Address
Form of workReporting to the Associate Provost for Academic Support and Classroom Management, the Director will (1) provide executive leadership for a strong team of faculty and staff and (2) provide oversight of all aspects of the Women’s Center. The director will possess intellectual acuity and will be conversant in engaged scholarship in the following areas: academic learning linked to experiential and/or service learning and mentoring; and domestic and global gender issues and their relationship to other pressing social justice issues.
The Director of the Women’s Center will join a group of passionate professionals who strive to uphold a mission and vision that are more crucial than ever. The values of the Women’s Center are rooted in diversity and inclusion, equity and equality, and compassion and solidarity. Through these values, the staff’s expertise allows them to uphold the highest professional standards through a commitment to student support and reciprocal learning with those who choose to join such experiential opportunities.
KEY PRIORITIES
In this role, the Director’s primary priorities will broadly include:
Supervision of senior staff, financial and HR management, strategic planning, and assurance of excellent service to the University (55%)
Representing the Women’s Center on pan-University committees and working groups on such topics as students’ well-being and safety, diversity, equity, and women’s leadership; representing the Women’s Center at the state, regional, national, and international level (30%)
Strategic engagement with alumni, parents, and friends supporting the Women’s Center (15%)
Sustaining and building active partnerships across the University is a key aspect of the Director’s charge, as is creative vision, which includes a strong emphasis on diversity and inclusion. With the Women's Center team and stakeholders, the Director will collaborate in strategic planning to ensure relevance and to establish a shared vision for the Women’s Center and lead in its implementation. The Director will be responsible for the ongoing guidance, growth, and evaluation of Women’s Center staff, initiatives, and goals, and will engage academic partners, alumni, parents, and the community with the Women’s Center, cultivating and stewarding their friendship and financial support. The Director will represent the Women’s Center and the University regionally and nationally, and therefore, some travel will be required.
In support of long-term fiscal health and stewardship, the Director will work closely and consistently with the Program Director of Administration to develop and administer responsible program budgets; to manage the overall finances and daily operations of the Women’s Center in a manner consistent with University policies and procedures; and to respond to requests from the Provost’s Office for updates on Women’s Center activities and other required documents. Likewise, with the Program Director for Communications and Advancement, the Director will review outreach communications and participate in all fundraising efforts as needed. The Director will also closely and consistently engage with the Assistant Director for Engaged Scholarship and with the Program Director for Counseling and Wellness Services.
IDEAL SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
The Great and Good, 2030 Strategic Plan provides a roadmap for UVA’s future as it enters its third century. In addition to an ability to articulate ways in which this role – and, more broadly, the Women’s Center – can further the University’s strategic plan, the successful candidate should possess many of the following professional qualifications, skills, experience, and personal qualities:
Previous experience developing, directing, and/or managing a significant program in a higher education or non-profit setting; previous experience in a women’s center or other similar program preferred
Outstanding servant leadership ability and understanding of organizational and human dynamics with an ability to develop, motivate, and retain a high-performing staff
Experience in student engagement, mentorship, and institutional events of all kinds
Influential written and verbal communicator, superb listener, and advocate grounded in inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility
Comfort, sharpness, and tact in building meaningful relationships with a variety of constituencies to include diverse students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members, and donors
Ability to work highly effectively at all levels of the University and with diverse internal and external stakeholders
Experience with short- and long-term strategic planning; an ability to align and steward resources around mission-specific activities and programs is preferred
Demonstrated experience preparing and managing budgets
Experience in fundraising and donor relations
Master’s degree required, Ph.D. or other terminal degree preferred
At least 10 years of professional experience with considerable related experience (at least 4 years) demonstrating leadership and people management acumen
Ability to travel occasionally for work-related events
PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES
The following personal attributes align with the role requirements for the Director of the Women’s Center, and the successful candidate may possess:
Intellectual curiosity and mental agility
Flexibility and creativity in addressing challenges and opportunities
Empathy, humility, and self-awareness
Integrity, authenticity, and commitment to equity
Balanced and steady approach to management
The University of Virginia is eager to build a diverse pool of talented individuals. The search committee is working with UVA Executive Search Group (ESG), an internal executive search firm in the Office of the President.
Confidential inquiries and nominations should be directed to Adam Seid, Senior Search Consultant, at seid@virginia.edu. To apply, submit a letter of interest and resume via Workday. The search will be carried out with full confidentiality and will remain open until filled.
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 (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, veteran status, and family medical or genetic information.
