WCL Associate Director, Weekes Center for Leadership

TITLE AND LOCATION
Director, Weekes Center for Leadership. 12-month, 49% staff appointment. Located in the Department of Applied Economics, St. Paul Campus, University of Minnesota.

Position Summary
The Weekes Center for Leadership in CFANS seeks a dynamic and creative professional to serve as the Associate Director. Reporting to the Center Director, the Associate Director is a key hands-on leader responsible for the design, implementation, and management of the Center's innovative student-facing programs. This position is charged with building a vibrant portfolio of leadership experiences, including workshops, learning certifications, and co-curricular programs designed to equip students with the skills and confidence to excel.

A primary focus for the Associate Director will be the development and launch of the "Ignite & Inspire" peer-to-peer mentoring program, a cornerstone initiative designed to support first- and second-year students through their transition to college. The Associate Director will also work closely with the Director to create other high-impact opportunities, such as a digital externship program and learning modules on essential talent development topics like personal finance, self-leadership, and the application of artificial intelligence. This role is ideal for a student-centered professional passionate about leadership education and talent development.

Key Responsibilities
* Program Development and Management (70%)
o Lead the ground-up development, launch, and ongoing management of the "Ignite & Inspire" peer-to-peer mentoring program. This includes recruiting, selecting, and training junior and senior student mentors; matching them with first- and second-year mentees; and developing a structured curriculum and activity calendar.
o Design, promote, and facilitate a variety of leadership development workshops, non-credit learning modules, and certification programs on topics such as personal finance, wellness, AI literacy, and self-leadership.
o Collaborate with the Director and campus partners to develop a new digital internship program, connecting CFANS students with relevant remote work experiences.
o Establish and oversee systematic program evaluation processes to measure student impact, satisfaction, and learning outcomes.

* Student Engagement and Advising (20%)
o Serve as the primary point of contact and resource for students participating in Center programs.
o Foster a welcoming and supportive environment within the Center's physical space, encouraging student interaction and community building.
o Provide direct support and guidance to student mentors, facilitating regular check-ins and ongoing training sessions.

* Administrative Support (10%)
o Assist the Director with the day-to-day administrative functions of the Center.
o Manage program logistics, including event scheduling, communications, and tracking of participation data.
o Contribute to the creation of marketing and promotional materials for the Center's activities.

Essential
* Bachelor's degree in a relevant field and a minimum of five years of experience in program development, student affairs, leadership education, academic advising, or a related area.
* Demonstrated experience in designing and implementing educational or co-curricular programs for college students.
* Exceptional organizational, project management, and communication skills.
* Proven ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.
* A strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in mentoring and student support.

Desired
* Specialized Certification or Master's degree in Higher Education, Student Affairs, Counseling, Career Coaching, Leadership Studies, or a related discipline.
* Direct experience managing a peer-mentoring program.
* Experience creating and delivering training curricula or workshops for students.
* Familiarity with student development theories and high-impact educational practices.
* Proficiency with technology and its application in program management and student engagement.

Pay Range: $68,640 - $73,840 ($33,634 - $36,182 at 49% time); depending on education/qualifications/experience.

Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor-Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications. Learn more about retirement plans.

Please complete the online application by 10/08/2026 and upload the following documents as PDF files:

1. Cover letter explaining the candidate's vision for this position and how their career goals, training, and experience support their candidacy.
2. Resume
3. Contact information for three individuals who can comment on the candidate's abilities and experience.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.