Program Coordinator of Hoos First: First Generation and Limited Initiatives

Program Coordinator of Hoos First:
First Generation and Limited Income Initiatives

Join to apply for the Program Coordinator of Hoos First:
First Generation and Limited Income Initiatives role at University of Virginia

The Division of Student Affairs at the University of Virginia (UVA) is seeking applicants for a visionary practitioner to fill a role as the Program Coordinator of Hoos First:
First Generation and Limited Income Initiatives. The Hoos First office aims to empower, support, and advocate for first-generation and/or limited income (FGLI) students at UVA in an inclusive environment where their shared experiences are welcomed and affirmed. The Program Coordinator will strive to expand access to academic support and financial resources, foster community engagement, sense of belonging, strengthen well-being, and develop relationships with existing campus programs focused on FGLI students.

The University of Virginia’s mission to develop engaged citizen-leaders is the foundation of the Division of Student Affairs' work, which is guided by six core values – academic rigor, diversity and inclusion, health and wellness, honor, public service, and student self-governance. The Division of Student Affairs consists of approximately 300 employees within five units – the Office of the Vice President and Chief Student Affairs Officer, the Office of the Dean of Students, Student Health and Wellness, University Career Center, Office of African-American Affairs, and Policy, Accountability & Critical Events.

Located in Charlottesville, VA, the position is primarily student-facing and requires in-person work on the grounds of the University of Virginia.

• Collaborate with the Hoos First staff to plan, develop, implement, and evaluate Hoos First programs or initiatives that align with the department's goals and the institution's strategy.
• Assist with the planning and execution of Hoos First signature events during annual University programming such as Hoos First Celebration Week, Summer Orientation, Wahoo Welcome, Family Weekend, and Final Exercises.
• Assist with programming during annual University recruitment and onboarding events in collaboration with University partners.
• Plan and chaperone day and overnight trips with student participants.
• Assist in establishing the Hoos First Peer Mentoring Program which includes recruiting mentors and mentees, facilitating mentor trainings, and curating opportunities for participant engagement.
• Assist with initiatives aligned with the university’s 2030 Strategic Plan surrounding first-generation and low-income students.
• Supervise student staff and volunteers, offering mentorship and guidance to ensure the team's effectiveness.
• After the first year, serve on university-wide and Student Affairs committees. These committees may focus on matters related to student life, University policies, or broader institutional decision-making.
• Participate in ongoing professional development to continue learning and sharing best practices for supporting first-generation and limited-income students.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree is required with two years of relevant experience.
• Knowledge of or experience working with underserved groups such as first-generation, limited-income, transfer and/or non-traditional students from underrepresented communities.
• Strong organizational and leadership skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and fostering a sense of belonging.
• Availability to work evenings and weekends to support programming initiatives.
• Strong commitment to the division’s core values of academic rigor, honor, student self-governance, public service, diversity and multiculturalism, and health and wellness.

• At least two years of relevant work experience in higher education or with student affairs programs.
• Completed or in progress of a Master’s degree in student affairs, higher education leadership, social work, counseling, or a related field.
• Personal experience overcoming barriers similar to the Hoos…