Administrative Support Associate - #001940

Western Carolina University; Cullowhee (NC); On-site; USD 38,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

Western Carolina University seeks an Administrative Support Associate to provide comprehensive administrative and operational support for the Coulter Faculty Commons. The on-site position will manage communications, scheduling, records, and office workflows, and support events and programs across the unit.

The role requires strong organizational and communication skills, experience with budgeting processes, and proficiency in Microsoft Office.

Qualifications

• Strong organizational and office-management abilities, capable of handling competing priorities, coordinating meetings and events, and maintaining accuracy.
• Professional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication with faculty, staff, students, and external stakeholders.
• Knowledge of budget record keeping and financial processes, including tracking commitments and expenditures and reconciling records.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and ability to learn university systems and databases.

Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive administrative and operational support for the Coulter Faculty Commons.
• Manage communications, scheduling, records, and office workflows.
• Coordinate meetings, programs, awards, and major events.
• Support financial operations through budget tracking, reconciliation, and documentation.
• Supervise student workers and maintain confidential records.

Skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Budget & finance knowledge

Microsoft Office proficiency

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Administrative Support Associate - #001940

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Posting Details

Posting Number: SHRA1724P

Quick Link for Internal Postings: https://jobs.wcu.edu/postings/35672

Classification Title: Administrative Support Associate

Competency Level: Advanced

Working Title: Administrative Support Associate - #001940

Department: Coulter Faculty Commons

About WCU

• 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.

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

Western Carolina University is the UNC system's westernmost campus and has been consistently ranked as one of the top 15 public regional institutions in the South. 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. Also offered are free group exercise classes multiple times per week, a discounted membership to the campus recreation center, free vaccine and booster shots offered on campus, pretax flexible spending accounts, 12 paid holidays and 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

Anticipated Hiring Range: $41,949

Position Type

Position Type: Permanent Full-Time

Number of Hours per Week

Number of Hours per Week: 40

Number of Months per Year

Number of Months per Year: 12

Salary Band Range

Salary Band Range: $33,540 - $54,455

Salary Grade

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

Posting Text

Open Date: 10/08/2026

Close Date: 10/22/2026

Open Until Filled: No

Background/E-Verify

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Western Carolina University uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify. Proper documentation of identity and employability are required at the time of employment.

Credential Verification

All new employees are required to have listed credentials/degrees verified within 30 days of employment. All new employees who will be teaching are required to provide official transcripts within 30 days of employment. Transcripts should be provided for the highest earned degree and/or the degree which is being used to satisfy credential/qualification requirements.

EOE

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 828-227-7218 or email at [e-mail].

University Safety

The Western Carolina University Annual Safety Report is available online at University Annual Safety Report or in hard-copy by request at the office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, 227 HFR Administration Building, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7147) or the Office of University Police, 111 Camp Annex, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7301). The report, required of all universities participating in Title IV student financial aid programs, discusses crime statistics, procedures for reporting suspicious or criminal activity, security, police authority, crime prevention strategies, university policies on substance abuse and sexual offenses, workplace violence and fire safety.

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

1. Cover Letter/Letter of Application
2. Resume
3. List of references

Optional Documents

1. DD-214
2. NGB 23A (RPAS)
3. DD256 or NGB22

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. *
   How did you hear about this employment opportunity?
   
   • HigherEdJobs.com
   • Inside Higher Ed
   • HERC - Higher Education Recruitment Consortium
   • Website - Jobs.wcu.edu
   • Indeed.com
   • Personal Referral
   • Agency Referral
   • Other
2. *
   Do you require sponsorship?
   
   • Yes
   • No