Project Coordinator, Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships

Job Description

Virginia Tech is seeking a highly organized, proactive, and detail-oriented project coordination professional to join the highly collaborative and forward-thinking Innovation and Partnerships team. This position supports a dynamic portfolio of strategic initiatives, executive engagement, partnership development, and operational priorities.

This role is ideal for a quick learner who thrives in a fast-paced, high-impact environment and brings strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities. The Project Coordinator supports the implementation of leadership priorities by coordinating timelines, tracking deliverables, preparing briefing materials and communications, and maintaining systems that support visibility and execution.

The position coordinates complex scheduling and communications on behalf of senior leadership, supports office-level budgeting and financial tracking, and organizes key internal initiatives, including alumni career resource platforms and partnership-related efforts. The role requires sound judgment, discretion, and the ability to work effectively with senior university leaders, corporate executives, and external partners. It supports coordination and progress across key efforts and is central to how work gets done.

As a key member of the team, this role provides project coordination, operational support, and high-level administrative support for the Director of Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships. Success in this role requires professionalism and the ability to support executive workflows while ensuring consistent follow-through across initiatives. This role may include occasional travel to support team initiatives and partnership activities, typically involving a few overnight stays every few months.

This position reports to the Associate Director of Innovation and Partnerships and works in close coordination with the Director of Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships. The role follows the Innovation and Partnerships team's hybrid work model, with flexibility to work remotely one day per week and four days based in our on-campus offices in Blacksburg, Virginia.

Join Virginia Tech's Innovation and Partnerships team, which serves as a front door for companies seeking to engage with world-class research, talent, and partnership opportunities.

Required Qualifications

• Relevant degree or equivalent training/experience in business, communications, or related field/discipline
• Demonstrated experience in project management and coordination, operations, including managing multiple priorities, timelines, and deliverables
• Experience supporting senior leaders or executives, including calendar management, meeting coordination, and professional communications
• Familiarity with business and financial concepts (e.g., budgeting, accounting, or expense tracking), or demonstrated ability to learn and apply these concepts
• Proficiency with standard office and productivity tools (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite, calendar systems, virtual meeting platforms)

Preferred Qualifications

• Relevant professional certifications such as Certified Administrative Professional (CAP), Certified Executive Assistant (CEA), Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM), or similar credentials in project coordination, operations, or administrative leadership
• Experience with budgeting, financial tracking, or administrative operations
• Familiarity with CRM systems, project management tools, or data tracking systems
• Experience working in higher education, corporate engagement, or a partnership-driven environment