Associate Director for Student Programs
Western Carolina University Department:
Campus Activities About WCU:
Western Carolina University continues to rank high on Forbes 'Best Employers' lists each year.
Including:
2025
- Ranked 1st in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes 'America's Best Employers by State' list. 2024
- Ranking in the top 8.5% on Forbes 'America's Best Midsize Employers' list, WCU was ranked 34 out of the top 400 employers across all industries. 2023
- Ranked in the top 20% on Forbes 'America's Best Midsize Employers' list, WCU was ranked 97 out of the top 500 employers across all industries. 2022
- Ranked 14th in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes 'America's Best Employers by State' list.
Western Carolina University is the UNC system's westernmost campus and has been consistently ranked as one of the top 15 public regional institutions in the South. Employees of WCU are provided a comprehensive benefits package as well as other resources, policies and programs to ensure a happy and healthy work/life balance. Benefit eligible employees have access to dental, vision and health insurance plans
- eligibility begins on the first of the month following date of hire.
Retirement plan contributions begin on the eligibility date following election and include employer contributions for either a defined contribution or a defined benefit plan. Optional disability plans are also available. Eligible employees have access to tuition waivers for up to three courses per academic year; employee may enroll at any of the constituent UNC System campuses. Also offered are free group exercise classes multiple times per week, a discounted membership to the campus recreation center, free vaccine and booster shots offered on campus, pretax flexible spending accounts, 12 paid holidays and 24 hours of paid community service leave each year. Leave earning employees (staff and 12-month faculty) who work at least half of the working days of their first month of employment will begin accruing vacation and sick leave immediately. Paid parental leave after 12 months of continuous service. WCU offers an abundance of training and development programs, certifications, workshops and conferences
- many of which are offered free of charge.
Position Summary:
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 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. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required for this position:
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 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. AA/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. To apply, please visit: https://jobs.wcu.edu/postings/34252 je-9c3a23a5c4c549bd97f370d516f73d1c
