University Innovation Alliance Fellows Program
Join the movement as a UIA Fellow at one of our member institutions!
INTRODUCTION
The University Innovation Alliance (UIA) is a national consortium of public research universities working together to improve student success, particularly for low-income students, first-generation students, and students of color. Our 18 member institutions, spanning from land-grant universities to state flagships, collaborate to develop, scale, and share innovations that drive systemic change.
Since 2014, we have transformed collaboration from a concept into a nationally recognized model for institutional transformation. By sharing ideas, challenges, and solutions, we accelerate innovations that help students graduate. Together, we are on track to graduate an additional 100,000 students over the next decade and have increased graduation rates for low-income students by nearly 29%.
UIA FELLOWS PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The UIA Fellows Program is a full-time, paid university leadership development experience for early to mid-career professionals passionate about transformation in higher education. Fellows work at UIA member institutions, driving student success initiatives, scaling proven innovations, and helping more students access and complete a high-quality, affordable bachelor’s degree.
The program is fast-paced, collaborative, and hands-on. Fellows receive specialized training in process mapping, design thinking, change management, and higher education innovation while working alongside some of the most forward-thinking institutions in the country. This experience provides a launchpad into high-level university leadership roles.
WHO DO WE LOOK FOR
UIA Fellows come with a variety of diverse professional and educational backgrounds. What they have in common is a passion to use their skills to solve the most pressing public higher education problem facing our nation today – educational attainment and the economic prospects of all students regardless of socioeconomic background. The ideal candidate will work well under conditions of ambiguity and be a self-starter to expand projects and integrate into a new culture.
The ideal candidate:
- Thrives in ambiguous environments and takes initiative.
- Excels in both independent and team-driven work.
- Quickly adapts to new institutional cultures and contexts.
- Brings a fresh perspective and a problem-solving mindset.
WHAT YOU'LL DO
As a UIA Fellow, you’ll take on high-impact projects that support both your institution and the broader Alliance. Working under the guidance of experienced higher education leaders, you will:
- Shepherd UIA scale projects related to predictive analytics, proactive advising, financial interventions, and/or career readiness.
- Gain hands-on experience in change management, process mapping, and design thinking through intentional professional development.
- Engage with senior leaders in student success, gaining insight into decision-making and strategy.
- Contribute to at least one Alliance-wide initiative, ensuring the UIA continues to innovate and scale solutions across institutions.
- Support the dissemination of UIA findings, sharing insights on student success innovation across the network.
MEMBER INSTITUTIONS + LENGTH OF FELLOW OPPORTUNITY
Each member institution has distinct needs and therefore manages the search and hiring process with support from staff on the UIA Central Team. UIA Fellows typically serve between one and three years. Current UIA institutions include:
- Arizona State University
- Georgia State University
- Iowa State University
- Michigan State University
- North Carolina A&T State University
- Oregon State University
- Purdue University
- Temple University
- University at Buffalo
- University of California-Riverside
- University of Central Florida
- University of Colorado-Denver
- University of Illinois at Chicago
- University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC)
- University of Massachusetts at Amherst
- University of New Mexico
- University of Utah
- Virginia Commonwealth University
QUALIFICATIONS
Degree qualifications vary by institution, but UIA Fellows typically have:
- A master’s or doctoral degree.
- Two to eight years of professional experience in education, policy, or related fields.
- Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
Successful UIA Fellows also:
- Have a track record of success in academic and professional settings.
- Bring energy and motivation to inspire others.
- Connect diverse people, projects, and goals to drive progress.
- Demonstrate humility and professionalism, particularly in high-level leadership environments.
- Think creatively and iterate quickly to solve complex challenges.
- Have strong project management skills, with the ability to pivot and adapt.
- Are deeply committed to transforming higher education to better serve low-income, first-generation, and students of color.
HOW TO APPLY
Applicants should apply directly to the UIA member institution(s) where they are interested in a fellowship. Hiring timelines and processes vary by institution.
CURRENT OPPORTUNITIES
FUTURE UIA FELLOW OPPORTUNITIES
Want to be the first to know when new UIA Fellowship opportunities open? Send your CV/resume to talent@theUIA.org with the subject line “Future Opportunities” to be added to our mailing list.
While we will keep materials on file, applicants will be asked to submit an updated cover letter and resume when new positions become available.