"Greater Happens HERE"
Title: Administrative Assistant
State Role Title: Admin and Office Spec III
Hiring Range: up to a MAX of $51,000.00, commensurate with Education and Experience
Pay Band: 3
Agency: Virginia State University
Location: Virginia State University
Agency Website: www.VSU.edu
Recruitment Type: General Public - G
Job Duties
The Administrative Assistant provides dedicated programmatic and administrative support for the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) Program within the Department of Social Work at Virginia State University. The BSW Program Manager serves as the primary administrative point of contact for BSW program operations, faculty support, student services, and academic coordination — ensuring the smooth, compliant, and mission-aligned execution of program activities.
This Administrative Assistant position reports directly to BSW Program Director and works collaboratively with the Executive Assistant to the Chair and MSW Director to ensure integrated, department-wide administrative operations and continuity of service.
This position is designed for a high-energy, solutions-driven professional who leads with enthusiasm, learns quickly, navigates institutional relationships with diplomacy, and approaches established processes with a continuous improvement mindset — leveraging AI tools and technology to enhance outcomes.
The VSU Department of Social Work has adopted the following objectives:
Prepare students to practice autonomously as advanced level trauma-informed professionals within a wide range of client systems and practice settings that support and build on the strengths and resiliency of all human beings.
Prepare students to embrace the strength of diversity, practice cultural humility, and be able to conduct culturally effective practice interventions at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels.
Prepare students to pursue ongoing professional development to acquire the essential leadership skills that cultivate ethical and competent social work practice across all social work systems, locally, nationally, and globally.
Prepare students to apply critical thinking skills to become proactive change agents and advocates in response to the impact of social, economic, and environmental factors on professional social work practice locally, internationally, and globally.
Minimum Qualifications
Demonstrated ability to learn new systems, processes, and responsibilities quickly and independently — with or without formal prior training.
Strong interpersonal skills with a proven ability to communicate effectively with students, faculty, and university stakeholders with professionalism, empathy, and discretion.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills; ability to draft correspondence, prepare reports, and communicate program information clearly and accurately.
A solutions-oriented mindset — the ability and willingness to question established practices, identify inefficiencies, and propose or implement improvements.
Comfort with and enthusiasm for technology and AI tools as a means of enhancing administrative and programmatic outcomes.
Knowledge of, and adaptability to, Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint), Google Workspace, and the Banner student information system (or ability to learn).
Ability to manage multiple tasks, projects, and student-related responsibilities simultaneously.
Ability to synthesize data and develop program reports.
Critical thinking skills for analysis and effective resolution of student and program concerns.
Knowledge of appropriate professional decorum for a university academic department.
Sound judgment and ability to handle sensitive student, personnel, and institutional information with strict confidentiality.
Ability to work effectively with diverse student populations, faculty, and external stakeholders.
Additional Considerations
Prior experience in a university, college, government, nonprofit, or student services environment in any capacity.
Familiarity with AI productivity tools or demonstrated willingness to learn and integrate them; any exposure to student records management, academic advising support, or program coordination.
Familiarity with Banner, KRONOS/Cardinal, eVA, or ChromeRiver — or demonstrated ability and willingness to learn these systems through training.
Special Instructions
You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.
Virginia State University is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all persons and applicants, without regard to age, color, disability, gender, national origin, political affiliation, genetic information, race, religion, sexual orientation, sex (including pregnancy) or veteran status. VSU encourages and invites minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply.
AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service alumni are encouraged to apply.
HOW TO APPLY: Virginia State University only accepts applications for this position through the on-line state Recruitment Management System (PageUp). Faxed, e-mailed, and mailed applications and/or attachments will not be accepted. The application must be detailed and fully completed. All employment and periods of unemployment (if applicable) must be listed within the application; either on an attached resume or manually listed in the “Relevant Work History” section. Each application is reviewed for documentation that shows the applicant meets the minimum and preferred qualifications stated in the job announcement. The decision to interview an applicant is based on the information provided on the application, therefore, it is essential to fully complete each section of the application and provide descriptive information. Submitting an incomplete state application, or a state application lacking in detail, may result in your non-selection. This website will provide a confirmation of receipt when the application is submitted for consideration.
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Interested persons must attach a cover letter and a current resume/c.v to the online application. Official transcripts will be required at the time of employment.
The selected candidate will be subject to an extensive and complete background check, which may include fingerprinting. The candidate may be required to complete a Statement of Economic Interest as a condition of employment, if applicable.
Employment-based visa sponsorship at Virginia State University (VSU) is not guaranteed and will be evaluated carefully on a case-by-case basis. Federal law does not require employers to provide immigration sponsorship, and VSU is not obligated to offer it. Employment at VSU does not permit an individual to work in the United States unless the appropriate employment authorization has been obtained and verified in accordance with federal immigration compliance requirements.
Commonwealth’s Alternative Hiring Process: In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their Certificate of Disability (COD) provided by a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor within the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS). Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS to get their Certificate of Disability. If you need to get a Certificate of Disability, use this link: https://www.vadars.org/drs/cpid/PWContact.aspx , or call DARS at 800-552-5019.
Contact Information
Name: Dominique M. Fisher
Phone: 804-524-5075
Email: dfisher@vsu.edu
In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.
Note Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.
The Commonwealth of Virginia is located in the South Atlantic region of the United States. It was the 10th state to be admitted to the Union on June 25, 1788. Home to approximately 8 million residents, Virginia is the 12th most populous state in the United States. The capital is Richmond, and its most populous city is Virginia Beach.
The narrative history of the Commonwealth of Virginia often begins with the founding of Jamestown in 1607, near what is now modern day Williamsburg, Virginia. Jamestown became the first permanent English settlement in the New World, and the Virginia General Assembly, established on July 30, 1619, is now recognized as the oldest legislative body in the western hemisphere. When Virginia became a royal colony in 1624, the robust tobacco trade that had been developing in Virginia helped establish the American colonies as a powerful economic force. During the American Revolution, Virginia witnessed the final surrender of British forces at Yorktown and later became known as the birthplace of many revolution-era figures and future American presidents, including George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. To date, 8 United States presidents have been born in Virginia, more than in any other state.
The modern government of Virginia is nearly identical in structure to the federal government, and is divided into 3 branches, these being the executive, legislative, and judiciary branches. The Virginia General Assembly is comprised of the 100-member House of Delegates and the 40-member Senate. A governor and lieutenant governor are elected every 4 years. Governors cannot be elected to or serve consecutive terms. Virginia’s judicial system consists of the Supreme Court of Virginia and the Court of Appeals of Virginia, the Circuit Courts, and the lower General District Courts and the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Courts. Virginia has 13 electoral votes in presidential elections, and possesses 11 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives.
