Executive Assistant to the Chair/ MSW Program Manager

DHRM•Chesterfield, VA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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.

Nice To Haves

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.

Responsibilities

Serve 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.
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.

Benefits

Optional Retirement Plan (ORP) Immediate vesting | Portable | Investment choice
Virginia Retirement System (VRS) Defined benefit pension | Lifetime monthly income
457 Deferred Compensation Plan (DCP)
403(b) (TIAA)
Comprehensive medical & dental plans
Employee Assistance Program
Paid annual and sick leave
Paid state and federal holidays
Employer-paid life insurance
Flexible Spending Accounts
Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility