Davidson College seeks a skilled and experienced candidate for the Associate Director of Student Activities. The position helps to develop, advise, and support the Alvarez College Union and Student Activities Office through social and cultural programs in partnership with students and campus partners. The Associate Director supports student leaders as a part of the Union Board and the Patterson Court Council (Fraternity and Sorority Life). The Associate Director serves as part of a staff team who build and implement New Student and Family Orientation. The Associate Director supervises the two Assistant Directors of Student Activities. We welcome candidates who have a strong interest in student development and experience in these functional areas.
Job Responsibilities: -Serve as an advisor of the Union Board, the largest campus-wide programming organization, with an annual budget of $515,000 & who produces 150 events per school year. Assist in the overall training of the Union Board and provide regular and ongoing leadership training for Union Board officers and members in their efforts to implement a broad program of social and cultural activities for students. Support the Union Board President, Vice President, Major Events Members, Concerts Chair, Smith Artist Series Chair, and Cats Excursions Chair. in developing late-night weekend programming and major programs such as Fall Fling, Winterfest, Spring Frolics, spring concert, trips to Charlotte, and a multiple event annual performing arts series. Meet with students for weekly one-on-one advising sessions and attend weekly Board meetings. Assist students in coordinating events with technical services, information services staff, and operations staff. Negotiate contracts with agents of performers, speakers, and vendors for events. Supervise program budgets. Oversee Union Board events that occur during the evenings and on weekends as a part of an on-call rotation.
-Supervise the Assistant Director of Student Activities and the Assistant Director of Student Activities for Fraternity and Sorority Life.
-Serve as an advisor for Patterson Court Council organizations. Co-advise the Patterson Court Council Executive Board. Support the four Eating Houses (local sororities) and run the different recruitment processes for those organizations. Work closely with the Dean of Student Office and Campus Police. Assist in developing and presenting trainings for members and potential new members.
-Plan, Implement, and Assess New Student and Family Orientation alongside the Director of the Alvarez College Union and Student Activities and the Assistant Director of Student Activities. Coordinate with campus partners for student and family communication, campus opening, and resource sessions. Collaborate with the Assistant Director of Student Activities in the selection and training of the Orientation Team Members and Orientation Team Leaders.
- Produce the C. Shaw & Nancy K. Smith Artists Series of 2-4 inter/national professional performing arts ensembles each year including overseeing the selection committee with the student chair, contracting and advancing performances with agents and performers, developing residency opportunities for Davidson College and local community students, coordinating production needs, developing ticket sales plans, managing group sales, and developing marketing materials for the season.
-Serve as a resource to all student organizations by advising student leaders on goal setting, recruitment and retention of members, organizational budgets, group dynamics, contracting vendors and artists, and event planning. Facilitate trainings for student organizations.
Approve event requests in WildcatSync from student organizations and promote important events and deadlines. Serve on the WildcatSync implementation team with members of the Student Activities Staff and Center for Civic Engagement Staff. Train student leaders on the various uses of WildcatSync.
-Other duties as assigned. Participate on division committees and task forces as requested and assigned. Assist departments with contracts for speakers and artists as requested.
Skills and Abilities: Successful candidates must possess an appreciation for the liberal arts, the ability to work independently, and excellent communication skills. Candidates should also be detail-oriented and problem-solvers. Must possess excellent rapport with students, faculty, and staff, and administrative management skills. Must demonstrate creativity, imagination, and innovative skills in advising students and have significant experience in management of large-scale events. A comprehensive understanding of student development theory and knowledge of best practices for the administration of student activities and new student and family orientation programs is highly preferred. Strong computer skills required, especially in the areas of student organization management systems, and communication tools. Regular nights and weekends are required for this work.
Minimum Qualifications: At least 3 years of professional experience advising college students in student programming and/or leadership development required (5+ years preferred).
Master's Degree in Higher Education, College Personnel, or Related Field required.
As a part of your application materials, a resume and cover letter are required. Information about how to submit the application documents can be found at
