Virginia Tech, a public land-grant university, pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing students to be leaders and problem-solvers. Through experiential learning, future-focused research, and an inclusive, spirited culture, Virginia Tech strives to accomplish the charge of its motto Ut Prosim (That I May Serve). As the Commonwealth’s most comprehensive university and its leading research institution, Virginia Tech offers more than 280 undergraduate and graduate degree programs to more than 34,000 students and manages a research portfolio of $521 million. The University fulfills its land-grant mission of transforming knowledge to practice through technological leadership and by fueling economic growth and job creation locally, regionally, and across Virginia.

Building on its motto, Virginia Tech is dedicated to InclusiveVT—serving in the spirit of community, diversity, and excellence. They seek candidates who adopt and practice the Principles of Community, which are fundamental to the institution’s on-going efforts to increase access and inclusion, and to create a community that nurtures learning and growth for all of its members. Virginia Tech actively seeks a broad spectrum of qualified candidates to join their community in preparing leaders for the world and encourages individuals across racial, ethnic, religious, gender, sexual orientation, ability, and other identities to apply.

Student Affairs at Virginia Tech enhances the student experience by fostering an inclusive, innovative, caring, and learning-centered environment. Staff are actively engaged in the lives of students, and are committed to providing outstanding programs and services that enhance student development and enrich the quality of campus life. As such, staff strive to engage every student in the Division’s five Aspirations for Student Learning, which include: creating a community that commits to unwavering curiosity, pursues self-understanding and integrity, practices civility, prepares others for a life of courageous leadership, and embraces the University’s motto Ut Prosim as a way of life. The Director of VT Engage is fundamental in aligning staff, services, learning methodologies, and departmental initiatives toward these aspirations. They must thrive in a dynamic, student-centered, engaging team atmosphere and must be committed to leading and challenging staff and students to engage fully in vital and vibrant learning environments that support holistic development.

VT Engage seeks to equip students to serve as change agents who make the world more equitable and just through their commitment to community and civic engagement. The Director of VT Engage leads a team of dedicated individuals who work in collaboration with student affairs colleagues, academic experts, and community partners to design and implement mutually beneficial initiatives that prioritize community need and partnership development while helping students think more critically about themselves, the communities they work with, and the social issues they encounter. This office embodies innovation, creating exciting new and impactful programs and services to enhance the institution’s mission. The director is integral to the university’s efforts to prepare students to be active, informed, and civic minded global leaders with a passion for addressing complex social problems. Reporting to the Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs, the director is a collaborative and highly visible leader who serves on the student affairs leadership team and participates as a member on various student affairs and university committees.

The successful candidate must possess a master’s degree from an accredited institution in a related field, a minimum of five years of related experience including demonstrated progressive growth in leadership and supervision of professional staff in a higher education setting, and expertise in the areas of leadership education, community, and civic engagement are required. In addition, the director must have a proven commitment to social justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion, with a demonstrated capacity to connect with individuals across racial, ethnic, cultural, religious, gender, sexual orientation, ability, and other identities. A doctorate in a related field and solid grant writing and/or previous experience with advancement work and fundraising are preferred.

Review of applications will begin February 26, 2019 and continue until the position is filled. A resume with an accompanying cover letter may be submitted via the Spelman Johnson website at www.spelmanjohnson.com/open-positions. Nominations for this position may be emailed to Heather J. Larabee at hjl@spelmanjohnson.com. Applicants needing reasonable accommodation to participate in the application process should contact Spelman Johnson at 413-529-2895.

Visit the Virginia Tech website at www.vt.edu

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.

For inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies, contact the executive director for Equity and Access at 540-231-8771 or Virginia Tech, North End Center, Suite 2300 (0318), 300 Turner St. NW, Blacksburg, VA 24061.