Job Details

Western Carolina University continues to rank high on Forbes Best Employers lists each year. Including:
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.

The primary location of this position is on the main Cullowhee, NC campus.

The Assistant Director for Leadership Programs reports to the Senior Assistant Director for Leadership Programs. The Assistant Director for Leadership Programs supervises one Graduate Assistant for the Student Activities unit. This unit is responsible for providing leadership development for students at Western Carolina University. This position supports, develops, and implements comprehensive student leadership programs primarily for first-year students at Western Carolina University and collaborates closely with other campus partners. Special programs such as Cat Camp Leadership Exploration and Freshmen Leadership Initiative help challenge and provide growth opportunities for our students. In addition, this unit collaborates with other departments on campus to enrich our students learning opportunities outside of the classroom. The unit also supports the Leadership Minor program by serving as instructors and serving on the Leadership Minor Committee.

Primary Responsibilities

01. Create, implement, and assess leadership programs to serve the general student population at Western Carolina University, with primary focus on first-year students.

02. Supervise, evaluate, and provide guidance to the Graduate Assistant for the Student Activities Unit.

03. Serve as the primary coordinator for Cat Camp Leadership Exploration

04. Supervise and provide advisement to the student coordinators of Cat Camp Leadership Exploration.

05. Teach no more than two classes per academic year within the Leadership Minor, such as the Cat Camp Counselor Training course (LEAD 141), and other select courses.

06. Support continuous improvement initiatives for Leadership Programs.

07. Serve as a member of the Leadership Minor Committee.

08. Assist with recruiting and marketing the Leadership Minor.

09. Perform other duties as assigned.

Must be legally eligible to work in the United States without the need for employment sponsorship.

Masters Degree required with concentration in College Student Personnel, Higher Education Administration, Leadership or related field preferred.

Knowledge and ability to apply leadership theories, concepts, and practices to programs, curriculum instruction, and other activities.

Valid Drivers License.

1. Exemplary organizational skills with a strong emphasis on detail.
2. Experience in planning programs and events.
3. Excellent communication (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills.
4. Ability to prioritize workload according to volume, urgency, etc.
5. Evening and weekend work is required.
6. Strong computer skills using Windows, Microsoft Word, Excel, and internet.
7. Strong leadership and program planning skills.
8. Certification in MBTI, StrengthsFinder, or similar program

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 Coleman Leopard- wcleopard@wcu.edu