Associate Director of Residence Life, Student Outreach & Assessment - 003559
Inside Higher Ed, Cullowhee, NC, United States
Associate Director of Residence Life, Student Outreach & Assessment (Job No. 003559)
Western Carolina University Department:
Residential Living About WCU:
Western Carolina University continues to rank high on Forbes “Best Employers” lists each year. 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 receive a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, retirement, tuition waivers, wellness programs, and paid time off. Position Summary
This is a live‑on campus position. The Associate Director of Residence Life, Student Outreach and Assessment is required to reside in university‑provided housing on the campus of Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, NC. This position is exempt from the State of North Carolina Human Resources Act (EHRA). The Associate Director serves as a member of the central management team, advancing the academic mission of the Office of Residence Life, the Department of Residential Living, and Western Carolina University. It bridges academics and residential life by integrating educational priorities into the residential experience while supervising three Residential Case Managers. Key Responsibilities
Lead residential learning communities and departmental retention initiatives that support student success. Provide departmental leadership in staff selection, training, and professional development. Serve as a consultant to residence life staff on academic integration and student support strategies. Conduct comprehensive assessment of residential programs and services to ensure continuous improvement. Develop and deliver training on supporting at‑risk and vulnerable student populations. The Associate Director reports to the Director of Residence Life. Minimum Qualifications
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required for this position
Legal authorization to work in the United States without the need for employment sponsorship. Master’s Degree in College Student Personnel, Education, Human Services, Higher Education in Student Affairs or related field. Minimum of three (3) years of demonstrated experience coordinating student learning activities in a higher education environment. Preferred Qualifications
Two (2) or more years of experience designing and implementing academic initiatives within residential settings. Two (2) or more years of experience in academic support or enhancement roles. Experience developing assessment instruments, evaluation plans, surveys, or data analysis reports to measure program effectiveness. Five (5) or more years of progressive leadership experience in residence life, student affairs, housing operations, or related student‑centered field. Two (2) or more years of direct supervisory experience managing undergraduate and/or graduate student staff. Position Type
Permanent Full‑Time Special Instructions to Applicants
To be considered, you must apply online. Please include a cover letter, resume, and a list of professional references. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until a candidate has been selected for hire. For questions or additional information, please contact Stephanie Sue Rowell at shelmers@wcu.edu. 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. To Apply
Please visit https://jobs.wcu.edu/postings/33462
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Western Carolina University Department:
Residential Living About WCU:
Western Carolina University continues to rank high on Forbes “Best Employers” lists each year. 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 receive a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, retirement, tuition waivers, wellness programs, and paid time off. Position Summary
This is a live‑on campus position. The Associate Director of Residence Life, Student Outreach and Assessment is required to reside in university‑provided housing on the campus of Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, NC. This position is exempt from the State of North Carolina Human Resources Act (EHRA). The Associate Director serves as a member of the central management team, advancing the academic mission of the Office of Residence Life, the Department of Residential Living, and Western Carolina University. It bridges academics and residential life by integrating educational priorities into the residential experience while supervising three Residential Case Managers. Key Responsibilities
Lead residential learning communities and departmental retention initiatives that support student success. Provide departmental leadership in staff selection, training, and professional development. Serve as a consultant to residence life staff on academic integration and student support strategies. Conduct comprehensive assessment of residential programs and services to ensure continuous improvement. Develop and deliver training on supporting at‑risk and vulnerable student populations. The Associate Director reports to the Director of Residence Life. Minimum Qualifications
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required for this position
Legal authorization to work in the United States without the need for employment sponsorship. Master’s Degree in College Student Personnel, Education, Human Services, Higher Education in Student Affairs or related field. Minimum of three (3) years of demonstrated experience coordinating student learning activities in a higher education environment. Preferred Qualifications
Two (2) or more years of experience designing and implementing academic initiatives within residential settings. Two (2) or more years of experience in academic support or enhancement roles. Experience developing assessment instruments, evaluation plans, surveys, or data analysis reports to measure program effectiveness. Five (5) or more years of progressive leadership experience in residence life, student affairs, housing operations, or related student‑centered field. Two (2) or more years of direct supervisory experience managing undergraduate and/or graduate student staff. Position Type
Permanent Full‑Time Special Instructions to Applicants
To be considered, you must apply online. Please include a cover letter, resume, and a list of professional references. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until a candidate has been selected for hire. For questions or additional information, please contact Stephanie Sue Rowell at shelmers@wcu.edu. 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. To Apply
Please visit https://jobs.wcu.edu/postings/33462
#J-18808-Ljbffr