Associate Director

Associate Director

Job no: 499733

Work type: Non-Classified/Professional

Location: Boise, ID

Categories: Student Services, Senior-Level, Student Affairs & Enrollment Management

Department Overview:
The Student Involvement and Leadership Center creates opportunities for students to explore purpose, build meaningful connections, and develop the capacity to lead. Our work includes leadership development, advising and support for student organizations, fraternities and sororities, student media, and student government, service and civic engagement programs, and campus activities. As Boise State continues to grow and evolve, our department is experiencing exciting renewal and organizational growth. The ideal candidate will bring experience in student development, organizational leadership, and assessment to strengthen student engagement efforts, support student leaders and organizations, and foster a collaborative, student-centered team culture.

Job Summary/Purpose:
The Associate Director provides strategic leadership for student organizations, leadership development initiatives, and student engagement programs that foster meaningful involvement and student success. This position oversees the operations of student organizations, student media, and leadership programming. The Associate Director supervises both professional and student staff, leads assessment and continuous improvement efforts, and collaborates with campus partners to advance a vibrant, student-centered campus community.

Please note, this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

Level Scope:
Manages a large team typically consisting of both experienced professionals and subordinate Managers. Focuses on tactical and operational plans with short to mid-term focus; significant responsibility to achieve broadly stated goals through subordinate Managers. Determines objectives, directs programs, develops strategies and policies, manages human, financial, and physical resources, and functions with a high degree of autonomy. Requires broad management and leadership knowledge to lead project or program teams in one department/job family. Proactively assesses risk to establish systems and procedures to protect organizational assets. Determines campus strategies for a program with campus wide impact. May report to an Associate/Assistant Vice President or Dean.

Essential Functions:
Student Organization Oversight and Operations

• Provide strategic oversight and support for more than 200 student organizations and their advisors through training, resources, and operational guidance.
• Oversee student organization processes including registration, event approvals, contracts, marketing, risk management, and daily operations.
• Maintain and update the Student Organization Handbook and related resources to ensure compliance with university policies, laws, and best practices.

Leadership Development and Framework Integration

• Support the implementation of a centralized leadership framework across leadership programs, trainings, and advising practices.
• Design, implement, and assess leadership development initiatives in collaboration with campus partners, including workshops, LeaderShape, and Graduating Student Leaders programs.

Student Government Advising Support

• Provide guidance and support to the Assistant Director in delivering administrative direction, training, and daily advising to the Associated Students of Boise State University (ASBSU), ensuring effective governance, compliance, and student leadership development.

Student Media Oversight and Support

• Provide direct support to the Assistant Director and Student Organizations Coordinator in all aspects of Student Media, including advising student staff, troubleshooting operational issues, software purchasing and management, and ensuring continuity of services.

Staff Supervision

• Supervise, coach, and evaluate professional, classified, and student staff while establishing clear expectations and operational continuity plans.
• Lead hiring, onboarding, retention, and professional development efforts to foster a collaborative and high-performing team environment.

Strategic Leadership, Policy Development, and Assessment

• Contribute to departmental strategic planning, policy development, and divisional initiatives that support student involvement and leadership.
• Lead assessment and continuous improvement efforts through data collection, analysis, reporting, and the implementation of program enhancements and strategic recommendations.
• Represent the department through participation in university committees, initiatives, and events, and perform other duties as assigned.

Our ideal candidate:

• The ideal candidate is a collaborative and strategic higher education professional with demonstrated experience supporting student organizations, leadership development, and student engagement initiatives within a university setting. They possess strong organizational, operational, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to manage complex processes, provide effective advising and training, and support a wide range of student leadership experiences.
• The successful candidate has experience developing programs, policies, and assessment practices that enhance organizational effectiveness and student learning, while maintaining compliance with institutional policies and risk management standards. They are an effective supervisor and team leader who fosters accountability, professional growth, and continuous improvement among staff and student leaders. The ideal candidate is adaptable, student-centered, and solutions-oriented, with the ability to build strong campus partnerships, contribute to strategic initiatives, and support a dynamic and engaging student involvement environment.

Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree or equivalent plus 7 years of experience, including 3 years managerial experience

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Higher Education, Student Affairs, Leadership, Public Administration, Communications, or a related field.
• Progressive professional experience in student affairs, student involvement, leadership development, or student organization advising within higher education.
• Experience advising student organizations, student government, and/or student media organizations.
• Demonstrated experience developing and facilitating leadership development programs, trainings, and workshops for college students.
• Knowledge of student organization operations, risk management practices, policy development, and university compliance processes.
• Experience supporting event planning, contract review, budgeting, and operational oversight for student programs and organizations.
• Experience supervising, mentoring, and developing professional and/or student staff.
• Demonstrated ability to develop collaborative relationships with campus partners, faculty, and administrators.
• Experience designing and implementing assessment plans, analyzing data, and using results to inform strategic planning and program improvement.
• Strong written, verbal, organizational, and project management skills.
• Experience using a campus engagement platform such as CampusGroups, Engage, or similar.

Salary and Benefit s:
Salary for this role begins at $66,705.60, commensurate with experience. Boise State University provides a best-in-class benefits package, including (but not limited to):

• 12 paid holidays AND the University is closed between Christmas and New Year's (requires use of 3 vacation days)
• Between 12-24 annual paid vacation days for full-time Professional and Classified staff depending on position type and years of service
• 10.76% University contribution to your ORP retirement fund (Professional and Faculty employees)
• 11.96% University contribution to your PERSI retirement fund (Classified employees)
• Excellent medical, dental and other health-related insurance coverages
• Tuition fee waiver benefits for employees, spouses and their dependents
• See our full benefits page for more information!

Required Application Materials:

• Resume or CV detailing work history, education, and qualifications
• Cover letter addressing interest in this specific position
• Three references, including at least one direct supervisor

About Us:
Nestled along the Boise River and steps from the state capitol, Boise State University fosters a vibrant and welcoming academic environment that fuels student and employee success. We're a trailblazing institution, nationally recognized for our innovative spirit and commitment to positive impact on Idaho and beyond.

Boise State is proud to be recognized by Forbes as the only Idaho employer listed in the top 100 of all national midsize and large employers. We're building a thriving community of faculty and staff whose unique skills, experiences, and perspectives come together to create a rich and rewarding academic experience. Applications from all backgrounds are welcomed.

Learn more about Boise State and living in Idaho's Treasure Valley at

Advertised: June 18, 2026 Mountain Daylight Time

Applications close: July 2, 2026 11:55 PM Mountain Daylight Time

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