Position: Ethics Program Associate (Student Wage)
Department: Office of the Vice Provost for Academic Outreach
Employment Status: Temporary/Part-time/Non-Exempt
Hourly Rate: $20 per hour
Overview: The Office of the Vice President for Research (VPR), Director of Research Integrity and Ethics advises the research community to conduct research responsibly and collaborates with key stakeholders across the university. For example, OVPR supports the programming goals and ethics education within an emerging ethics track within the Graduate Public Service Fellows – a new initiative of Public Service Pathways.
Public Service Pathways is a collaboration between the Office of the Provost, Student Affairs, Madison House, and Karsh Institute of Democracy. Launched in Fall 2022, the Public Service Pathways program is designed to help students connect to public service as a personal commitment, a lifelong practice, and even a career. More recently, new Pathways programs have focused on professional development and the ethics of service for graduate students. Graduate students become more equipped with the competencies and skills necessary to impact meaningful and positive change in society via practical ethics.
We are looking for a graduate student with a passion for service and ethics with strong communication skills to support the development of ethics programming and serve as a liaison between OVPR and Pathways. Generally, the associate is not expected to work more than 10 hours per week. However, the position could fill 20 hours a week if additional projects are identified.
The Ethics Program Associate will support administration and educational events planning for the Graduate Public Service Fellows. An associate will help establish and deliver:
- Outreach and recruitment for the pilot program launch in Fall 2026
- Strategic promotion to grads committed to ethical leadership across the UVA schools
- Identifying pockets of programs with shared values/synergies/alignment
- Discrete recruitment tasks during the months of April and May 2026 and being a resource to fellowship applicants while Associate Director is on leave during those months
- Assistance with Advisory Board management (in addition to administrative support, the intern would also have access to help us think through the Ethical Leadership track as a part of stewarding this board)
- Conceptualization and planning around the Ethical Leadership track as well as the other tracks on how to share knowledge from GPS Fellows back to each school
- Administrative support for program needs during April & May 2026:
- Space reservations and speaker/guest invitations for Fall 2026 dinner series
- Preparing materials and/or standing in for any admit days hosted by schools for incoming graduate students to market the fellowship
- Supporting any standing up of systems within places like Canvas or on the Pathways website
The position allows for the associate’s involvement in additional projects in support of the Office of the Vice President for Research according to interest and availability. We offer flexibility to work remotely and accommodate your school schedule. The job will require attendance at meetings in person, or events, on occasion.
Requirements:
- Pursuing graduate studies at the University of Virginia - preferably with experience and interest in and/or professional experience with ethics, service, or leadership development
- Proficient in written and verbal communication
- Motivated to identify and learn new integrity and ethics issues and approaches
International Students: International students must have the appropriate and valid visa status and work authorization to be employed while enrolled at the University of Virginia.
Reporting: This position reports to Jesse McCain – Associate Director of the Public Service Pathways program.
Application Process: Please provide a cover letter and resume with your application.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Education: Bachelor's degree. Registered as a UVA graduate student.
Experience: none
Licensure: None
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
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.
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.
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