Assistant Director for Academic Programs, Department of Chemistry

Student Programs Administrator partnering with faculty leadership to ensure consistent, well-run administration and an exceptional student experience for both undergraduate and graduate programs in the Department of Chemistry.

About the Role

You will serve as the primary support and strategic partner to the Director of Undergraduate Programs (DUP) and the Director of Graduate Studies (DGS), balancing strategic program ownership with hands-on execution. This role is the department's key point of accountability for how both programs operate, holding the full arc of the student experience in mind—from incoming chemistry majors choosing course sequences to doctoral candidates preparing for defense.

You will build systems, convert data into actionable insights, and represent the department capably to central offices such as the Registrar, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, Admissions, and the International Studies Office.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary support and strategic partner to the Director of Undergraduate Programs and the Director of Graduate Studies.
• Oversee admissions cycle operations for graduate applicants and support the declaration process for undergraduate majors and minors, from first contact through enrollment.
• Maintain the authoritative record of student progress for undergraduate majors, minors, and graduate students, flagging at-risk students.
• Track and support degree-completion requirements and processes for graduate students, including graduation applications, required forms, and approvals.
• Coordinate with the International Studies Office on visa and compliance matters for international graduate students.
• Own new student orientation and onboarding for the graduate program and coordinate onboarding for undergraduate majors.
• Serve as the first point of contact for prospective and current students, resolving routine matters and escalating high-stakes cases as needed.
• Coordinate graduate recruitment events, including recruitment weekend and individual visits.
• Monitor program metrics such as enrollment trends, time to degree, and milestone completion, identifying risks and recommending improvements.
• Independently produce complex reports and presentations for internal review, accreditation, and assessment purposes.
• Design and maintain internal procedures, timelines, and recordkeeping systems to ensure program consistency and auditability.
• Act as the department's authoritative liaison to central offices, negotiating routine exceptions without requiring faculty involvement.
• Serve as the primary administrative partner to the Undergraduate Curriculum and Advising Committee and the Graduate Studies Committee.
• Plan and manage student programming, including awards, career development, research opportunities, and professional development.
• Supervise, mentor, and develop staff supporting academic programs, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.

Requirements

• Exceptional written and verbal communication, with the professional presence to represent programs to students, faculty, and central university offices.
• Experience in higher education administration, with demonstrated ownership of academic programs at the undergraduate and/or graduate level.
• Ability to interpret and apply university, school, and departmental policy with sound, independent judgment.
• Direct experience supporting students through advising coordination, admissions, onboarding, and milestone progression.
• Student-centered orientation that extends across program types and levels.
• Comfort working across institutional partners and building relationships with central offices.
• Strong data literacy, including the ability to monitor program health, interpret trends, and use evidence to drive improvement.
• Experience designing or improving administrative processes and systems.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred.
• 5+ years of relevant experience in higher education administration or academic program management.
• 2+ years of formal management experience preferred.

Pay

The anticipated hiring range is $70,000–$80,000 annually, commensurate with education and experience.

Schedule

This is a full-time, exempt-level, benefited position based in Charlottesville, VA, and must be performed fully on-site. The anticipated start date is September 2026.