Associate Director

Ball State University; United States; On-site; USD 68,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Health and dental insurance

Retirement benefits

Tuition assistance for dependents

Tuition for employee up to 100%

Job summary

Ball State University’s E. B. and Bertha C.

Ball Center seeks an Associate Director to lead operations and implement a results-driven strategic plan that expands lifetime learning enrollments and community engagement. This on-campus role requires strong leadership, fiscal acumen, and cross‑functional collaboration with university partners. The position oversees programming, marketing, events, partnerships, and staff; you will manage budgets, registration systems, and reporting while advancing

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
• Master's degree preferred; demonstrated leadership in education or program management.
• Strong communication, organizational and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Direct the overall operations of the Ball Center and lead development of a strategic plan to increase lifetime learning enrollments.
• Expand outreach by coordinating events, partnerships, and collaborations with alumni and local organizations.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive marketing and communications plan aligned with the University's strategy.
• Oversee event hosting, negotiations, catering coordination, and staff supervision.
• Manage finances, budgeting, and reporting to support center operations and program income.
• Oversee registration systems, course assessments, and data-driven evaluations.
• Coordinate with external donors and internal stakeholders to advance programs and partnerships.
• Lead the Town and Gown Conversations Program and the Holiday Open House.
• Supervise staff, ensure compliance with policies, and maintain historic spaces.
• Prepare annual progress reports and ensure measurable goals across academic years.

Skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Time management

Leadership

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Job description

Position Title: Associate Director

Compensation: $68,000 - $72,000

Department: Office of Community Engagement

About this opportunity

The E.B. and Bertha C. Ball Center’s mission is to provide stimulating intellectual opportunities to the community. These low- and no-cost programs, classes, seminars, and workshops, presented in an informal learning environment, serve as a symbol of the university’s commitment to public service and community outreach. Candidates for searches must have current authorization to be employed in the U.S without sponsorship. This role requires an on-campus presence; it is not a remote position.

What you’ll do and what you’ll bring

Position Function: Direct the overall operations of the E. B. and Bertha C. Ball Center. Responsible for providing leadership for the development and implementation of a results-driven strategic plan, along with its guiding imperatives, that lead to increased and expanded lifetime learning enrollments and opportunities.

