Assistant Director for Student Organizations and Leadership - 240978
Inside Higher Ed, Cullowhee, NC, United States
Assistant Director for Student Organizations and Leadership - 240978
Western Carolina University (WCU) 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 – Ranked 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 and resources to ensure a healthy work/life balance. Benefit-eligible employees have access to dental, vision and health insurance plans (coverage starts the first of the month following hire), retirement plans, optional disability plans, tuition waivers (up to three courses per academic year), free group exercise classes, a discounted campus recreation membership, free vaccine and booster shots on campus, pretax flexible spending accounts, 12 paid holidays, 24 hours of paid community service leave, and paid parental leave after 12 months of continuous service.
Position Summary The primary location is the main Cullowhee, NC campus. This position is exempt from the State of North Carolina Human Resources Act (EHRA). The Assistant Director reports to the Senior Assistant Director for Leadership Programs. Responsibilities include developing and implementing comprehensive student leadership programs, coordinating with campus partners, supporting Recognized Student Organizations, teaching up to two courses per year in the LEAD Minor Program, and advancing DCA leadership initiatives.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required
Knowledge of leadership theories, models, and best practices and their application to higher education and student development contexts.
Knowledge of student organization governance structures, recognition processes, and co‑curricular program design.
Skill in developing, implementing, and assessing co‑curricular leadership programs for diverse student populations.
Skill in event and program planning, including logistics coordination, timeline management, and multi‑stakeholder collaboration.
Skill in written and verbal communication, including the ability to produce clear reports, promotional materials, and correspondence.
Skill in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel) and general computer applications used in a professional higher education environment.
Ability to serve as a primary advisor and resource for recognized student organizations, providing guidance on policies, procedures, and organizational development.
Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects and prioritize workload based on volume, deadlines, and institutional urgency.
Ability to work collaboratively in committee or team settings, including shared governance and advisory roles.
Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, in support of departmental programs and events.
Minimum Qualifications
Legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for employment sponsorship.
Master’s degree required (concentration in College Student Personnel, Higher Education Administration, Leadership, or related field). Degree must be conferred on or before May 31, 2026.
1–2 years of job‑related experience in a university setting (graduate assistantships, internships, and related student work qualify). Position is projected to start in June 2026.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with student leadership program development and implementation.
Knowledge of campus partnership development.
Position Type Permanent Full‑Time
Special Instructions to Applicants Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until a candidate has been selected for hire.
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 jobs@email.wcu.edu.
University Safety The Western Carolina University Annual Safety Report is available online or in hard‑copy by request at the office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs. The report discusses crime statistics, reporting procedures, security, police authority, crime prevention strategies, university policies on substance abuse and sexual offenses, workplace violence and fire safety.
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2025 – Ranked 1st in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes ‘America’s Best Employers by State’ list.
2024 – Ranked 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 and resources to ensure a healthy work/life balance. Benefit-eligible employees have access to dental, vision and health insurance plans (coverage starts the first of the month following hire), retirement plans, optional disability plans, tuition waivers (up to three courses per academic year), free group exercise classes, a discounted campus recreation membership, free vaccine and booster shots on campus, pretax flexible spending accounts, 12 paid holidays, 24 hours of paid community service leave, and paid parental leave after 12 months of continuous service.
Position Summary The primary location is the main Cullowhee, NC campus. This position is exempt from the State of North Carolina Human Resources Act (EHRA). The Assistant Director reports to the Senior Assistant Director for Leadership Programs. Responsibilities include developing and implementing comprehensive student leadership programs, coordinating with campus partners, supporting Recognized Student Organizations, teaching up to two courses per year in the LEAD Minor Program, and advancing DCA leadership initiatives.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required
Knowledge of leadership theories, models, and best practices and their application to higher education and student development contexts.
Knowledge of student organization governance structures, recognition processes, and co‑curricular program design.
Skill in developing, implementing, and assessing co‑curricular leadership programs for diverse student populations.
Skill in event and program planning, including logistics coordination, timeline management, and multi‑stakeholder collaboration.
Skill in written and verbal communication, including the ability to produce clear reports, promotional materials, and correspondence.
Skill in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel) and general computer applications used in a professional higher education environment.
Ability to serve as a primary advisor and resource for recognized student organizations, providing guidance on policies, procedures, and organizational development.
Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects and prioritize workload based on volume, deadlines, and institutional urgency.
Ability to work collaboratively in committee or team settings, including shared governance and advisory roles.
Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, in support of departmental programs and events.
Minimum Qualifications
Legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for employment sponsorship.
Master’s degree required (concentration in College Student Personnel, Higher Education Administration, Leadership, or related field). Degree must be conferred on or before May 31, 2026.
1–2 years of job‑related experience in a university setting (graduate assistantships, internships, and related student work qualify). Position is projected to start in June 2026.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with student leadership program development and implementation.
Knowledge of campus partnership development.
Position Type Permanent Full‑Time
Special Instructions to Applicants Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until a candidate has been selected for hire.
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 jobs@email.wcu.edu.
University Safety The Western Carolina University Annual Safety Report is available online or in hard‑copy by request at the office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs. The report discusses crime statistics, reporting procedures, security, police authority, crime prevention strategies, university policies on substance abuse and sexual offenses, workplace violence and fire safety.
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