Career Center

Join a vibrant campus community whose excellence is reflected in its diversity and student success. West Chester University, a member of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, welcomes applications for the position of Assistant Director for the Center for Civic Engagement & Social Impact (CCESI) within the university's new division of Advancement & External Affairs.  

West Chester University, a member of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, is a public, comprehensive institution committed to offering high-quality undergraduate education, selected post-baccalaureate and graduate programs, and a variety of educational and cultural resources for its students, alumni, and citizens of southeastern Pennsylvania. We are a community of educators dedicated to developing graduates who succeed personally and professionally and contribute to the common good.  

WCU proudly offers a positive and purposeful work environment; comprehensive employee benefits including health, vision, and dental insurance along with many wellness programs; a commitment to work-life balance including generous paid vacation, paid sick time, military leave and paid time off for most major holidays; and a University mission to support employee personal and professional growth including a tuition waiver for self and family members, training and development, and advancement opportunities. 

WCU serves approximately 17,000 students at the undergraduate and graduate levels, 23% identify as Hispanic/Latino, Black, Asian, and Native American Indian nations, and 24% are Pell grant eligible. The University has more than 180 international students from 40-plus countries. With approximately 30% designated as the first in their family to complete a bachelor's degree, WCU is among the first to earn "First Forward Designation" by NASPA and The Suder Foundation.  

Under the supervision of the Director of the Center for Civic Engagement & Social Impact, the Assistant Director leads efforts to promote and support co-curricular civic engagement. The Assistant Director is responsible for developing and managing community-based opportunities designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary for effective participation in democratic life as agents of positive social change. The Assistant Director works closely with student organizations and other departments across the university and is also a member of the WCU Resource Pantry Oversight Team – playing a key role in efforts to address student basic needs insecurity.   

The ideal candidate will demonstrate an understanding of theories, frameworks, or best practices for developing active and justice-oriented citizens; excellent communication and presentation skills; the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced and collaborative environment.  

Responsibilities Include: 

• Providing strategic leadership and oversight of the department’s co-curricular, community-based student leadership programs designed to enhance civic knowledge, skills, values, and competencies 

• Developing and coordinating civic engagement training, reflections, and other student development opportunities through the department’s Social Impact Leadership Academy 

• Leading efforts to recruit, train, and retain student leaders for sustained participation in the department’s signature leadership programs, including RamCorps and America Reads Youth Mentoring (ARYM) 

• Identifying and implementing strategic efforts for attracting incoming, new, and existing students to sustained civic engagement  

• Providing oversight and strategic leadership of the Alternative Break Program and the MLK Day of Service  

• Overseeing the curation and dissemination of the RamServe newsletter 

• Developing and administering assessments and evaluations of the department’s signature student leadership programs 

• Leveraging partnerships and networks to support students in identifying postgraduation public service opportunities/careers (e.g., Public Service Career Panels) 

• Developing and implementing initiatives designed to recognize, celebrate, and/or award WCU students for exemplary commitment to civic & community engagement 

• Advising and supporting student organizations interested in collaboration and community engagement  

• Tracking the community engagement projects (and service hours) of campus student organizations  

• Managing the department’s social media accounts/platforms 

• Supporting voter education and engagement efforts, including the supervision of CEEP and/or Democracy Fellows 

• Managing the department’s student employee hiring processes, paperwork, agreements, and log sheets, including Federal Work Study documentation 

• Leading efforts to recruit, train, and retain Resource Pantry paraprofessionals and student leaders   

• Providing daily oversight and supervision of Resource Pantry paraprofessionals and student leaders 

• Developing evidence-based proposals for program changes to inform growth and improvement  

Ask about opportunities to work from home and alternate work schedules.   

Candidates should apply online at https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/wcupa. Application allows for cover letter and resume. (Both required for consideration.) A list of three professional references with contact information will be required of finalists.  

Review of applications will begin immediately. 

Applicants must successfully complete the interview process to be considered as a finalist. 

Developing and sustaining a diverse faculty and staff advances WCU’s educational mission and strategic Plan for Excellence. West Chester University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. 

All offers of employment are subject to and contingent upon satisfactory completion of all pre-employment background checks.