Associate Dean and Director, Pugh Center

Job Summary

The Associate Dean and Director of the Pugh Center provides strategic leadership for Colby’s multicultural center, serving as a key advocate, educator, and campus partner in fostering student engagement, intercultural learning, leadership development, and community building. This role reports to the Special Advisor to the Provost and Dean for Community Engagement, and is responsible for overall leadership, administration, programming, staffing, budget management, and assessment of the Pugh Center.

The Associate Dean and Director leads the day‑to‑day operations of the Pugh Center, collaborates with students, faculty, staff, alumni, and campus partners, and advances the College’s commitment to an inclusive and engaged student experience. The following sections detail the core responsibilities.

• Provide leadership and vision for the Pugh Center and its affiliated student organizations.
• Develop, implement, and assess programs focused on student identity and leadership development, intercultural engagement, community building, restorative practices, and inclusive celebrations.
• Partner with the Special Advisor to the Provost and Dean for Community Engagement to establish strategic priorities, goals, and operational plans for the Center.
• Utilize assessment data, research, and emerging practices to inform program development and continuous improvement.
• Advance the Center’s mission by creating opportunities that support student success, belonging, and engagement.

• Direct the day‑to‑day operations of the Pugh Center, including budget administration, resource allocation, facilities oversight, and program management.
• Supervise, mentor, and evaluate professional staff and student employees.
• Manage financial resources and ensure responsible stewardship of departmental budgets.
• Lead assessment efforts and prepare reports demonstrating program effectiveness and student impact.
• Coordinate logistical planning, operational support, and vendor contracts for Center sponsored programs and initiatives.

• Provide advising and support to students and student organizations affiliated with the Pugh Center.
• Convene and facilitate the Pugh Center Leadership Council (PCLC), a cohort of executive leaders from affiliated student organizations.
• Lead high‑impact co‑curricular programming that supports the persistence, engagement, and thriving of all students, with a particular focus on those from historically underrepresented backgrounds.
• Design and facilitate workshops on equity, intercultural leadership, allyship, restorative practices, conflict resolution, and related areas.
• Serve as a holistic resource and advocate for students, empowering them to navigate institutional resources, leverage campus opportunities, and thrive throughout their college experience.
• Participate in Dean of the College on‑call responsibilities as assigned.

• Design and implement programs with campus partners that foster cross‑cultural dialogue, inclusion, and a sense of belonging throughout the campus community.
• Build and sustain partnerships with academic and administrative departments to support student success and engagement.
• Collaborate with offices including Residential Experience, Admissions, Student Engagement and Leadership Development, Religious and Spiritual Life, Davis Connects, and Class Deans to strengthen support networks and resources.
• Build meaningful connections among students, faculty, staff, community partners, and the Pugh Center alumni network.
• Serve on institutional committees and working groups as assigned.

• Represent the Pugh Center in campus‑wide initiatives and student engagement efforts.
• Maintain awareness of current trends and best practices in higher education and student development.
• Provide leadership for divisional and institutional initiatives related to student engagement, belonging, and community development.
• Advise senior leadership on student climate trends, emerging needs, and strategic…