Assistant Director of Student Activities and Leadership Development, University Center

Assistant Director of Student Activities and Leadership Development, University Center Salary:

$52,000.00 - $56,000.00

Annually Location:

Missoula Mountain Campus Job Type:

Contract Professional Full-time Job Number:

202400695

Sector:

Department:

University Center, University of Montana Closing Date:

6/21/2026 11:59

PM Mountain FLSA:

Exempt Bargaining Unit:

Description The University of Montana invites applications for an Assistant Director of Student Activities and Leadership Development for the University Center . The Assistant Director will provide strategic leadership for campus-wide student activities, involvement pathways, and student leadership development initiatives that promote and foster connection, learning, and campus vibrancy. The University Center (UC) is entering an exciting period of revitalization. Reporting through the UC Student Union, this role is part of a coordinated initiative across the Division of Student Affairs & Enrollment Management (SAEM) to strengthen student engagement, belonging, and leadership development. This role advances a cohesive and coordinated student experience by aligning programming and leadership development across campus entities. Operating with initiative and professional autonomy, the Assistant Director models inclusion, collaboration, and student-centered leadership while balancing strategic planning with hands-on program execution.

Responsibilities will cover five areas:

Strategy Development, Student Activities and Initiatives Coordination, Leadership Development, Program Oversight, and Collaboration and Campus Partnerships. This is a live on optional position . Staff who elect to live on campus participate in the Housing on call rotation. Staff who live off campus do not have on call responsibilities but will still work evening and weekend hours based on programming needs. Examples of Duties and Responsibilities Provide strategic leadership for campus-wide student activities, engagement initiatives, and signature programs by designing inclusive, developmentally grounded experiences that foster connection, belonging, leadership growth, and progressive student involvement Lead the planning, implementation, and assessment of late-night, weekend, and large-scale campus programming in collaboration with UM Housing, student organizations, and campus partners to support student connection, campus traditions, and high-quality engagement experiences Provide leadership and operational oversight for student programs and events through onsite support, risk management, budget administration, and coordination with institutional stakeholders to ensure effective, student-centered programming aligned with institutional goals Lead and assess scalable leadership development initiatives that build transferable skills, embed learning outcomes into co-curricular experiences, and align leadership learning across involvement, employment, and residential environments Advise and develop student leaders, student organizations, and UC student employeesthrough training, organizational development, conflict navigation, and sustainable, transferable leadership practices. Lead, advise, and coordinate the Campus Activities Board (CAB),identified student programs and members. Recruit, train, schedule and supervise student employees supporting student programming and leadership development. Build and maintain collaborative relationships with student organizations, campus and community partners, and institutional committees to strengthen coordinated engagement, leadership initiatives, and student involvement opportunities while using assessment data and best practices to guide continuous improvement Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's degree Demonstrated experience developing, implementing, and assessing student activities, leadership programs, or co-curricular learning initiatives Strong understanding of college student development theory, student engagement best practices, and advising student leaders and organizations Experience with event planning, risk management, budget oversight, and coordinating large-scale programs or events Demonstrated commitment to fostering an inclusive, student-centered environment and supporting culturally relevant programming Strong organizational, communication, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across functional areas Ability to manage multiple priorities, adapt programming during organizational change, maintain confidentiality, and exercise sound professional judgment Ability to work evenings and weekends based on programmatic and event needs Preferred Qualifications Master's degree in Higher Education, Student Affairs, Organizational Leadership, Public Administration, or related field Successful professional experience in student activities, leadership development, or student involvement within higher education Demonstrated ability to design leadership learning outcomes and scalable engagement models Experience working collaboratively within complex, cross-functional environments Strong assessment mindset and experience using data to inform program improvement Additional Information Position is full-time, 1.0 FTE, MUS Contract, and includes a comprehensive and competitive benefits package including insurance package, mandatory retirement plan, partial tuition waiver, and wellness program. Screening of applications will begin after the closing date ; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.

A complete application includes:

Letter of Interest - addressing the stated required skills for the position Detailed resume listing education and describing work experience Three (3) professional references - Names and contact information The University of Montana is interested in receiving applications from people who would assist the University in demonstrating its five priorities for action : Place student success at the center of all we do; drive excellence and innovation in teaching, learning, and research; embody the principle of "mission first, people always"; partner with place; and proudly tell the UM story The Affiliation of the University of Montana (UM Affiliation) is an equal opportunity employer. UM Affiliation does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of protected class status as described in UM's non-discrimination policy and any applicable law. Reasonable accommodations are provided in the hiring process for persons with disabilities. For example, this material is available in alternative format upon request. Qualified candidates may request veterans' or disabilities preference in accordance with state law. Criminal Background Investigation is required prior to the offer of employment. In accordance with university regulations, finalists for this position will be subject to criminal background investigations.

References:

References not listed on the application materials may be contacted; notice may be provided to the applicant. UM partners with SkillSurvey for reference checking. Applicants may receive emails from SkillSurvey to submit reference information.

Testing:

Individual hiring departments within the UM Affiliation may elect to administer pre-employment tests, which are relevant to essential job functions.

Employment Eligibility:

All New Employees must be eligible and show employment eligibility verification by the first date of employment at UM and all affiliated campuses, as legally required (e.g., Form I-9). The University of Montana will require proof of authorization to work in the United States before final hiring. Due to the September 19, 2025 Presidential Proclamation and related guidance from USCIS and the Department of State, the University may be limited in its ability to offer H-1B sponsorship. At this time, we are unable to sponsor new H-1B visas that require payment of the additional fee introduced by the Proclamation. To apply, please visit https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/ummissoula/jobs/5347782/assistant-director-of-student-activities-and-leadership-development-university-c jeid-21d84517a937854b9c318f12779bf24b