Strategic Initiatives Specialist, Mayo Center for Asset Management (Staff Wage)

The University of Virginia Darden School of Business seeks a Strategic Initiatives Specialist to join the Mayo Center for Asset Management team. This part-time wage position supports the Mayo Center's mission to advance Darden's leadership and impact in asset management through innovative programming, strategic partnerships, and engagement with students, faculty, alumni, donors, and industry leaders.

The Strategic Initiatives Specialist will play a key role in helping launch and support new initiatives focused on family offices, asset allocation, and industry engagement. The position will work closely with Mayo Center leadership, faculty, and cross-functional partners across Darden and the University to execute strategic projects, coordinate events and stakeholder engagement efforts, and support ongoing center operations.

This role reports to the Executive Director of the Mayo Center for Asset Management and works collaboratively with faculty leadership, including the Mayo Center Academic Directors and affiliated faculty.

This is a wage position without benefits, averaging 20 hours per week.

Primary responsibilities:

Strategic Initiative Development

• Support the development and implementation of new strategic initiatives related to family offices and asset allocation.
• Assist in the planning and approval process for a new Family Office course in collaboration with faculty partners.
• Coordinate stakeholder engagement, timelines, communications, and project management activities tied to emerging Mayo Center priorities.
• Help identify opportunities to expand Darden's presence and thought leadership within the family office and asset allocation ecosystem.

Events and External Engagement

• Coordinate the planning and execution of a new Darden/UVA Asset Allocation Roundtable, including events anticipated in Fall 2026 and Spring 2027.
• Support the development of a potential signature event focused on managing family offices, including topics related to investing, governance, and operations.
• Cultivate relationships with Mayo Center donors, alumni, and industry leaders to deepen engagement and strengthen the Mayo Center network.
• Partner with Darden Communications & Marketing and Advancement teams to support outreach, visibility, and event communications.

Faculty and Student Support

• Assist faculty with strategic programming, speaker outreach, and external engagement opportunities connected to asset management initiatives.
• Support student-facing activities and programs related to asset management, investing, and career exploration.
• Coordinate logistics and operational support for workshops, meetings, speaker events, and other Mayo Center programming.

Operational Support

• Support ongoing Mayo Center operations and cross-functional initiatives in collaboration with Darden colleagues and partners.
• Help manage communications, scheduling, project tracking, and follow-up activities across multiple concurrent initiatives.
• Maintain strong coordination and communication across stakeholders to ensure timely execution of priorities and deliverables.
• Contribute to a collaborative, team-oriented culture aligned with Darden's mission and values.

The anticipated hiring range is $32. 00 - $34.00 per hour.

This is a wage position which is not eligible for leave or other benefits and is limited to 1500 hours of work in a year. For more information, refer to the Wage Employment link: http://uvapolicy.virginia.edu/policy/HRM-029.

To apply, please submit an application online at https://jobs.virginia.edu and attach a current CV/Resume and Cover Letter. Search on requisition number: R0084574.

Internal applicants may search and apply for jobs on the UVA Internal Careers website.

Questions related to the application process may be directed to Keith Johnson, HR Specialist at fkj2t@virginia.edu.

The University will perform background checks on all new hires prior to employment.

Required Education and Professional Experience:

• High School Graduate and 3+ years relevant experience required.
• Bachelor's degree with at least four years of relevant experience preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Relevant experience in higher education, program management, events, strategic initiatives, stakeholder engagement, or related fields preferred.
• Strong organizational and project management skills with demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to work collaboratively across teams and with a wide range of stakeholders including faculty, students, alumni, donors, and external partners.
• Demonstrated professionalism, initiative, discretion, and attention to detail.
• Interest in asset management, investing, higher education, or related industries preferred.
• Passion for the mission of the University of Virginia and the Darden School of Business.

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA's commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.