Assistant Director of Graduate and Professional Studies

Job Description

The College of Engineering at Virginia Tech seeks an Assistant Director of Graduate and Professional Studies to provide strategic leadership and operational support for our graduate programs. Working closely with the Director of Graduate and Professional Studies (GPS) and reporting directly to the Associate Dean for GPS, this key role will help advance the College's strategic plan by enhancing the graduate student experience, driving recruitment efforts, and optimizing program operations. The Assistant Director will help build and nurture a vibrant graduate community, collaborating with faculty, staff, and external partners to develop and implement innovative support systems, professional development opportunities, and recruitment strategies. This position requires a data-driven approach to decision-making, interpersonal skills to serve as a liaison between graduate students and university support resources, and the ability to manage complex processes (e.g., recruitment activities, curriculum development, program evaluation, event planning). Some travel, evening, and weekend work is possible at times. The ideal candidate will be a proactive problem-solver committed to fostering academic excellence, diversity, and positive outcomes for all stakeholders in the College of Engineering's graduate and professional programs.

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree in engineering, education, counseling, STEM-related field or relevant discipline, or bachelor's with significant experience.
• Proven proficiency with Microsoft Teams and MS Office Suite.
• Demonstrated ability to compile, verify, and analyze data (e.g. graduate enrollment, graduation rates, industry needs, etc.) for trends and patterns.
• Demonstrated track record of implementing initiatives that prioritize student success, well- being, and professional development.
• Experience engaging with university students, faculty, administrators, and external partners with a proven ability to cultivate relationships to enhance the university student experience.
• Capability to lead and execute university student-related events in coordination with faculty and students.
• Demonstrated experience communicating with university students, leadership, and the public, including the ability to compose professional online correspondence (i.e., writing professional emails, reports, memos, or newsletters) and deliver presentations.
• Demonstrated experience working independently and collaboratively; attention to detail; multitask and manage several projects simultaneously.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Banner, Slate, and HokieMart.
• Knowledge of/experience with recruitment strategies and mechanisms of student retention, student development theories and academic advising skills.
• Knowledge of/Experience with college level, graduate school level, and university level policies and procedures related to graduate engineering education.
• Experience in leading and implementing recruitment and retention programs (emphasis on graduate level) in a higher education environment.
• Experience working effectively with all university constituents.
• Experience communicating via professional social media platforms (Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter) for promoting relevant student programming and events; recruiting prospective university students.

Appointment Type

Regular

Salary Information

$60,000 -$70,000 Commensurate with Experience

Review Date

October 10, 2024

Additional Information

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

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges , a school of medicine , a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School , and Honors College . The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including the Innovation Campus in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerous Extension offices and research centers . A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance . These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.

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.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Cheri Warren at Cheriw@vt.eduduring regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.