Virginia Commonwealth University · 1 day ago
Life Design Specialist - University College
Richmond, VA
Full-time
Hybrid
Mid, Senior Level
$61K/yr - $68K/yr
3+ years expVirginia Commonwealth University is seeking a Life Design Specialist to empower undergraduate students in connecting their academic and co-curricular experiences. This role involves curriculum development, teaching, and providing support to students in their academic journey, particularly those who are undeclared or uncertain about their academic paths.
Higher EducationLife ScienceUniversities
Responsibilities
Assist with curriculum development for all Life Design courses and workshops
Teach up to 3 sections/semester of 1-credit Life Design courses in collaboration with the Discovery Advising team in University Academic Advising and the Office of First & Second Year Student Experiences
Utilize appropriate learning management software to support in-person and/or remote instructional methods
Assist in developing and delivering 'train-the-trainer' sessions to facilitate the use of Life Design activities in courses across the university
Hold office hours to provide additional support for students enrolled in Life Design courses
Provide additional support to students who transition into Interdisciplinary Studies from the Discovery Program for undeclared students with 60+ earned credits who still feel unsure about their academic path
Provide appropriate referrals to campus partners (e.g., advising, career counseling, financial aid) and facilitate connections with campus resources, alumni, and other mentors to support personal and career development
Lead the collaboration with the Discovery Advising team
Monitor, track, and provide regular updates on the retention, progression, and campus and community engagement of students
Utilize appropriate technology, data, and strategies to support university persistence, retention, and four-year graduation goals
Provide advising for University College graduate students, as needed
Participate in ongoing training and development, including participating in a community of practice among others implementing Life Design principles across campus
Participate in staff meetings, recruitment activities, and various committees, workgroups, and project coordination as assigned
Qualification
Required
Master's degree from an accredited institution or equivalent training and/or expertise
3-5 years of work experience
2 years of teaching or facilitation experience
Experience in curriculum development and/or instructional design
Excellent written and oral communication skills, including strong interpersonal skills
Demonstrated experience working collaboratively as well as autonomously with minimal supervision
Strong growth mindset
Preferred
Work experience in higher education in advising, counseling, teaching, facilitation, coaching, student affairs, or a related field
Experience in active learning, project-based, and/or inclusive pedagogies
Certification in or experience with Life Design
Experience cultivating effective relationships with multiple constituencies, including faculty, students, alumni, parents, and other campus colleagues
Benefits
Comprehensive health benefits
Paid annual and holiday leave granted up front
Generous tuition benefits
Retirement planning and savings options
Tax-deferred annuity and cash match programs
Employee discounts
Well-being resources
Abundant opportunities for career development and advancement
And more
Company
Virginia Commonwealth University
Virginia Commonwealth University.
10001+ employees
H1B Sponsorship
Virginia Commonwealth University has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (85)
2024 (85)
2023 (71)
2022 (94)
2021 (77)
2020 (60)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$7.48MKey Investors
Virginia Innovation Partnership CorporationUnited States-Japan Foundation
2025-01-15Grant· $0.1M
2024-03-12Grant· $0.08M
2024-02-01Grant· $0.07M
Leadership Team
Karol Kain Gray
Senior VP and CFO
Andrea Ferreira-Gonzalez
Professor
Recent News
The Virginian-Pilot
2025-12-05
2025-11-01
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