Program Manager, Grand Challenge

The University of Virginia seeks a Program Manager to support the Digital Technology & Healthy Youth Development Grand Challenge under the direction of Bethany Teachman, PhD (Psychology) and Nancy Deutsch, PhD (Education). The Grand Challenges advance research across the university and create new opportunities for faculty and others in the university research community to collaborate across disciplines. Specifically, the university is launching a new interdisciplinary initiative to better understand the impact of digital technologies and social media on mental health for youth aged 11-25, and to harness technology to better prevent and treat mental health problems. This initiative will bring together researchers from across the university to increase research capacity and innovation.

The Program Manager will work with the Grand Challenges Directors and with the faculty leadership of the Grand Challenge’s multi-disciplinary projects and collaborative activities. The Program Manager will serve as both a thought partner and an implementer of activities. Tasks will include helping to identify funding opportunities, supporting grant writing, helping oversee seed grants, working with faculty to support development and implementation of strategic areas of work, and providing support for communications and events. The individual will need to be able to communicate with stakeholders from multiple academic disciplines and sectors (e.g., research, industry, community), strengthen existing partnerships and help build new connections, both within and outside UVA, support collaborative, cross-sector teams, and write for a multisector audience, among other activities. The Program Manager should be able to engage in both the “idea” work and the “implementation of ideas” work. This position consults with the Faculty Directors when faced with a challenging problem or situation beyond their scope of duties or expertise.

Qualifications include a BA/BS and four years of experience, which should include a minimum of one year of experience leading or managing teams. Outstanding verbal, written and interpersonal skills, strong organizational skills, and comfort using a range of office administrative programs (e.g., Microsoft Excel, Powerpoint) are required. The ability to problem solve and deliver accurate and timely work with appropriate attention to detail is essential. Must be able to work independently and take initiative. Successful candidates will demonstrate the ability to balance multiple projects simultaneously, have demonstrated abilities to cultivate and work on collaborative, diverse teams, and be comfortable helping to build new programs.  

Coursework, research, or other experience in fields relevant to digital technologies, youth development, and/or mental health is preferred but not required. A Masters degree or equivalent experience is preferred. Preference will be given to those who have demonstrated success at supporting multi-disciplinary projects, building and leading collaborative cross-sector teams, writing for a multisector audience, editing, and grant writing.

This position is located in Charlottesville, VA, and will require occasional onsite program and event support and meeting attendance, though some remote work may also be permitted.

This position is full-time (40 hours per week) with full-time benefits.  For more information on the benefits at UVA, visit hr.virginia.edu/benefits . Anticipated Hiring Range: $90,000 - $100,000, commensurate with education and experience. The University will perform background checks on all new hires prior to employment.

This position is for one year, with opportunity for renewal based on performance and funding.
To apply, visit https://jobs.virginia.edu/us/en/ and search R0056074 to complete a candidate profile. Applications require a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and the contact information for three professional references.

This position will remain open until filled. Review of Applicants will begin February 8, 2024. 
The University of Virginia welcome applications from women, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities. We seek to build a culturally diverse intellectual environment and are committed to a policy of equal employment opportunity and to the principles of affirmative action in accordance with state and federal laws.

The University of Virginia, i ncluding the UVA Health System which represents the UVA Medical Center, Schools of Medicine and Nursing, UVA Physician’s Group and the Claude Moore Health Sciences Library, are fundamentally committed to the diversity of our faculty and staff.  We believe diversity is excellence expressing itself through every person's perspectives and lived experiences.  We are equal opportunity and affirmative action employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, veteran status, and family medical or genetic information.