Associate Director of Student Life for Spirit and Traditions

Ball State University

Muncie, IN

ID: 7293973 (Ref.No. BSU45742)
Posted: Newly posted
Application Deadline: Open Until Filled

Job Description

The Associate Director of Student Life for Spirit and Traditions will oversee the development, execution, and promotion of programming designed to foster school spirit, maintain campus traditions, and enhance student engagement at Ball State University. The Associate Director will provide direction and leadership in the development of signature events and campus traditions, and collaborate with university departments to strengthen school spirit and traditions. This position will develop and manage operation and programming budgets, develop curricula for programs, and ensure the continuation of important campus traditions.

Join Ball State University as the Associate Director of Student Life for Spirit and Traditions and become a key leader in shaping the Ball State experience! This exciting role offers the opportunity to develop and lead signature campus events that fuel school spirit and uphold beloved Cardinal traditions. As the Associate Director, you’ll collaborate with campus partners, manage vibrant programming, mentor student leaders, and oversee initiatives that unite and inspire our diverse student body. Bring your passion for student engagement, event planning, and community-building to a role where you can make a lasting impact on campus life and contribute to the legacy of Ball State traditions!

Job Function:

The Associate Director of Student Life for Spirit and Traditions will oversee the development, execution, and promotion of programming designed to foster school spirit, maintain campus traditions, and enhance student engagement at Ball State University. The Associate Director will provide direction and leadership in the development of signature events and campus traditions, and collaborate with university departments to strengthen school spirit and traditions. This position will develop and manage operation and programming budgets, develop curricula for programs, and ensure the continuation of important campus traditions.

Minimum Education:

Master's degree from an accredited institution.

Preferred Education:

Master's degree in student affairs administration, higher education administration, college student personnel or related field.

Minimum Experience:

At least three years of professional work experience in college student programming, student activities, or closely related area.

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Responsible for the selection, training and supervision of staff; professional, support, graduate assistants and students.
  • Prepare, manage, and monitor the budget for spirit and traditions programming. Allocate financial resources effectively, ensuring fiscal responsibility and maximizing the impact of student life initiatives.
  • Support the Assistant Vice President and Director of Student Life in development and execution of departmental budget including coordinating efforts to secure external funding to support programming, as needed.
  • Design, implement, and assess large-scale events and initiatives that promote school spirit and uphold Ball State’s traditions, including programming for Weeks of Welcome, Homecoming, Tailgating, Carnival and other campus celebrations.
  • Partner with marketing and communications teams to promote events and increase awareness of campus traditions through social media and campus outreach.
  • Co-advise Student Government Association with the Assistant Vice President and Director of Student Life.
  • Serve as the primary liaison to student organizations, alumni relations, athletics, and other university departments to coordinate joint efforts in promoting campus spirit and traditions.
  • Oversee the creation of new traditions and activities that encourage student involvement and pride in the university.
  • Negotiate all contractual agreements with performers, agents and vendors related to spirit and tradition programming; ensure all contractual terms are fulfilled and payments are made in a timely manner.
  • Develop and implement curricula for spirit-based student programs to enhance students' organizational skills, teamwork, and school pride.
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of spirit and traditions programs through surveys, attendance tracking, and other assessment tools.
  • Prepare reports on program outcomes, student engagement, and budget expenditures for the Assistant Vice President and Director of Student Life and university leadership.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned.


At Ball State University, we recognize inclusive excellence as an integral endeavor to fulfill our University’s mission and our strategic plan. We recruit, support, and retain a diverse population of students, faculty, and staff. We encourage and reward diversity of thought. We promote a work environment that encourages and rewards innovation and creativity. We pledge to keep Inclusive Excellence at the highest level of institutional importance and as a foundation in all that we strive to do. Our over-arching goal for Inclusive Excellence is to adopt a university-wide Inclusive Excellence approach to academic, administrative support, and service functions of the university. We believe Inclusive Excellence must be infused in every step we take.