New

Outreach and Engagement Specialist, The Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership

The Rector & Visitors of the University of Virginia
$45,000 to $48,000, commensurate with education and experience.
United States, Virginia, Charlottesville
1215 Lee Street (Show on map)
Sep 26, 2025
The Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership and the Virginia Institute of Government (VIG) seek applications for an Outreach and Engagement Specialist to join their teams within the Weldon Cooper Center at the University of Virginia. This is an entry-level position with room for growth and an opportunity for building skills. The role of the Outreach and Engagement Specialist will evolve over time, but basic elements will include engaging effectively with stakeholders who contribute to the financial and programmatic success of Sorensen and VIG. These include alumni networks, potential event attendees, and organizations/individuals that support Sorensen and VIG financially or by sending/referring employees to Sorensen or VIG leadership programs. The Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership was founded in 1993 to bring together individuals with a passion for civic engagement and public service who have a wide variety of viewpoints and backgrounds but want to work together for the common good. Our non-partisan educational mission is to develop leaders who can strengthen and enhance the quality of government, politics, and civil society at all levels throughout Virginia. The mission of the Virginia Institute of Government is to build the capacity of local government staff and leaders from across the country to develop the skills necessary for effective, high-performing, and inclusive local government. VIG pursues its mission through various leadership programs, consultations, and other services. The Outreach and Engagement Specialist will have responsibilities for both Sorensen and VIG, reporting directly to the Director of the Sorensen Institute who will coordinate assignments with the Director of the Virginia Institute of Government. Sorensen and VIG are units within the Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service. The Cooper Center is, in turn, an affiliate of the Karsh Institute of Democracy at the University of Virginia. Position Responsibilities Sorensen and VIG alumni are a vital source of support in advancing our mission-encouraging participation in programs, strengthening community connections, and sustaining operations through financial support. This position focuses on cultivating relationships with alumni and other stakeholders, celebrating alumni achievements, facilitating opportunities to stay engaged, coordinating volunteer and advisory efforts, and promoting Sorensen's and VIG's missions and vision with relevant individuals, organizations, and communities. Relationship Building & Engagement Build and maintain relationships with Sorensen and VIG alumni and other stakeholders Provide meaningful opportunities for alumni engagement through programming, events, and volunteer activities Help implement programming and events of interest to alumni and other stakeholders Coordinate volunteer opportunities for alumni Support and coordinate the activities of Sorensen's Alumni Council Program & Event Development Assist the Sorensen and VIG Director in identifying programming and events of interest to alumni and other stakeholders Promote Sorensen's and VIG's missions and vision with relevant individuals, organizations, and communities Communications & Outreach Identify alumni accomplishments and share their Sorensen/VIG experiences in collaboration with the Cooper Center Develop and manage communications with alumni and stakeholders about Sorensen's and VIG's activities and opportunities, including social media campaigns, newsletters, and website updates Share information with alumni and other stakeholders about opportunities to participate in, refer candidates to, and financially support Sorensen and VIG programs Administration & Operations Organize and maintain Sorensen and VIG alumni information and records Participate in daily staff meetings (primarily via Zoom) to coordinate assignments Knowledge and Skills Collaboration and Communication Work effectively with the Sorensen and VIG Directors and staff Thrive in a collaborative environment among people strongly committed to their missions Communicate effectively in writing and verbally, including sharing updates and results with the Director and team, primarily via email. Demonstrate professional maturity, sound judgment, and a consistently positive demeanor. Maintain a professional and positive demeanor while building relationships with diverse stakeholders and strategic partners Strong relationship-building skills and an ability to work and communicate with diverse individuals and organizations Organization and Prioritization Keen attention to detail with excellent organizational, writing, editing, planning, and prioritization skills Ability to adjust priorities and manage multiple tasks with competing deadlines, track progress, and communicate task status Work calmly and professionally, especially during those occasional times when the team finds itself in pressure situations Identify areas for follow up and respond accordingly Problem-Solving and Initiative Work independently to creatively solve problems within a fast-paced environment Anticipate needs and recommend improvements to existing methods and processes. Uphold ethical standards and maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment and discretion Technical Proficiency Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint Comfortable using social media tools to engage with alumni and other stakeholders Comfortable using Zoom and other digital tools for remote collaboration. Preferred Interest in civic engagement, governing, politics, and adult education. Minimum Requirements Education: Bachelor's degree Experience: At least two years of experience Background checks will be conducted on all new hires prior to employment. This position will not consider candidates who require immigration sponsorship now or in the future. Salary Range The anticipated hiring range is $45,000 to $48,000, commensurate with education and experience. Position Type & Work Location This is a exempt-level, benefited posit ion . Learn more about UVA Benefits. This is a restricted position, which is dependent on funding and is contingent upon funding availability. This position is based in Charlottesville, VA. Some remote location work may be possible. This position will require some in-state travel and occasional weekend and evening work consistent with Sorensen's and VIG's programming that includes some evening and weekend hours. Driver's license and access to reliable transportation is preferred This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The job does occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings, and programs. About UVA and the Community To learn more about UVA and in the Charlottesville area, visit UVA Life and Embark CVA. Application Timeline Application review will begin after September 29, 2025. How to Apply Please create an account and apply online on the UVA Job Board, search for requisition number R0076750. Complete an application with the following documents: Resume Cover Letter Upload all materials into the resume submission field. You can submit multiple documents into this one field or combine them into one PDF. Applications without all required documents will not receive full consideration. Internal applicants: Apply through your Workday profile by searching "Find Jobs." To nominate a candidate, please contact Larry Roberts, Director, Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership (lr9wm@virginia.edu). Reference Check Process Reference checks will be completed by UVA's third-party partner, SkillSurvey, during the final phase of the interview. Five references will be requested, with at least three responses required. Contact For additional information about the position , please contact Larry Roberts, Director, Sorensen Institute for Political Leader ship (lr9wm@virginia.edu). For questions about the application process, please contact Michele Jarman, Academic Recruiter. The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Click here to read more about UVA's commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.