Associate Director

Associate Director of the Norfolk Student Center and Student Engagement

Tidewater Community College has served South Hampton Roads – both students and employers – for 50 years. It has grown from 1 campus into a regional educational and economic force. TCC is the largest provider of higher education and workforce services in Hampton Roads, enrolling nearly 25,000 students in 2024-25. Founded in 1968 as a part of the Virginia Community College System, Tidewater Community College (TCC) services South Hampton Roads with 4 campuses in Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, and Virginia Beach, 7 regional centers and 2 important cultural institutions. The college had 3,399 graduates in 2024-2025, 40 percent of whom pursued degrees that would let them transfer to 4-year institutions. Of South Hampton Roads residents enrolled in higher education 33% enrolled at TCC. TCC’s institutional accreditation is affirmed through 2027 by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Reporting to the Dean of Student Life and Conduct, the Associate Director serves as the primary administrator responsible for the effective operation and day-to-day management of the Norfolk Student Center, which includes collaborating with Facilities and other departments as necessary.

The Associate Director works collaboratively with campus and college leadership to ensure the Student Center provides a welcoming, inclusive environment that supports student engagement and campus life.

In addition, the Associate Director provides strategic leadership for student programming across all campuses through supervision of the Student Life programming team and oversight of the collegewide programming budget. The Associate Director coordinates cross-campus programming initiatives, establishes shared planning practices for campus engagement, and supports the development of innovative programming that strengthens student connections and community across the college.

Working closely with Student Center Associate Directors at other campuses and college leadership, the Associate Director helps ensure student engagement initiatives align with institutional priorities and contribute to a vibrant student experience at Tidewater Community College.

FUNCTIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Provide strategic oversight and daily management of the Norfolk Student Center, including supervision of staff, coordination of engagement activities, and collaboration with campus partners to ensure the facility supports student connection, campus programming, and a welcoming, student-centered environment.
2. Provide oversight of the effective use and stewardship of the Norfolk Student Center facility by coordinating event space utilization, supporting campus partners in using the facility, and ensuring engagement spaces support student connection, programming, and campus life.
3. Oversee financial management for student programming initiatives by managing budgets, monitoring expenditures, and ensuring compliance with institutional financial policies and responsible stewardship of Student Life resources.
4. Provide leadership for the development, coordination, and implementation of student engagement programming across all campuses, supporting signature events, collaborative initiatives, and innovative programming that strengthen student participation and community across the college.
5. Lead and support the Student Life programming team through direct supervision, mentorship, coordination of programming initiatives, and the establishment of consistent planning practices and engagement strategies across campuses.
6. Promote continuous improvement of student engagement initiatives by monitoring participation data, evaluating program outcomes, and using assessment findings to inform strategic planning and program development.
7. Collaborate with Student Center Associate Directors, campus leadership, faculty, and institutional partners to support coordinated engagement efforts and initiatives that strengthen student participation, belonging, and campus life.
8. Provide strategic direction for student engagement and programming initiatives by identifying emerging opportunities, aligning programming efforts with institutional priorities, and fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement within Student Life.
9. Represent Student Life on campus committees, institutional initiatives, and community partnerships related to student engagement and campus programming.
10. Ensure programming and events across campuses adhere to institutional policies, safety guidelines, and applicable regulations while supporting safe and successful student engagement activities.
11. Perform other tasks related to the Student Center as assigned by the Dean of Student Life and Conduct.

KSA’s/Required Qualifications

1. Master’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university in higher education administration, student affairs, counseling, leadership, or a closely related field.
2. Demonstrated experience in student engagement, campus programming, student life, or student center operations within a higher education environment, including supervision of professional staff and support of staff development and performance management.
3. Experience planning, coordinating, and implementing student engagement programs or large-scale campus events.
4. Demonstrated experience managing budgets and ensuring compliance with institutional financial policies and procurement procedures.
5. Strong leadership, organizational, and project management skills with the ability to coordinate multiple initiatives simultaneously.
6. Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with faculty, staff, and campus leadership to support student engagement and success.
7. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare reports, presentations, and program documentation.
8. Demonstrated commitment to fostering an inclusive and welcoming campus environment that supports student connection and belonging.
9. Ability to analyze program data and utilize assessment results to inform planning and improvement of student engagement initiatives.

Additional Considerations

• Experience working in a community college environment.
• Experience coordinating collegewide or multi-campus student engagement initiatives.
• Experience supporting or managing student center operations or campus engagement facilities.
• Experience supervising or coordinating programming teams or cross-functional staff.
• Experience managing large-scale or signature campus programming initiatives.
• Familiarity with student engagement platforms, event management systems, and student life programming tools.

For full description and to apply, please go to

The Virginia Community College System (VCCS) provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, political affiliation, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or other non-merit factors.

Salary/Compensation: $78,300 - $90,000 per year