"Greater Happens HERE"
Title: Executive Assistant to the Chair/ MSW Program Manager
State Role Title: Executive Secretaries and Administrative Asst
Hiring Range: up to a MAX of $61,648.00, Commensurate with Education and Experience
Pay Band: 4
Agency: Virginia State University
Location: Virginia State University
Agency Website: www.VSU.edu
Recruitment Type: General Public - G
Job Duties
The Executive Assistant to the Chair/ MSW Program Manager is a split administrative position serving two distinct units within the Department of Social Work at Virginia State University:
60% as Executive Assistant to the Chair, and 40% as Administrative Assistant and Program Manager to the MSW Program Director.
The incumbent serves as the senior administrative officer of the Department, responsible for advancing and executing the executive, operational, financial, and programmatic functions of the department in support of its mission, accreditation compliance, and institutional objectives. This position is designed for a high-energy, solutions-driven professional who leads with diplomacy, learns quickly, and approaches institutional processes with a continuous improvement and innovation mindset.
Support the Department as directed to guarantee that Department goals and objectives are accomplished and operations run efficiently.
Manage interaction between university leaders, administrators, and programs; liaise with internal and external stakeholders and partners on various projects and tasks.
Plan and organize work to ensure the priorities of the Social Work Department are met, organizational goals are achieved, and best practices are upheld.
Streamline and increase day-to-day operations, department productivity, and overall efficiency; introduce processes and procedures that eliminate duplication and redundancy, leveraging AI tools and technology-driven innovations where applicable.
Support and establish university-wide linkages in order to increase student opportunity and access to higher education; sustain academic excellence; support the development and success of students; define the Department, College, and University brand; diversify financial resources and enhance operational effectiveness.
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 navigate institutional relationships, communicate diplomatically, and manage inter-office dynamics with professionalism and discretion.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills; ability to draft correspondence from context with correctness of grammar, content, and syntax.
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 (including but not limited to large language models and productivity platforms) as a means of enhancing administrative outcomes.
Knowledge of, and adaptability to, Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and Google Workspace.
Ability to work effectively with diverse internal and external stakeholder groups.
Ability to manage multiple tasks, projects, and other responsibilities simultaneously.
Ability to synthesize data and develop reports.
Critical thinking skills for analysis and effective resolution of problems and concerns.
Ability to conceptualize and implement projects and tasks.
Knowledge of appropriate professional decorum for a major administrative unit.
Sound judgment and ability to handle sensitive personnel, financial, and institutional information with strict confidentiality.
Additional Considerations
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Prior experience in a university, government, nonprofit, or professional office environment in any capacity.
Familiarity with AI productivity tools or demonstrated willingness to learn and integrate them.
Familiarity with budget tracking, HR recordkeeping, or executive scheduling;
Familiarity with Virginia state government systems including eVA, ChromeRiver, and KRONOS/Cardinal — 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.
