The EdPolicyWorks (EPW) Center at the University of Virginia (UVA) is seeking a Managing Director to play a central role in advancing EPW’s research mission through research translation, external engagement, grant strategy, alongside a smaller portfolio of operational continuity responsibilities. EPW is a joint collaboration between the UVA School of Education and Human Development (EHD) and the Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy (Batten). EPW seeks to bring together faculty from across UVA to focus on important questions of educational policy. This position is available for in-person work only and would start around August 2026. This is a salaried position with full UVA benefits.

The Managing Director will oversee and coordinate day-to-day Center operations, toward the ultimate goal of sustaining a thriving intellectual community where affiliated faculty and their research teams conduct high-quality, impactful education policy research. The position’s responsibilities will be distributed approximately as follows: 40% strategic, policy-facing, program administration; 40% research translation and external engagement; 20% operational continuity responsibilities. Typical responsibilities may include:

1. Research Translation & Strategic Communications

 Synthesize empirical findings for policymakers, funders, and practitioners

 Contribute to briefs, reports, and multi-platform dissemination strategies

 Interprets empirical findings for non-academic audiences

 Shape messaging that accurately conveys the policy relevance of EPW’s work

2. Center-Level Strategy and Portfolio Planning

 Helping identify research priorities

 Assessing alignment between emerging projects and state/federal policy needs

 Advising on dissemination pathways and partnership opportunities

3. External Representation and Relationship Management

 Coordinating with director to represent EPW to state and district education agencies

 Engaging national nonprofits, research organizations, and policy intermediaries

 Serving as a liaison within multi-institution partnerships

4. Policy Landscape Monitoring and Strategic Positioning

 Tracking state and federal education policy developments

 Advising on implications for EPW’s research opportunities and partnerships

 Supporting EPW’s identity as a policy-relevant contributor in Virginia and nationally

5. Grant Development and Funder Relations

 Participate in developing grant narratives and framing research relevance

 Participate in aligning proposals with funder priorities and evidence standards

  Supporting planning for EPW’s long-term sustainability

6. Operational Responsibilities 20%

 Coordination of hiring logistics and onboarding workflows

 Oversight of HR processes in collaboration with School of Education and Human Development and Batten HR partners (the role coordinates with HR professionals but does not serve as an HR specialist)

 Event coordination for research-sharing activities and the EPW speaker series including logistics such as travel arrangements, vendor coordination, and execution of occasional center events (e.g., annual gatherings)

 Organization of center communications (listservs, newsletters, website updates)

 Tracking operational milestones and supporting director-led action items

 Space management, facilities coordination, and IT liaison work

 Reviewing expenditures and supporting routine financial administrative tasks in coordination with the EPW Financial Administrator

Minimum Requirements

Education: Master's degree required; Bachelor's degree plus combination of education/certification/experience may be considered in lieu of Master's degree as specified by position.

Experience: 2+ years of relevant experience required.

Preferred Education 
Education: Ph.D. in education policy or a related field
 

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.

Salary Range: The anticipated hiring range is $75,000-$83,000,commensurate with education and experience.

Exemption Status: This is an exempt-level, benefited position. Learn more about UVA benefits.

Funding Details: This is a restricted position, which is dependent on funding and is contingent upon funding availability. This position has a term limit of 1 year after which continued employment will depend on department need and funding.

Work Arrangement: This position is based in Charlottesville, VA, and must be performed fully on-site.

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 February 17th, 2026.

Background Check: Background checks will be conducted on all new hires prior to employment.

Visa Sponsorship: This position will not consider candidates who require immigration sponsorship now or in the future.

How to Apply: Please apply online, by searching for requisition number R0080394. 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: Search and apply for jobs on the UVA Internal Careers website. 

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. 

Department Contact: For questions about the position, please contact Dr. Allison Atteberry.

Recruiter Contact: For questions about the application process, please contact Margaret Weeks.

 

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.