Director of Leadership Asheville

Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains in Western North Carolina, UNC Asheville is the designated public liberal arts campus in the University of North Carolina system. UNC Asheville is nationally known for the quality of our student-centered teaching, mentoring of undergraduates in research, interdisciplinary learning, and striving to be an inclusive campus community.
UNC Asheville is committed to promoting diversity and a work environment that encourages knowledge of, respect for, and the ability to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds. Staff members are encouraged to take an active role to engage in the institution's efforts in promoting diversity and inclusion throughout the workplace. The successful candidate is expected to foster an inclusive work culture where uniqueness of beliefs, backgrounds, talents, capabilities and ways of living are respected and welcomed. Women, traditionally under-represented minorities, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Typical hours are Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Occasional mornings, evenings and weekends may be needed to meet program and department needs.

Leadership Asheville was established in 1982 to develop, connect, and engage citizens across sectors of the community. To date, over 1,800 participants from a wide variety of professions have graduated from the intensive nine-month program. As a premier leadership development program, Leadership Asheville seeks a visionary and dynamic Director of Leadership Asheville to lead the program into its next chapter. The new Director will design and deliver innovative leadership development opportunities, cultivate strong community relationships, and promote civic engagement to enhance the vibrancy of Asheville and the surrounding region.

The Director will propose an interdisciplinary approach to learning and a leadership framework that enhances the ability of participants to: deliver compelling vision; communicate with clarity; develop their EQ; strengthen decision-making skills; build accountability; and collaborate effectively. The Director will oversee all aspects of the program, including curriculum development, participant recruitment, alumni engagement, advisory boards, and operational management, ensuring that Leadership Asheville continues to inspire and equip participants to make an enduring impact on their careers, family, and community.

The Director leads the planning and community outreach initiatives for the signature 9-month Leadership Asheville program and develops and enhances additional programs focused on leadership development and community engagement. The Director recruit's participants from different sectors of the community and inspires them to work together to address community challenges. The director also oversees the activities of Leadership Asheville (LA) and acts as the liaison between UNC Asheville and program participants, LA alumni, and LA advisory committees.

This role offers the unique opportunity to shape the next generation of community leaders in one of the most vibrant and dynamic regions in the country. As the Director of Leadership Asheville, you will contribute to a legacy of impact, empowering individuals to drive meaningful change while fostering a deep sense of community connection. A wide variety of backgrounds, experiences, and skills are valued in this role.

Bachelor's degree and three years of experience in the area of assignment, of which at least one is supervisory or in a lead-worker capacity; or equivalent combination of training and experience. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

Key Competencies

Applications must be submitted online no later than 11:59 p.m. (EST) on the closing date for each specific position. Please note that any documents submitted to Human Resources or the hiring departments become property of UNC Asheville and will not be returned. Official verification from each college/university you have attended are required upon employment, and will be requested directly from the college/university by Human Resources or from the National Student Clearinghouse. Any expense will be the responsibility of the employee. Educational degrees must be from an appropriately accredited institution. If no applicants apply who meet the required competency and training and experience requirements, management may consider other applicants. Salary would be determined based on competencies, equity, budget, and market considerations. It is the policy of UNC Asheville to conduct pre-employment background investigations on all candidates selected for employment. If hired, the candidate will be required to submit proof of eligibility to work in the United States. New employees are paid only by direct deposit to the financial institution of their choice.