Program Coordinator, Office for Student Success

Job Details

Advertising Summary

The L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs at Virginia Commonwealth University invites applications for a Program Coordinator within the Office of Student Success (OSS).

The Program Coordinator will provide essential coordination and delivery of student services and programs in the Office of Student Success, to include providing administrative coordination, managing and tracking student data, and facilitating partnerships with employers, host agencies, and university stakeholders.

This position plays a vital role in supporting both current and prospective students by connecting them with resources that enrich their academic experience. The Program Coordinator will manage academic support initiatives, assist in delivering workshops, and ensure students have access to services that promote their academic, personal, and career development.

We seek a candidate who is committed to student success and fostering an inclusive, supportive environment for all. The ideal applicant will demonstrate the ability to work both independently and collaboratively, to manage multiple priorities, and to adapt to changing needs. The position requires effective engagement with students, colleagues, and the public in a culturally varied work environment.

Unit: L D Wilder Sch of Govt & Pub Affrs

Department: Office for Student Success

Department Summary

The Wilder School's mission is to:

• Engage, teach and inspire students and leaders to understand and solve challenges in our world.
• Advance research that informs public policy and decision-making to improve our communities.
• Collaborate with communities through innovative partnerships to enhance the quality of life.

The Wilder School's vision is to be the premier resource for public policy expertise in public safety, governance, and economic and community development. The 2025 U.S. News and World Report rankings confirm the Wilder School among the top 15% of graduate schools of public affairs at No. 36 and tied for No.1 in Virginia. The School is also ranked No. 6 in Homeland Security Programs, and No. 33 in Public Management and Leadership. The Wilder School has over 1,400 students and more than 12,000 alumni, with an established environment where multiple perspectives thrive and where a common interest in public service and the betterment of society unites these perspectives together. Our academic excellence attracts the highest quality faculty, staff, and students, and our graduates are leaders in their professions.

Our location in Richmond, the capital of the Commonwealth of Virginia, combined with our proximity to Washington, DC, provides numerous opportunities for engaged scholarship, teaching and community engagement activities. A creative, interdisciplinary School with both academic programs and training/research centers in the social sciences and professional arenas, we reflect the communities we serve, providing students and faculty with the knowledge, skills, opportunities, and experience necessary for success.

For additional information about the Wilder School, please visit our website at https://wilder.vcu.edu/.

Position Overview

The Program Coordinator will provide essential coordination and delivery of student services and programs in the Office of Student Success, to include providing administrative coordination, managing and tracking student data, and facilitating partnerships with employers, host agencies, and university stakeholders.

This position plays a vital role in supporting both current and prospective students by connecting them with resources that enrich their academic experience. The Program Coordinator will manage academic support initiatives, assist in delivering workshops, and ensure students have access to services that promote their academic, personal, and career development.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

The OSS Program Coordinator will engage the coordination of programs and services administered by the Office of Student Success. Key responsibilities include:

• Managing outreach and communication efforts, including:
  • Visiting classes and student organization meetings to promote OSS services.
  • Planning and executing Internship 101 sessions, info sessions, and student professional development programming toward high-impact internship placement.
  • Supporting recruitment, data management, and outreach for flagship programs
  • Maintaining stakeholder contacts and developing networks for student success initiative and programs.
  • Responding to inquiries received via email, phone, and in-person visits regarding OSS programs.
• Supporting the Wilder Graduate Scholars Fellowship program by:
  • Coordinating daily operations and communications with Wilder Fellows and partner agencies.
  • Maintaining accurate records to track student placements, progress, and partner engagement.
  • Communicating professionally with students, alumni, agency supervisors, and campus partners.
  • Assisting in the review and preparation of student materials for agency consideration.
  • Supporting logistics for orientation, onboarding, and professional development seminars.
  • Contributing to planning efforts for special events, including event coordination and alumni engagement.
• Supporting the Virginia Capitol Semester program by:
  • Coordinating communications with and outreach to prospective applicants.
  • Managing the application and interview processes for each cohort.
  • Maintaining accurate records to track intern matches, orientation, onboarding, and program checkpoints.
• Assisting students with the internship search process and with applications for the Wilder School’s for-credit internship program.
• Planning and executing Get-in-Gear professional development and employer engagement events in order to guide students through the technicalities of public and nonprofit sector hiring, including resume formatting, knowledge of security clearance policies, KSA (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities) requirements, among other career preparation considerations.
• Performing a variety of administrative tasks, such as preparing slide decks, entering and analyzing data, and assembling marketing materials.
• Contributing to the content generation, preparation, and timely distribution of the weekly OSS newsletter.
• Supporting the administration of Wilder School scholarships.
• Supporting the Office of Student Success with additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in any field or equivalent professional experience in a higher education setting, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Ability to represent the office in a professional and reliable manner, demonstrating strong verbal, written, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
• Familiarity with event and program coordination, and general office support.
• Professional demeanor with a positive, service-oriented approach.
• Sound judgment and discretion, especially when managing sensitive or confidential information.
• Proficiency in essential office functions, including mail merges, document formatting, and records management.
• Proficiency in Google Workspace applications (Gmail, Docs, Sheets, Forms, etc.).
• Ability to create, edit, and proofread written materials with accuracy.
• Strong organizational skills with keen attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and follow protocols using effective problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Proven capacity to manage multiple tasks, set priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Demonstrated ability to work in and foster an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from all backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Education, Counseling, Higher Education, Student Affairs, or related field, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Previous experience working in a university or higher education setting.
• Familiarity with university systems such as Banner, eServices, Canvas, and Navigate.

Salary Range: $48,500 to $51,500

Benefits: All full-time university staff are eligible for VCU’s robust benefits package that includes comprehensive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave, generous tuition benefits, retirement planning and savings options, tax-deferred annuity and cash match programs, employee discounts, well-being resources, abundant opportunities for career development and advancement, and more.

Application Submission/Other Information:

All applications should include a cover letter and a detailed resume with the names and contact information of three professional references.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled, with priority review beginning May 22, 2026.

As a preeminent national, urban, public research university and academic health center, Virginia Commonwealth University is committed to an environment where all can thrive in their pursuit of excellence. Virginia Commonwealth University is an equal opportunity employer.

FLSA Exemption Status: Non-Exempt

Hours per Week: 40

Restricted Position: No

ORP Eligible: No

Flexible Work Arrangement: Hybrid

University Job Title: 35111N - Coordinator SS 1

Search Contact Name: Ross Losapio

Search Contact Email: losapior@vcu.edu