What are the responsibilities and job description for the Associate Director for Student Programs position at Western Carolina University?
The primary location of this position is the Cullowhee, NC campus. This position is designated as being exempt from the State of North Carolina Human Resources Act (EHRA).
The Associate Director for Student Programs & Activities reports to the Director of Campus Activities and leads the Student Activities unit at Western Carolina University. This role is responsible for creating meaningful opportunities for student engagement, leadership development, and campus involvement that enrich the student experience outside the classroom.
The Associate Director provides strategic leadership for student programming and leadership initiatives, ensuring alignment with departmental and divisional goals. This position oversees the planning, implementation, and evaluation of more than 100 programs each year that serve over 11,000 students.
This role supervises two full-time professional staff members and fosters a collaborative, high-performing team committed to student development, campus traditions, and building a vibrant campus community.
Key Responsibilities
The Associate Director for Student Programs & Activities reports to the Director of Campus Activities and leads the Student Activities unit at Western Carolina University. This role is responsible for creating meaningful opportunities for student engagement, leadership development, and campus involvement that enrich the student experience outside the classroom.
The Associate Director provides strategic leadership for student programming and leadership initiatives, ensuring alignment with departmental and divisional goals. This position oversees the planning, implementation, and evaluation of more than 100 programs each year that serve over 11,000 students.
This role supervises two full-time professional staff members and fosters a collaborative, high-performing team committed to student development, campus traditions, and building a vibrant campus community.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide strategic direction for student programming and leadership initiatives
- Oversee the 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
The Associate Director plays a critical role in shaping campus life by creating inclusive, engaging experiences that foster connection, belonging, and student success.
Minimum Qualifications
- Interested candidates must already be legally authorized to work in the United States and will not require any immigration sponsorship or support.
- Master’s Degree and 3-5 years’ experience in a Student Affairs or Higher Education setting and supervision of professional staff.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience supervising full-time and master’s level staff, managing budgets, negotiating and reviewing performance contracts, and coordinating large scale campus programs and departmental assessment.
Position Type
Permanent Full-Time
Number of Hours Per Week
40
Number of Months Per Year
12
Posting Text
Open Date
06/09/2026
Close Date
Open Until Filled
Yes
Special Instructions to Applicants
Application materials must be submitted online. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until a candidate has been selected for hire.
Please include a cover letter, current resume and a list of three professional references with complete contact information.
For questions or additional information please contact Jeff Hughes, Director for the Department of Campus Activities, at 828-227-3620.
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.