Job Summary
The Assistant Director provides administrative leadership for program management and operations, working closely with the Executive Director of Centers and Center Director. This role is responsible for the planning, development, implementation, and assessment of major programs and initiatives, including signature event series. The Assistant Director collaborates with internal and external partners to enhance program visibility, effectiveness, and overall impact while supporting daily operational needs.
As a senior staff member, the Assistant Director contributes to strategic planning, establishes short- and long-term goals, and defines measurable outcomes to evaluate success. The role includes shared oversight of marketing, branding, and communications, ensuring consistency and alignment with organizational objectives.
The Assistant Director supervises student staff, including hiring, onboarding, and performance management. They lead cross-functional initiatives, coordinate large-scale programs and events, and serve as a key point of contact for consultation and partnership development with campus and external stakeholders. This position also acts on behalf of the Director when needed and plays a critical role in problem-solving, using data-informed approaches to improve programs and operations.
At Purdue, you’ll join a community where unrivaled pride and unlimited potential are more than just words—they’re the foundation of how we work and grow, together. If you’re ready to help build a better world through research that matters, take the next step and join us on this path.
About Us
When you join Purdue University, you join a community that keeps moving forward. For more than 150 years, we’ve been known for not only our groundbreaking work in STEM research, but also for our collective imagination, ingenuity and innovation.
What We're Looking For
Education and Experience Required:
- Bachelor’s Degree
- Two (2) years of related work experience.
Qualified Candidates Will Need:
Skills Required:
- Demonstrated knowledge of historical, cultural, and student support frameworks within a higher education setting.
- Experience in coordinating cultural, social, and educational programs that engage and support the broader campus community.
- Experience developing and delivering educational and engagement programming focused on historical, cultural, and societal topics.
- Demonstrated ability to design and implement educational initiatives that effectively engage a broad range of student populations.
- Proven experience in program leadership, collaboration with campus partners, and effective program administration within an academic setting.
- Demonstrated competence in print and digital marketing.
- Professional experience advising and creating leadership development opportunities for students and student organizations.
- Microsoft Office Suite and website management
- Curriculum development, implementation, and program assessment
- Student development, mentoring, and advising
- Research, analysis, and strong written and verbal communication
Preferred:
Master’s degree in Higher Education, Counseling, Social Work, Psychology, Communications, or a related field.
Additional Information:
Purdue’s benefits summary https://www.purdue.edu/hr/Benefits/employeebenefits/benefits_enrollment/summaries.php
Purdue will not sponsor employment authorization for this position
A background check will be required for employment in this position
FLSA: Exempt (Not Eligible For Overtime)
Retirement Eligibility: Defined Contribution Waiting Period
Who We Are
Purdue is a community built on collaboration, with global perspectives, Boilermaker pride and endless opportunity to live, learn and grow. Join us and contribute to our culture.
EOE
Purdue University is an EO/EA University