Director, Charlotte Campus Operations & Engagement

Wake Forest University•Charlotte, NC

23h•Onsite

About The Position

Wake Forest University is expanding its presence and impact in one of the nation’s fastest-growing regions through the development of the Wake Forest University Charlotte Campus at The Pearl Innovation District. The Director of Charlotte Campus Operations & Engagement will serve as a key on-the-ground leader in Charlotte — overseeing study-away programs, staffing the Charlotte Coordinating Council, supporting the expansion of future academic offerings, nurturing civic and corporate relationships, and ensuring the campus operates as a vibrant hub for students, faculty, alumni, and partners. This role is ideal for a collaborative leader who thrives in complex environments and is energized by the opportunity to support the development of a major university presence in Charlotte.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and 7 or more years of related experience in higher education, program management, corporate or community engagement, academic administration, or related fields, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Demonstrated success leading cross-functional initiatives and collaborating with diverse stakeholder groups.
Strong communication, organizational, and project management skills.
Maturity and professionalism to represent the University effectively in high-visibility external settings.
Ability to thrive in a dynamic, entrepreneurial environment with evolving responsibilities.
Ability to work flexible hours, including occasional nights and weekends for events or partner engagements.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with Wake Forest programs, the Charlotte region, and/or Wake Forest alumni and partner networks.
Advanced degree and significant professional experience (typically 10+ years) preferred.
Experience working with corporate, civic, nonprofit, or higher education partners is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

Provide on-site leadership to Charlotte-based study-away programs for undergraduate and graduate students from Winston-Salem.
Partner with academic units and the Wake Forest Center for Global Programs & Studies to support Charlotte-based study-away and immersive learning experiences, managing space planning, partner engagement, staffing needs, and student housing needs.
Collaborate with our Employer Relations and Office of Personal & Career Development teams to secure meaningful internship opportunities for program participants and ensure overall student experience considerations are effectively addressed by coordinating and executing student life and co-curricular programming initiatives.
Ensure strong communication and alignment with Winston-Salem-based academic and administrative units by serving as the primary staff lead for the Charlotte Coordinating Council, the University’s standing body for coordination and communication of Charlotte-based activities.
Translate Charlotte Coordinating Council guidance into actionable plans by coordinating with academic units, university advancement, employer relations, student experience teams, and other university offices.
Provide support to home campus academic units as they explore, plan, and execute new Charlotte-based programming.
Serve as a welcoming ambassador and resource for faculty, students, alumni, staff, administrators, and external partners using the Charlotte Campus.
Provide coordination and logistical support for key events and gatherings organized by Winston-Salem-based university teams.
Serve as the main point of contact for Winston-Salem based units that do not have presence in Charlotte.
Represent Wake Forest’s Charlotte programs and the broader university in select civic and community groups and convenings.
Partner with University Marketing and Communications (and unit-based marketing teams) to elevate Wake Forest’s presence and visibility in the Charlotte region.
Shape content for the Charlotte Campus website, newsletter, and other communication channels.