Associate Director, Leadership & Education
American UniversityAbout the role
American University is a student-centered research institution located in Washington, DC, with highly-ranked schools and colleges, internationally-renowned faculty, and a reputation for creating meaningful change in the world. Learn more about American University
Department:
Center for Leadership and Community EngagementTime Type:
Full time
Job Type:
FLSA Status:
ExemptWork Modality:
Hybrid 01 (On Campus 3-4 Days/Week)Union:
ExcludedJob Description:
Summary:
The Associate Director, Leadership & Education advances the mission of the Center for Leadership & Community Engagement by providing strategic leadership in community engagement programs. In collaboration with the Director, this role ensures students gain meaningful leadership experiences while fostering mutually beneficial community partnerships. In the Director’s absence, the Associate Director oversees all program operations. As a student-centered leadership educator, this role cultivates an inclusive campus environment through leadership development, global engagement, service, and community involvement. Key responsibilities include implementing a comprehensive leadership program, coordinating initiatives such as the Emerging Leaders Institute, Sophomore Changemakers Program, and Alternative Break Program, and facilitating leadership training sessions. Reporting to the Director, the Associate Director contributes to Student Affairs, serving on university-wide committees and collaborating with campus partners to enhance leadership development and community engagement. Through programming, presentations, and advising, this role empowers students to become ethical, engaged, and socially responsible leaders. Supervising the Coordinator for Community Programs, student staff, and graduate assistants, this position provides mentorship and professional development to strengthen leadership initiatives. A passion for student development, inclusive excellence is essential to inspiring students to lead with purpose and impact.
Essential Functions:
1.) Leadership Development
Develop and implement leadership development cohort programs in line with inclusive leadership development theories and Engagement leadership competencies, including, but not limited to Emerging Leaders programming, Leadership Development Workshops, and others.
Assess student leader learning outcomes and measure student efficacy, skill development, and knowledge acquisition.
Support student ongoing personal reflection and leadership competency development.
Coordinate with campus partners in supporting students in leveraging student experiences for beyond American University.
2.) Training and Advising
Advises students, staff, and faculty on Alternative Breaks trip planning, providing guidance on program themes, location selection, participant recruitment, and orientation activities.
Facilitates training for student leaders in areas such as group facilitation, cross-cultural communication, inclusive excellence, conflict resolution, crisis management, and reflection.
Supports student leaders in post-trip activism and event planning.
Promotes leadership and professional development for program participants and student leaders of the Alternative Breaks program.
3.) Alternative Breaks
The Associate Director of Leadership & Education oversees the design, development, and evaluation of Alternative Breaks, ensuring compliance with university policies and risk management regulations for students, faculty, and staff.
They monitor updates from the State Department, iJet Security Briefings, CDC, and country-specific requirements.
The role involves creating and revising policies and procedures for global community-based
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