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Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit
The mission of the School of Social Work is to advance equity, transform systems, improve lives. The School’s curriculum supports the mission and recognizes the uniqueness of the region served, including concerns for disadvantaged, vulnerable, and oppressed individuals, families and communities. Classes provide rigorous and evidence-based content, and give students the opportunity to explore theory, learn intervention skills and engage in challenging dialogue with colleagues.
Position Summary
The Assistant Director of Student Leadership and Development at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Social Work reports directly to the Director of Student Leadership and Development and plays a key role in advancing student success, leadership development, and professional preparation across undergraduate and graduate programs. This position is responsible[MC1.1] for designing, implementing, and expanding innovative opportunities that strengthen student leadership, enhance professional development, and enrich the educational experience for social work students. Working collaboratively with faculty, staff, community partners, alumni, and students, the Assistant Director helps create a dynamic learning environment that prepares emerging social work leaders for impactful careers in practice, policy, advocacy, research, and community engagement.
Approximately 70% of the position is dedicated to grant development, resource cultivation, and long-term program sustainability. The Assistant Director identifies and pursues federal, state, foundation, and private funding opportunities; develops competitive grant proposals; cultivates strategic partnerships with external stakeholders; and implements sustainability strategies that expand and strengthen student leadership initiatives, fellowship programs, and financial support opportunities. This position also evaluates program outcomes, prepares reports for funders, and works collaboratively with School leadership to ensure programs remain innovative, scalable, and financially sustainable.
Approximately 25% of the position focuses on assisting with the management and implementation of the School’s Student Leadership and Development initiatives under the supervision of the Director. Responsibilities include supporting student recruitment and selection processes, coordinating leadership programming, monitoring student participation and progress, assisting with budget and stipend administration, evaluating program outcomes, and providing individualized support to students participating in leadership and professional development opportunities. The Assistant Director also contributes to strategic planning, continuous quality improvement, and operational oversight of leadership initiatives.
As part of these management responsibilities, the Assistant Director provides support for the Golden Policy Fellowship Program, one of several signature student leadership initiatives within the School. In collaboration with the Director of Student Leadership and Development, the Assistant Director assists with recruitment, onboarding, student advising, programming, stipend administration, partnership development, and program evaluation to ensure fellows receive comprehensive academic and professional support throughout their participation.
The Golden Policy Fellowship Program prepares future social workers to lead systems change through direct practice, community engagement, management, and policy leadership. The program strengthens North Carolina’s child and family well-being workforce by preparing highly skilled professionals committed to serving children, youth, and families across the state. Fellows may receive up to $30,000 in financial support over three years, including a $10,000 post-graduation investment for graduates who obtain employment in underserved North Carolina communities.
The remaining 5% of the position is dedicated to other duties as assigned, including representing the School on committees and workgroups, participating in special projects and events, supporting divisional initiatives, and contributing to the School’s mission of student success, community engagement, and organizational excellence.
