UNC Overview :

Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains in Western North Carolina, UNC Asheville is the designated public liberal arts campus in the University of North Carolina system. UNC Asheville is nationally known for the quality of our student-centered teaching, mentoring of undergraduates in research, interdisciplinary learning, and a welcoming campus community. In addition to award-winning faculty, UNCA has also ranked high in Research.com, US News & World Report and the Princeton Review in 2025. Research.com

• #8 in Best Colleges, #11 Most Affordable Colleges in NC, #16 Best Value Colleges in NC US News & World Report
• #9 in Top Public Schools Princeton Reviews
• #7 in Top 50 Guide to Green Schools Employees of UNCA are provided with 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; employees may enroll at any of the constituent UNC System campuses. Also offered are group exercise classes, and free access to the campus recreation center for full time employees, vaccine shots are also 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.

Classification Title :

Assistant Director for

Union Operations Department:

Campus Life Full-Time/Part-Time:

Full-Time Months per

Year:

12

Months Position Summary :

The Assistant Director for Highsmith Operations is a member of the Campus Life team and reports directly to the Senior Director of Campus Life. This is a full-time, 12-month, exempt position in the Division of Student Affairs. This position provides strategic leadership for the Highsmith Student Union, serving as a key member of the Campus Life leadership team responsible for creating a vibrant, student-centered environment that advances UNC Asheville's enrollment, belonging, and student success goals. The Assistant Director leads operational strategy, directs the student employment program as a workforce development experience, and designs engagement programming that deepens campus connection and complements the co-curricular mission of the Division of Student Affairs. As a member of the Campus Life and Division of Student Affairs teams, this position will uphold the values of the University mission, will focus on the importance of placing people first, and will have at the forefront of their thinking an intentional design for student learning and student success.

Minimum Education/Experience/Skill :

This position requires a Master's degree in Student Affairs, Higher Education Administration, Business Administration, Hospitality Management, or a closely related field. Candidates in the final semester of completing a degree in these fields may also be considered. A Bachelor's degree with a minimum of three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in facility operations, student affairs, or a related field may be substituted.

Preferred Education/Experience/Skill :

The ideal candidate will have at least one to two years of experience in facility operations, event coordination, or student affairs administration in a higher education setting. The ideal candidate will also have strong organizational skills and written and verbal communication skills. Experience supervising student employees or managing a student staff team is strongly preferred. Familiarity with room scheduling and facility management software, student engagement platforms, and departmental assessment tools is desired. A demonstrated commitment to creating welcoming environments that support student belonging and success is expected. Quick Link for

Positing:

9174

EO/AA/ADA Employer:

The Assistant Director leads the Highsmith Operations student employment program as a deliberate workforce development experience, exercising independent authority to recruit, select, and develop a team of student professionals. This position designs and delivers a structured, competency-based training curriculum that prepares student employees with transferable professional skills. As a mentor and supervisor, the Assistant Director holds ongoing developmental conversations, builds individualized growth plans, and creates a team culture rooted in leadership, accountability, and student success.