Associate Director for Student Programs - 004508

Western Carolina University; Cullowhee (NC); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Dental, vision, and health insurance

Retirement plan contributions

Tuition waivers for three courses per year

Free group exercise classes

12 paid holidays

Paid parental leave after service

Job summary

Western Carolina University is hiring an Associate Director for Student Programs to lead initiatives that enhance student engagement and leadership development. This permanent full-time role focuses on planning large-scale events, managing departmental budgets, and advising student organizations.

Candidates should have a Master’s Degree and relevant experience in Student Affairs, along with the ability to work collaboratively and effectively manage teams. A comprehensive benefits package is included.

Qualifications

• Master’s Degree and 3-5 years of experience in a Student Affairs or Higher Education setting.
• Experience in supervising professional staff.
• Legally authorized to work in the United States; no immigration sponsorship required.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic direction for student programming and leadership initiatives.
• Oversee planning and execution of large-scale campus events.
• Manage departmental budgets and ensure financial management.
• Provide on-site event support, including risk assessment and crowd management.

Skills

Leadership in student programming

Financial management

Event planning and execution

Communication skills

Education

Master’s Degree in relevant field

Job description

Associate Director for Student Programs - 004508

Location: Cullowhee, NC

Department: Campus Activities

Position Type: Permanent Full-Time, Exempt from State of North Carolina Human Resources Act (EHRA)

Position Summary

The Associate Director for Student Programs & Activities reports to the Director of Campus Activities and leads the Student Activities unit at Western Carolina University. The role creates opportunities for student engagement, leadership development, and campus involvement, enriching the student experience outside the classroom.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic direction for student programming and leadership initiatives
• Oversee planning and execution of large-scale campus events and institutional traditions
• Support and guide the student programming board and student organization operations
• Manage contracts for artists, speakers, and external vendors
• Serve as a member of the Student Government Association advising team
• Oversee unit’s departmental budgets and ensure responsible financial management
• Direct assessment efforts, including Continuous Improvement Reporting (CIR), to support institutional effectiveness and accreditation
• Serve on the departmental leadership team
• Provide on-site event support, including risk assessment and crowd management

Minimum Qualifications

• Legally authorized to work in the United States; no immigration sponsorship required
• Master’s Degree and 3-5 years’ experience in a Student Affairs or Higher Education setting, including supervision of professional staff

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supervising full-time and master’s level staff
• Managing budgets, negotiating and reviewing performance contracts
• Coordinating large-scale campus programs and departmental assessment

Equal Opportunity Employment

Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, political affiliation, National Guard or veteran status, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and policies, and the policies of the University of North Carolina. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process may request assistance by calling [phone] or emailing [e-mail].

Benefits

Eligible employees have access to a comprehensive benefits package including dental, vision, and health insurance plans; retirement plan contributions; optional disability plans; tuition waivers for up to three courses per academic year; free group exercise classes; discounted campus recreation membership; free vaccine and booster shots; pre‑tax flexible spending accounts; 12 paid holidays; 24 hours of paid community service leave; 12 months of paid parental leave after continuous service; and other resources to support work/life balance.