Academic Researcher Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Student Success & Academic Programs Manager
Job no: 536685
Work type: Administrative & Professional
Senior management: College of Engineering
Department: Mining and Minerals Engineering
Location: Blacksburg, Virginia
Categories: Academic Advising / Support, Student Affairs / Services
Job Description
The Student Success & Academic Programs Manager serves as a central resource for undergraduate students in the Department of Mining and Minerals Engineering (MME), guiding them through their academic journey from initial enrollment through graduation. Working in close partnership with faculty and departmental leadership, this position promotes student persistence, academic achievement, and on-time degree completion while fostering a supportive and inclusive student experience.
Beyond direct student advising, the Manager oversees several departmental functions that shape the undergraduate experience and the department's outward-facing presence. This includes but is not limited to, prospective student outreach, scholarship administration, course scheduling support, curriculum updates, employer relations, and the annual MME career fair. The position also offers periodic support to graduate students and works across the department, college, and university to advance student success initiatives.
The MME department is one of the largest mining engineering programs in North America and enjoys a strong international reputation for its academic, research, and outreach programs. At Virginia Tech, MME is one of the smaller engineering programs and has a strong reputation for its well-connected student, faculty, staff, and alumni community. The department currently enrolls approximately 100 undergraduate students and 30 graduate students. In 2021, the department was recognized as a University Exemplary Department for its commitment to student well-being and success.
Required Qualifications

• Master's degree in educational administration, student development, or related field from an accredited university or a bachelor's degree in education, counseling, or related field, with training and work experience at a level that equates to an advanced degree.
• Experience working in a student-focused collegiate setting (i.e. academic advising, classroom instruction, counseling, etc.)
• Demonstrated experience working with sensitive information and maintain a high level of confidentiality in a professional setting.
• Experience in and/or knowledge pertaining to university operations, policies, and procedures in areas such as orientation, course registration, degree and graduation requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Working knowledge of NACADA academic advising pillars, competencies, and standards
• Experience with student information systems, such as Banner, PeopleSoft, Starfish, Navigate and degree audit software
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and present information clearly in one-on-one and group settings
• Ability to occasionally work an alternative schedule to facilitate advising and new student programming/events as well as travel for recruiting purposes as needed
• Work history with a strong computer skills in electronic file management, word processing, database management, and spreadsheets
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.

Overtime Status
Exempt: Not eligible for overtime
Appointment Type
Regular
Salary Information
$63,000 to commensurate with experience
Hours per week
40
Review Date
June 20, 2026
Additional Information
The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.
About Virginia Tech
Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.
Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance. These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.
Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.
If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact annie.lawrence@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.
Advertised: June 11, 2026
Applications close:
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