365. Internal applicants must apply through their UVA Workday profile by searching 'Find Jobs'. Complete an application online with the following documents:
CV
Cover letter
Writing sample
Upload all materials into the resume submission field, multiple documents can be submitted into this one field. Alternatively, merge all documents into one PDF for submission. Applications that do not contain all required documents will not receive full consideration.
References will be completed via UVA’s standardized process Skill Survey. A total of five references will be requested via Skill Survey during the final phase of the interview process.
For questions about the application process, please contact Ashley Cochran, Senior Recruiter at alc6dk@virginia.edu.
For more information about UVA and the Charlottesville community please see http://www.virginia.edu/life/charlottesville and https://embarkcva.com/.
The University of Virginia, including the UVA Health System which represents the UVA Medical Center, Schools of Medicine and Nursing, UVA Physician’s Group and the Claude Moore Health Sciences Library, are fundamentally committed to the diversity of our faculty and staff. We believe diversity is excellence expressing itself through every person's perspectives and lived experiences. We are equal opportunity and affirmative action employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, veteran or military status, and family medical or genetic information.