HERC of the Carolinas

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.

The primary location of this position is the Cullowhee, NC campus. This position is designated as being exempt from the State of North Carolina Human Resources Act (EHRA).

The Associate Director for Student Programs & Activities reports to the Director of Campus Activities and leads the Student Activities unit at Western Carolina University. This role is responsible for creating meaningful opportunities for student engagement, leadership development, and campus involvement that enrich the student experience outside the classroom.

The Associate Director provides strategic leadership for student programming and leadership initiatives, ensuring alignment with departmental and divisional goals. This position oversees the planning, implementation, and evaluation of more than 100 programs each year that serve over 11,000 students.

This role supervises two full-time professional staff members and fosters a collaborative, high-performing team committed to student development, campus traditions, and building a vibrant campus community.

Key Responsibilities

The Associate Director plays a critical role in shaping campus life by creating inclusive, engaging experiences that foster connection, belonging, and student success.

Experience supervising full-time and masters level staff, managing budgets, negotiating and reviewing performance contracts, and coordinating large scale campus programs and departmental assessment.

Application materials must be submitted online. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until a candidate has been selected for hire.

Please include a cover letter, current resume and a list of three professional references with complete contact information.

For questions or additional information please contact Jeff Hughes, Director for the Department of Campus Activities, at 828-227-3620.