Job Details

Assistant Director for Student Organizations and Leadership - 240978

Position Number: 7058518
Location: Cullowhee, NC
Position Type: Student Affairs and Services

Assistant Director for Student Organizations and Leadership - 240978

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 Americas Best Employers by State list.
2024 - Ranking in the top 8.5% on Forbes Americas 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 Americas 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 Americas Best Employers by State list.
Western Carolina University is the UNC systems 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 main Cullowhee, NC campus. This position is designated as being exempt from the State of North Carolina Human Resources Act (EHRA).

The Assistant Director for Student Organizations and Leadership reports to the Senior Assistant Director for Leadership Programs. Leadership Programs is responsible for providing leadership development for students at Western Carolina University. This position supports, develops, and implements comprehensive student leadership programs primarily for students at Western Carolina University and collaborates closely with other campus partners.

This position serves as one of the primary coordinators for Recognized Student Organizations and assists with the support, development, and training of student organization leadership. This position will teach up to two courses per year in the LEAD Minor Program. This position will develop and collaborate with WCU Campus Partners to advance DCA leadership programming initiatives, events, and offerings.

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

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required for this position:
Minimum Qualifications:

Interested candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for employment sponsorship or any other immigration-related assistance.
Masters degree required (concentration in College Student Personnel, Higher Education Administration, Leadership, or related field). Degree must be conferred on or before May 31, 2026. Candidates must have 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:
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.

To be considered, you must apply online. Please include a cover letter, resume, and a list of professional references to complete the application process.

For questions or additional information, please contact Paul Hammer at pwhammer@email.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.

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/33535