The Maxine Platzer Lynn Women’s Center seeks a strategic, innovative Program Director to lead its mentoring and community engagement initiatives. This individual will oversee the vision and execution of programs that connect UVA undergraduates with local youth through dynamic, developmental mentoring relationships. The Director will shape program design, curriculum, research, and partnerships to ensure that mentoring initiatives are inclusive, evidence-based, and mutually beneficial to all participants. This role also plays a key part in connecting mentorship with applied learning, wellness, and university priorities.
Position Summary
The Program Director will oversee a full mentoring portfolio—including the Young Women Leaders Program (YWLP), the Men’s Leadership Project (MLP), and high school college readiness workshops—and will supervise a Program Coordinator, graduate assistants, and undergraduate student staff.
Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Innovation
Set a vision for mentoring programs that are engaging, research-informed, and broadly inclusive
Lead innovation in program development and structure, drawing on best practices in mentoring, student development, and youth engagement
Represent the Women’s Center and its mentoring work through internal and external publications, presentations, and partnerships
Monitor and analyze shifts in higher education policies affecting youth development and educational access and assess their impact on mentoring programs and K–12 school partnerships
Serve as the Women’s Center’s point person for adapting strategy in response to evolving institutional, political, and policy landscapes
Serve on the Women’s Center Leadership team
Program Oversight
Oversee all aspects of YWLP, MLP, and college readiness initiatives for high school students.
Provide direct supervision to the Program Coordinator and indirect supervision to graduate assistants and undergraduate interns, ensuring alignment with program goals, consistent communication, and a high-quality experience for all participants
Guide continuous improvement efforts and assess program impact through data and feedback.
Curriculum & Applied Learning
Design curricula and teach courses for undergraduate mentors, in collaboration with academic departments and the Women’s Center’s engaged learning efforts
Collaborate with faculty and campus partners to align mentoring with engaged learning goals and academic credit opportunities.
Ensure programs promote reflection, transferable skills, and personal development for undergraduate mentors
Community Engagement
Build and sustain relationships with Charlottesville and Albemarle County schools and youth-serving organizations
Lead the Women’s Center’s youth-focused community engagement strategy, creating meaningful and consistent involvement with local partners
Alumni Engagement
Develop and maintain systems for tracking program alumni, identifying opportunities to reconnect and recognize their involvement
Create programs or events that celebrate alumni contributions and foster an ongoing sense of community
Wellness Integration
Partner with Women’s Center counseling staff to ensure mentoring programs support emotional well-being for both mentors and mentees
Embed wellness principles and access to support into all program structures and trainings
Operations & Compliance
Ensure program activities align with university policies and Office of Youth Protection guidelines
Contribute to the broader mission and operations of the Women’s Center as a collaborative team member
Minimum Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree required.
Experience: 5+ years of relevant professional experience required
Preferred Qualifications
Master’s degree in Education, Women’s Studies, Social Work, Psychology, Youth Development, Leadership, or a related field
At least 7 years of experience designing, implementing, or managing youth mentoring or student development programs
Demonstrated leadership and strategic planning ability
Strong knowledge of adolescent development and effective mentoring practices
Experience supervising professional staff or program team.
Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
Experience building partnerships across university and community contexts
Experience with data collection and program evaluation for continuous improvement
Ability to work some evenings or weekends for events or mentoring sessions
Physical Demands
This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The job does occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings, and programs.
Salary Range
Salary will be commensurate with education and experience.
Position Type & Work Location
This is an exempt-level, benefited position. Learn more about UVA benefits.
This position is based in Charlottesville, VA, and is eligible for a hybrid schedule, in accordance with UVA’s remote work guidelines.
About UVA and the Community
To learn more about UVA and in the Charlottesville area, visit UVA Life and Embark CVA.
Application Timeline
Application review will begin after October 27, 2025.
Additional Requirements
Background checks will be conducted on all new hires prior to employment.
This position will not consider candidates who require immigration sponsorship now or in the future.
How to Apply
Please apply online, by searching for requisition number R0077436. Complete an application with the following documents:
Resume
Cover Letter
Upload all materials into the resume submission field. You can submit multiple documents into this one field or combine them into one PDF. Applications without all required documents will not receive full consideration.
Internal applicants: Apply through your Workday profile by searching “Find Jobs.”
Reference Check Process
Reference checks will be completed by UVA’s third-party partner, SkillSurvey, during the final phase of the interview. Five references will be requested, with at least three responses required.
Contact
For questions about the application process, please contact Jon Freeman, jf2sw@virginia.edu.
The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Click here to read more about UVA’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.