Spider Fellow
University of Richmond

Job Description

For consideration, please submit a cover letter and resume

The Spider Fellow (Fellow) position provides the opportunity for a recent graduate of the University of Richmond (UR) to work with University administration in advancing our mission and key priorities that support the holistic development of students. This position is term-limited and serves 11 months - generally July 1 through May 31 of the following calendar year - with supervision by the Assistant Vice President & Chief of Staff. The Fellow will participate in campus planning with university staff and faculty, serve on committees and working groups, and engage in project-based work while illuminating issues and concerns of the student body. The position requires good verbal and written communication skills, working collaboratively and on teams, extensive access to and application of data, and keeping information confidential as appropriate.

Strong candidates will bring their intellectual curiosity and UR experiences to this work and have broad interests in policy and process development, strategic planning and implementation, administrative structures, and communication practices while bringing a commitment to enhance student life and the UR community.

The Spider Fellow resides on campus and is provided, as part of their compensation, University housing and a meal stipend for UR dining.

JOB DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Project management and support:
  Oversees assigned projects and ensures alignment with the University's strategic priorities and imperatives. Supports efforts of Student Development and University committees and working groups charged with building community and enhancing the student experience.
• Student education and outreach: Connects with students and student groups to solicit their involvement in University projects, including campus (space and facility) planning, community-building efforts, and well-being initiatives.

• Stakeholder engagement:
  Seeks input, feedback, and understanding from a variety of stakeholders, including staff, faculty, alumni, and other community members, both in-person and through virtual platforms, on current and emerging issues impacting UR and higher education.

• Data analysis:
  With the vice president for Student Development and other staff members, sources and analyzes quantitative and qualitative data to better understand and illuminate key issues to drive policy development, institutional processes, resource allocation, and strategic priorities (e.g., belonging and community; well-being).
• Report writing and presentations:
  Assists in the drafting of reports and presentations, outlining the processes, progress, and outcomes of committees and working groups, analyzing and synthesizing data, and identifying approaches and recommendations.
• Other responsibilities as assigned:
  In addition to other assigned work, actively engages in professional development opportunities at UR and beyond, keeping abreast of current issues and trends in the areas of student development, higher education administration, and university leadership.
  • Meets regularly with the Assistant Vice President & Chief of Staff for Student Development
  • Attends Student Development leadership retreats and other planning meetings as appropriate
  • Participates in University committees and working groups as appropriate
  • Collaborates and partners with key campus stakeholders, including the President's Office Provost's Office, Advancement, University Communications, Institutional Effectiveness (IFX), and departments and units within Student Development

CONTACTS:

• University of Richmond students, staff, faculty and alumni - to seek feedback and collaborate on assigned projects
• External organizations and schools - to conduct research and gather feedback on emerging issues impacting UR and Higher Education

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

• Does not provide direction to other individuals.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL EFFORT:

• Requires employee to mainly work inside in an office environment.
• May be required to attend meetings or events on evenings/weekends with advance notice.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ability to balance a variety of tasks with competency and accuracy
• Ability to maintain confidentiality with sensitive data
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Proficiency in Excel and PowerPoint preferred

Education & experience:

• Bachelor's Degree required
• Recent UR graduate within the past year
• Experience with project-based work, including data analysis, preferred

SALARY: Benefited, Non-exempt position; $15/hour with on-campus apartment and partial meal plan provided.

SCHEDULED HOURS: Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 5 pm; 38.75 hours per week

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