Associate Director - Office of Student Conduct -

The primary location of this position is on-site in Cullowhee, NC. This position is designated as being exempt from the State of North Carolina Human Resources Act (EHRA). The Associate Director of Student Conduct reports to the Director of Student Conduct and is responsible for supporting the administration, coordination, and continuous improvement of the University's student conduct process, with a primary focus on case management, education, and campus collaboration. The role manages a personal caseload of conduct matters involving both individual students and student organizations, including minor and serious violations, formal hearings, and resolution agreements. The Associate Director is one of two (2) individuals within the department to hear conduct cases where the outcome may be University suspension, and cases that allege non-Title IX sexual misconduct. The position serves as the primary hearing officer for cases involving student organizations and regularly presents cases before hearing boards in accordance with institutional policy and applicable law. The position supports the educational mission of the Office of Student Conduct by developing and delivering training, presentations, and outreach to students, faculty, and staff regarding the Code of Student Conduct, student rights and responsibilities, and related procedures. The role may supervise and train graduate assistants and serves as a key operational contact in the absence of the Director. The Associate Director contributes to the ongoing review, assessment, and refinement of the Code of Student Conduct and related processes to ensure compliance with federal and state law, as well as alignment with institutional priorities. Responsibilities include assisting in the preparation and distribution of reports consistent with legal and policy requirements (e.g., Clery Act reporting obligations), participating in departmental assessment and strategic planning, and serving on University and Student Affairs committees. As a primary liaison to campus departments as needed/assigned, the position provides guidance on organizational conduct and accountability. The role also collaborates with campus partners on matters related to student behavior, safety, and community standards. The Associate Director maintains current knowledge of emerging trends, legal developments, and best practices in student conduct administration, case management, and student rights. Additionally, the role supports the ongoing development and communication of the Office of Student Conduct's initiatives and identity. Other duties may be assigned as needed to support departmental and divisional goals. Minimum Qualifications Legal authorization to work in the United States without the need for current or future employment sponsorship. Master's degree in Student Affairs, Higher Education Administration, Counseling, Education, or a closely related field. At least two (2) years of professional experience in student conduct, behavior adjudication, investigations, or a closely related area. Demonstrated ability to manage sensitive situations and facilitate complex or high-conflict conversations with professionalism, discretion, and sound judgment. Working knowledge of applicable federal and state laws and regulations, including the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), Title IX, and the Clery Act. Exceptional oral/written communication skills (reports, case notes, rationale, public presentations). Preferred Qualifications Two (2) or more years of full-time, professional experience specifically in student conduct administration. Experience working with residential communities, fraternity and sorority life, and/or student organizations in a conduct or advisory capacity. Familiarity with student development theory and established best practices in student conduct administration. Experience running investigations involving sexual misconduct, organizational abuses, and hazing/harassment. Demonstrated ability to use data to evaluate the effectiveness of processes and advocate for policy/procedural changes. Position Type Permanent Full-Time Number of Hours Per Week 40 Number of Months Per Year 12 Posting Text Open Date 04/13/2026 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 Paul Engler at pengler@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. 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.