Education and Outreach Specialist, LinkB5

LinkB5 is the data system for Virginia's unified measurement and improvement system, Virginia Quality Birth to Five (VQB5). LinkB5 collects information about early childhood care and education (ECE) to broaden and deepen understanding of Virginia's unique needs and resources. It was created through a partnership between the University of Virginia's Center for Advanced Study of Teaching and Learning (CASTL), the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) and the Virginia Early Childhood Foundation (VECF).

In 2025, LinkB5 joined VAConnects for Kids (VAConnects), Virginia's single platform for educators and administrators to assess, track, and report progress using LinkB5, the Virginia Language and Literacy Screening System, and the Virginia Kindergarten Readiness Program.

Position Summary

The Education and Outreach Specialist will act as the owner of the LinkB5 outreach products process, contribute to customer-facing support activities (i.e., VAConnects hotline), and will closely collaborate with colleagues across VAConnects. This person in this role will also collaborate closely with senior project staff and faculty to plan and execute communications content for LinkB5 in VAConnects. They will maintain a deep understanding of VAConnects, stakeholder needs and objectives, and technical systems used to develop and publish content. The Education and Outreach Specialist will be responsible for the successful execution of user guides, how-to resources, and rotating website content for LinkB5 and across additional areas of VAConnects as assigned. Alongside colleagues, they will also staff the VAConnects hotline to provide on-demand support to users.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain a complete working knowledge of LinkB5 and VAConnects, including important dates and deadlines.
• Own the LinkB5 product development process. Create product development plans that align with all pre-existing project timelines, leverage team skills to distribute tasks efficiently, and monitor and adjust timelines for changes in scope, resources, or unexpected challenges.
• Participate in all steps of LinkB5 product creation, including but not limited to how-to videos, guides, FAQs, and infographics.
• Ensure that all products meet formatting, style, technical accuracy, and accessibility requirements before they are finalized and distributed. Seek approvals from senior project staff, VAConnects colleagues, and faculty.
• Build and publish products in content management systems (CMS) and video publishing sites.
  • This position does not require prior software development experience. However, this position is expected to create and publish content through a CMS (Contentful) using markdown, rich text editors, and/or tags. Candidates must demonstrate either existing experience or a demonstrated ability to learn new software or technical concepts.
• As assigned by the Communication and Outreach Manager (COM), draft, revise, and maintain comprehensive Standard Operating Procedures and training documentation.
• Coordinate cross-initiative on VAConnects global resources or additional VAConnects initiatives as assigned. This may include email newsletters, blogs, news articles, presentations (e.g., webinars), reports, and articles.
• Provide efficient, friendly, and actionable customer support to LinkB5 and VAConnects users via phone, chat, and email

• Support ongoing maintenance of the project website. Update content using a CMS, archive publications, and proactively flag and suggest updates.

Additional responsibilities as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree
• 3+ years of relevant professional experience required

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience implementing systems and owning workflows
• Ability to take initiative and work independently
• Ability to collaborate closely with a team in a deadline-driven environment
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
• An attention to detail while implementing flexible problem-solving skills
• Proficiency in use of technology:
  • Microsoft Office applications (Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Excel)
  • Videoconferencing, teaching, or webinar tools (e.g., Zoom)
  • Virtual collaboration platforms or storage (e.g., Notion, Trello, SharePoint, or learning management systems)
  • Video editing and hosting (e.g. Camtasia, YouTube)
  • Accessibility remediation software (e.g. Equidox)
  • Content management systems

• Knowledge of Virginia's early childhood education programming (e.g., VPI, ECSE, Title 1, Head Start) and/or Virginia's unified measurement and improvement system, Virginia Quality Birth to Five (VQB5)
• Experience as a technology support specialist or customer support in an educational organization; using Zendesk or similar Customer Relationship Management software

• Experience with coaching, consulting, technical assistance, and/or training adult educators and leaders in individual and group settings

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 $65,000-$80,000, commensurate with education and experience.

Position Type & Work Location

• This is an exempt-level, benefited position. Learn more about UVA benefits.
• This is a restricted position, which is dependent on funding and is contingent upon funding availability.
• This position is fully remote and may be performed outside of Charlottesville, VA, in alignment with UVA's remote work guidelines. Occasional on-site work in Charlottesville, VA and other localities across Virginia required.

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 September 27, 2026.

Additional Requirements

• 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 R0087637. 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.

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 Danielle Peacock at dmp2n@virginia.edu

Recruiter Contact: For questions about the application process, please contact Melanie Sponaugle at unw5dq@virginia.edu

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.