What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Director for Student Organizations and Leadership position at Western Carolina University?
The primary location of this position is the main Cullowhee, NC campus. This position is designated as being exempt from the State of North Carolina Human Resources Act (EHRA).
The Assistant Director for Student Organizations and Leadership reports to the Senior Assistant Director for Leadership Programs. Leadership Programs is responsible for providing leadership development for students at Western Carolina University. This position supports, develops, and implements comprehensive student leadership programs primarily for students at Western Carolina University and collaborates closely with other campus partners.
This position serves as one of the primary coordinators for Recognized Student Organizations and assists with the support, development, and training of student organization leadership. This position will teach up to two courses per year in the LEAD Minor Program. This position will develop and collaborate with WCU Campus Partners to advance DCA leadership programming initiatives, events, and offerings.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required:
The Assistant Director for Student Organizations and Leadership reports to the Senior Assistant Director for Leadership Programs. Leadership Programs is responsible for providing leadership development for students at Western Carolina University. This position supports, develops, and implements comprehensive student leadership programs primarily for students at Western Carolina University and collaborates closely with other campus partners.
This position serves as one of the primary coordinators for Recognized Student Organizations and assists with the support, development, and training of student organization leadership. This position will teach up to two courses per year in the LEAD Minor Program. This position will develop and collaborate with WCU Campus Partners to advance DCA leadership programming initiatives, events, and offerings.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required:
- Knowledge of leadership theories, models, and best practices and their application to higher education and student development contexts
- Knowledge of student organization governance structures, recognition processes, and co-curricular program design
- Skill in developing, implementing, and assessing co-curricular leadership programs for diverse student populations
- Skill in event and program planning, including logistics coordination, timeline management, and multi-stakeholder collaboration
- Skill in written and verbal communication, including the ability to produce clear reports, promotional materials, and correspondence
- Skill in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel) and general computer applications used in a professional higher education environment
- Ability to serve as a primary advisor and resource for recognized student organizations, providing guidance on policies, procedures, and organizational development
- Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects and prioritize workload based on volume, deadlines, and institutional urgency
- Ability to work collaboratively in committee or team settings, including shared governance and advisory roles
- Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, in support of departmental programs and events
Minimum Qualifications
Interested candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for employment sponsorship or any other immigration-related assistance.- Master’s degree required (concentration in College Student Personnel, Higher Education Administration, Leadership, or related field). Degree must be conferred on or before May 31, 2026. Candidates must have 1–2 years of job-related experience in a university setting; graduate assistantships, internships, and related student work qualify. Position is projected to start in June 2026.
Preferred Qualifications
Position Type
Permanent Full-Time
Number of Hours Per Week
40
Number of Months Per Year
12
Posting Text
Open Date
04/06/2026
Close Date
Open Until Filled
Yes
Special Instructions to Applicants
Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until a candidate has been selected for hire.
To be considered, you must apply online. Please include a cover letter, resume, and a list of professional references to complete the application process.
For questions or additional information, please contact Paul Hammer at pwhammer@email.wcu.edu
To be considered, you must apply online. Please include a cover letter, resume, and a list of professional references to complete the application process.
For questions or additional information, please contact Paul Hammer at pwhammer@email.wcu.edu
Background/E-Verify
Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks.
Western Carolina University uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify. Proper documentation of identity and employability are required at the time of employment.
Western Carolina University uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify. Proper documentation of identity and employability are required at the time of employment.
Credential Verification
All new employees are required to have listed credentials/degrees verified within 30 days of employment. All new employees who will be teaching are required to provide official transcripts within 30 days of employment. Transcripts should be provided for the highest earned degree and/or the degree which is being used to satisfy credential/qualification requirements.
EOE
Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will 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 please call (828) 227-7218 or email at jobs@email.wcu.edu.
University Safety
The Western Carolina University Annual Safety Report is available online at University Annual Safety Report or in hard-copy by request at the office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, 227 HFR Administration Building, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7147) or the Office of University Police, 111 Camp Annex, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7301). The report, required of all universities participating in Title IV student financial aid programs, discusses crime statistics, procedures for reporting suspicious or criminal activity, security, police authority, crime prevention strategies, university policies on substance abuse and sexual offenses, workplace violence and fire safety.