Assistant Director, Duncan Student Center

The Student Activities Office (SAO) at the University of Notre Dame sits at the center of campus life - designing spaces and experiences where students discover purpose, build belonging, and develop as leaders.

As a key leader within SAO, the Assistant Director of the Duncan Student Center helps shape one of the most visible and impactful student hubs on campus. This role goes beyond operations - it’s about cultivating an environment where holistic student development thrives, where student employees gain meaningful leadership experience, and where social, cultural, and educational engagement comes to life daily.

Reporting to the Associate Director of Facilities, Events, and Services, the Assistant Director provides strategic and day-to-day leadership for the Duncan Student Center and Library Lawn. You will mentor and supervise Library Lawn student managers and attendants, serve as a trusted resource to Duncan Student Center Building Managers and Welcome Desk staff, and act as the primary liaison for coordinating meetings and events in these high-profile spaces.

This is a 12-month, in-person role with some evening and weekend responsibilities - ideal for a professional energized by student engagement, operational excellence, and developing student leaders.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Event Coordination & Facility Management 

• Approve and coordinate the use of spaces within Duncan Student Center and Library Lawn throughout the year. 
• Submit work orders and provide necessary communication with campus partners to ensure smooth events and user satisfaction.  
• Serve as primary liaison and point of contact for building communications to Duncan Student Center tenants throughout the year.
• Host periodic meetings with representatives of departments, businesses, and student group tenants with a designated space in Duncan Student Center.
• Ensure that campus information and details of scheduled activities in DSC are communicated effectively and hospitably to students, faculty, staff, and guests.
• Manage logistics related to opening and closing the Library Lawn venue each semester.
• Coordinate maintenance and operations with Facilities and Building Services departments for Duncan Student Center and Library Lawn.

Student Employee Development

• Recruit, interview, hire, train, and supervise more than 30 student employees serving as Library Lawn student managers and attendants. 
• Serve as a resource for Duncan Student Center Student Building Managers and Welcome Desk Attendants. 
• Oversee student employee scheduling to ensure the Library Lawn is fully staffed during times when the outdoor venue is operational. 
• Meet regularly with student employee groups to review building and services operations. 
• Help coordinate and lead intensive multi-day training sessions throughout the year to prepare student employees for responsibilities in emergency and safety protocol, operational logistics, and to develop a team-oriented work ethic.

Professional Staff Development

• Recruit, interview, hire, train, and supervise a full-time Program Coordinator to assist with the daily operations of the Duncan Student Center operations and programs.
• Meet weekly or bi-weekly with the program manager to review building and services operations.

Campus Partner and Vendor Liaison

• Liaison with campus partners in Building Services, Dining Services, Landscape and Grounds Maintenance, General Services, OIT, University Events, Facilities and Design Operations, and various external vendors to ensure operations and routine maintenance for Duncan Student Center and Library Lawn are maintained to acceptable standards.

As a member of the Division of Student Affairs and the Student Development unit, the Assistant Director, Duncan Student Center, participates as an integral member of a large, multifaceted Student Development team interacting daily with colleagues in the Office of Community Standards, RecSports, University Bands, Family Resource Center, and student media groups.

Qualifications

• Candidates must possess a master’s degree, preferably in college student personnel, counseling, higher education, or a related area.
• Minimum of three or more years of experience in student development, ideally in Catholic higher education, with a focus on facilities management or event management. 
• Exceptional verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills necessary to interact effectively with a diverse group that includes students, staff, faculty, parents, alumni, and the public. 
• Possessing a general familiarity with personal computers and strong organizational skills. 
• The successful candidate will also possess a commitment to formulating educational opportunities, consistent with the mission of a Catholic University founded by the Congregation of Holy Cross.

Additional Information

Salary: Up to $55,000 

Applications will be accepted through March 17, 2026

RESUME & COVER LETTER ARE REQUIRED to be considered for this position. Please add in the attachments section of your application.

The University of Notre Dame seeks to attract, develop, and retain the highest quality faculty, staff and administration. The University is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or age in employment. Moreover, Notre Dame prohibits discrimination against veterans or disabled qualified individuals, and complies with 41 CFR 60-741.5(a) and 41 CFR 60-300.5(a). We strongly encourage applications from candidates attracted to a university with a Catholic identity.