Administrative Support Associate - #001940

Western Carolina University; Cullowhee (NC); On-site; USD 34,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Tuition waivers (3 courses/year)

Paid holidays

Job summary

Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, NC, is seeking an Administrative Support Associate (#001940) to provide essential administrative and operational support for the Coulter Faculty Commons. The role requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to handle multiple priorities in a busy office environment.

You will serve as the primary contact for faculty, staff, students, and external partners, manage scheduling and records, coordinate meetings and events, and

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities.

Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive administrative support for Coulter Faculty Commons.
• Serve as primary contact for faculty, staff, students, and external stakeholders.
• Manage communications, scheduling, records, and office workflows.

Skills

Office management

Communication skills

Budgeting

Microsoft Office

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Event scheduling tools

Job description

Administrative Support Associate - #001940

Working Title Administrative Support Associate - #001940

Department

Department Coulter Faculty Commons

About WCU

Western Carolina University continues to rank high on Forbes 'Best Employers' lists each year. Including:

• 2025 - Ranked 1st in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes 'America's Best Employers by State' list.
• 2024 - Ranking in the top 8.5% on Forbes 'America's Best Midsize Employers' list, WCU was ranked 34 out of the top 400 employers across all industries.
• 2023 - Ranked in the top 20% on Forbes 'America's Best Midsize Employers' list, WCU was ranked 97 out of the top 500 employers across all industries.
• 2022 - Ranked 14th in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes 'America's Best Employers by State' list.

Employees of WCU are provided a comprehensive benefits package as well as other resources, policies and programs to ensure a happy and healthy work/life balance.

• Benefit eligible employees have access to dental, vision and health insurance plans - eligibility begins on the first of the month following date of hire.
• Retirement plan contributions begin on the eligibility date following election and include employer contributions for either a defined contribution or a defined benefit plan.
• Optional disability plans are also available.

Eligible employees have access to tuition waivers for up to three courses per academic year; employee may enroll at any of the constituent UNC System campuses.

• Free group exercise classes multiple times per week.
• Discounted membership to the campus recreation center.
• Free vaccine and booster shots offered on campus.
• Pretax flexible spending accounts.
• 12 paid holidays.
• 24 hours of paid community service leave each year.
• Leave earning employees (staff and 12-month faculty) who work at least half of the working days of their first month of employment will begin accruing vacation and sick leave immediately.
• Paid parental leave after 12 months of continuous service.

WCU offers an abundance of training and development programs, certifications, workshops and conferences - many of which are offered free of charge.

Position Summary

The primary location of this position is on-site in Cullowhee, NC. This position is designated as being subject to the State of North Carolina Human Resources Act ( SHRA ).

The Administrative Support Associate provides comprehensive administrative and operational support for the Coulter Faculty Commons and helps ensure the efficient day-to-day functioning of the office. The position supports unit staff and student workers; serves as a primary point of contact for faculty, staff, students, and external stakeholders; manages communications, scheduling, records, and office workflows; coordinates meetings, programs, awards and major events; and supports financial operations through budget tracking, reconciliation, and related documentation. The role requires sound judgment, initiative, attention to detail, and consistent follow-through in a collaborative environment serving stakeholders across the university.

Must be eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required for this Position

• Strong organizational and office-management skills, including the ability to manage competing priorities, coordinate meetings and events, track , anticipate needs, and complete high-quality work accurately and on time.
• Professional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to prepare communications and promotional materials and work effectively with faculty, staff, students, and external stakeholders.
• Knowledge of budget record keeping and financial processes, including tracking commitments and expenditures, reconciling records, and maintaining accurate supporting documentation.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and the ability to learn university systems, databases, event-scheduling tools, and office technology; maintain confidential records; supervise student workers; and exercise sound professional judgment.

Minimum Qualifications

Some state job postings say you can qualify by an 'equivalent combination of education and experience.' If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. High school diploma or equivalency; or demonstrated possession of the competencies necessary to perform the work.

Anticipated Hiring Range

$41,949

Position Type

Permanent Full-Time

Number of Hours per Week

40

Number of Months per Year

12

Salary Band Range

$33,540 - $54,455

Salary Grade

For administrative purposes during the implementation of Career Banding this Advanced level position is considered a Salary Grade 61.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; ethnicity; religion; sex; pregnancy; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; national origin; age; disability; genetic information; political affiliation; National Guard or veteran status, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and policies, and the policies of The University of North Carolina. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please call [phone] or email at [e-mail].