Duties & Responsibilities

• 1. Plan and implement cultural enrichment and personal development offerings that appeal to a broad array of lifetime learners and complement other local programs. Includes continually assessing community needs and resources; creating opportunities to collaborate with Minnetrista and other Ball Family legacies; meeting with local lifetime learning providers to discuss potential partnerships; fostering a learner-centered approach in developing policies and procedures.
• 2. Expand the reach of the Center by scheduling and coordinating professional development offerings at the Center, or at other satellite or ancillary locations, that meet the needs of ECI alumni, businesses, government, non-profit organizations, and communities. Includes partnering with businesses and organizations; collaborating with the Alumni Association, the Office of Community Engagement, and the academic colleges to identify potential community engagement/outreach opportunities; integrating local experts and alumni in the development of these lifetime learning opportunities.
• 3. Develop and implement a comprehensive marketing and communications plan for the Center that aligns with the University’s strategic plan. Includes identifying programs and market niches along with appropriate mediums in which to market programs; working in unison with University Marketing and Communications regarding branding and messaging; producing marketing materials and content that promote lifetime learning opportunities (including print, web, and social media); directing and supervising staff who create the marketing pieces and maintain the Center’s web site.
• 4. Develop and implement a plan to promote the Center’s representational space for hosting University-sponsored or community events. Includes using the Center as a venue for learner success and career coaches to meet with Ball State alumni and other adult learners; providing event planning and hospitality services for other university departments and external organizations; negotiating contracts; coordinating with University Catering; directing and supervising staff who provide both assistance with setup and other programmatic support.
• 5. Oversee the historic preservation and maintenance activities for the physical spaces. Includes ensuring conformance with National Registry of Homes guidelines; working with university offices such as Facilities, Planning, and Management and outside contractors to identify, plan, budget, and prioritize activities.
• 6. Work collaboratively with university and external groups to identify and establish clear, measurable goals for each academic year. Includes completing and distributing reports related to enrollment; analyzing and interpreting data; providing recommendations; creating annual progress reports and program evaluations; reporting on the strategic plan initiatives and the unit action plan.
• 7. Direct the accounting and financial operations of the Center. Includes developing and adhering to budgets; monitoring balances in the university and foundation accounts; generating financial reports; identifying ways to financially support the operations of the center through space and event rentals, program income, subscription service, sponsorships, and grants.
• 8. Oversee the registration system for the Center. Includes implementing and managing the online registration system; managing the e-commerce services and reports affiliated with the registration system; administering course assessments; compiling data and sharing results with necessary audiences.
• 9. Direct the operations of the Town and Gown Conversations Program. Includes scheduling speakers and programs that connect the University to the community; developing and implementing a promotional plan that targets potential donors; developing and nurturing ongoing relationships with current and prospective donors; soliciting donations annually.
• 10. Direct the operations of the annual Holiday Open House. Includes securing volunteers and staff to decorate and un‑decorate the house for the holiday season; developing themes for trees and rooms; overseeing the scheduling of volunteers, entertainers, exhibitors, staff, movers, and other University personnel; coordinating with Minnetrista to plan and promote the event along with the Enchanted Luminaria Walk.
• 11. Perform other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
• A minimum of three years of experience in professional development or personal enrichment administration, event management, or similar function; demonstrated financial and budgeting experience; direct supervision experience of staff and volunteers; record of developing collaborative and productive relationships with internal and external partners.
• Historic preservation experience.
• Knowledge of Ball family history, effective presentation and strong organizational and problem‑solving skills.
• Strong written, oral, time management, and interpersonal skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree from an accredited college or university.
• Five or more years of relevant experience in educational programming and/or event marketing, planning, and coordination; progressive administrative responsibilities, preferably in the higher education environment; comprehensive experience in leadership, staff management, and directing a facility; demonstrated success in community outreach and engagement; ability to work with university administrators, current and retired faculty, and community organizations; demonstrated experience administering successful educational programming and support services, particularly for adult audiences.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the dynamics of the relationship between non‑credit education/event services and university operations.

What we offer

• Paid 24 vacation days.
• 12 sick days and 10 holidays a year.
• Plus, our paid parental leave (6 weeks).
• Affordable health and dental insurance.
• Robust long‑term disability and life insurance plans.
• A range of retirement benefits to provide financial security to you and your family.
• We will cover 90percent of your child(ren)’s undergraduate college tuition at Ball State.
• We cover 100percent of the tuition costs for you to earn your undergraduate degree and 80percent of your graduate tuition.
• This offer is good from the very first day you start.
• We can offer you more.

When you work for us, you are family. And to show our support of your family, we will cover 90 percent of your child(ren)’s undergraduate college tuition at Ball State. We do the same for you. In fact, we will cover 100 percent of the tuition costs for you to earn your undergraduate degree and 80 percent of your graduate tuition. This offer is good from the very first day you start.

We can offer you more.

We get it. That's why we've invested since the very beginning in making our hometown work. On campus, find state‑of‑the‑art facilities and one‑of‑a‑kind arts and cultural events. In Muncie, you’ll find a warm and welcoming community with affordable housing and a vibrant downtown arts, food, and music scene.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Ball State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, disability, genetic information, ethnicity, national origin or ancestry, age, protected veteran status, or any legally protected status. Ball State provides accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities who can perform the essential functions of the position. Contact Melissa Rubrecht, Director of Employee Relations, at 765‑285‑1823 for assistance.

Contact Information

People and Culture Services Administration Building (AD), Room G008, 2000 University Avenue, Muncie, IN47306. 8:00a.m.‑5:00p.m. Monday‑Friday. Phone:765‑285‑1834 Fax:765‑285‑8663.