The Commonwealth Partnerships Team is seeking undergraduate students for wage positions as All Virginia (AVA) Ambassadors to support the University’s efforts to engage and support prospective students from high- need communities across Virginia. AVA Ambassadors will gain practical, hands-on administrative and leadership experience through their role. Ambassadors will work to increase engagement with prospective Virginia students and enhance their college-going experience by supporting AVA initiatives in partnership with diverse populations of prospective and current students, community-based organizations (CBO’s), high school staff, and University staff. Under the supervision of Commonwealth Partnerships staff, ambassadors will perform a range of duties, including conducting community outreach to AVA schools, assisting with marketing and communications needs, and working on special projects that support the Commonwealth Partnerships mission.
Commonwealth Partnerships & All Virginia (AVA)
All Virginia (AVA) is dedicated to helping UVA pursue its vision of being great and good — a University that serves the public, welcomes students from all walks of life, and makes an excellent education affordable for Virginia families. All Virginia is a program of the Commonwealth Partnerships unit within the Enrollment division.
As a part of the All Virginia team, AVA Ambassadors will further the team’s mission, including:
Expanding engagement with college access efforts in schools and communities
Ensuring that the steps to apply and enroll at UVA are clear and approachable
Sharing the academic opportunities available at UVA and how powerful financial aid puts those opportunities in reach
Supporting college completion and career readiness for students from AVA communities
Cultivating on-Grounds experiences that are culturally relevant and responsive to the needs of AVA students
AVA Ambassador Position Description
Outreach Responsibilities
AVA Ambassadors will collaborate with professional staff to create and host initiatives that will intentionally engage with AVA schools and build stronger relationships between AVA schools and the University. Some examples:
Provide tours to visiting Commonwealth Partnerships schools
Serve on student panels throughout the academic year
Support events such as spring group visit days (February 3rd & 24th, March 18th), Days on the Lawn (DOTL), and other relevant Enrollment events
Assist with projects that assess the needs of AVA schools and develop a proposal to intentionally engage with them.
Potentially visit AVA schools throughout the Commonwealth and engage as an alum of the school
Potentially provide FAFSA assistance to All Virginia alumni
Participate in surveys and focus groups about their college-going experience
Communications Responsibilities
Photograph and video events and student testimonials as needed
Create graphics for All Virginia events and newsletters as needed, using Canva
Write post-cards and send emails to prospective students
Serve as representatives in AVA marketing campaigns
Meetings and Professional Development
Attend all trainings and planning sessions, including weekly trainings. Weekly trainings will likely be 3:00PM-4:00PM or 3:30PM-4:30PM every Friday.
Attend the Spring Semester Retreat that will be held on Friday, January 23rd or Saturday, January 24th
Attend all 1:1 supervision and all-team meetings with professional staff
Complete required trainings through the Office of Youth Protection
Attend other trainings and Workday modules as assigned
General Responsibilities
Welcome and assist group visitors in a friendly and professional manner; ensure guests are well-resourced and aware of the services and programs offered by the University
Staff events as needed; help with event check-ins, setup and breakdown of event spaces, and assist with catering needs
Work all assigned shifts and be willing to cover other shifts as needed to ensure full coverage.
Assist professional staff with administrative tasks, such as copying, scanning, and filing documents, as well as special projects and tasks as assigned
In addition to the job duties and responsibilities outlined above, this position will participate in a structured internship experience through the Internship Placement Program (IPP). If selected, interns must enroll in either UNST 3910 (1 cr.) or UNST 3920 (1 cr.). (the courses are offered 9+ times during the spring, offering plenty of options to choose from.)
Through this robust internship experience, students will receive dedicated career support from their supervisor and gain key skills and competencies that align with future job interests. The FWS Internship will look great on your resume and provide the student with impactful stories to share in interviews.
Internships are best suited for students in their 2nd – 4th years.
Terms of Employment
Hours: Shifts are scheduled between 9:00AM-5PM. After hours shifts may occur as early as 7AM or as late as 9PM during special event days and when traveling.
Hours Per Week: Minimum of 5 hrs/wk and up to 20 hrs/wk. Hours will differ based on AVA needs and FWS availability.
Pay Rate: $16 per hour
Duration: Spring Semester 2026. Continued employment beyond Spring 2026 is available and contingent on successful completion of the spring semester.
Position responsibilities may change depending on strategic priorities and the needs of Commonwealth Partnerships.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must be full-time undergraduates
Applicants must be eligible for Federal Work Study (FWS)
Must be in good academic and judicial/disciplinary standing at time of application and during employment
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, and ability to create a welcoming environment
Must be able to perform moderately heavy physical duties (i.e., lifting and setting up boxes and furniture up to 30 lbs.)
Experience communicating and partnering with a diverse group of stakeholders
Preference will be given to students who are alumni from high schools supported by UVA’s All Virginia Initiative, although all applicants will be considered
As part of your application, you will be asked a series of questions and asked to attach your resume.
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.