Administrative Support Associate - #192796

Western Carolina University; Cullowhee (NC); On-site; USD 40,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Western Carolina University seeks an Administrative Support Associate to provide advanced administrative and operational support for the DegreePlus program and the Center for Career and Professional Development. The role coordinates data tracking, reporting, and budgeting processes, and supports program technology systems on site in Cullowhee, NC.

Responsibilities include overseeing DegreePlus operations, outreach and marketing in partnership with leadership, supervising student staff, and

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent, or demonstrated competency to perform the work.
• Experience with administrative and office support practices.
• Ability to coordinate multiple tasks, organize workflow and support program operations.
• Strong verbal and written communication to diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate tracking and reporting of participant data for the DegreePlus program.
• Manage program-related technology systems and support budgeting/financial processes.
• Oversee DegreePlus operations including outreach, marketing, and implementation with program leadership.
• Supervise student staff and ensure efficient workflow for program goals.
• Manage employer payments related to career fairs.

Skills

Administrative support

Records management

Data reporting

Communication skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Administrative Support Associate - #192796

Department

Center for Career & Professional Development

About WCU

Western Carolina University continues to rank high on Forbes ‘Best Employers’ lists each year.

• 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 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 subject to the State of North Carolina Human Resource Act ( SHRA ).

The primary purpose of this position is to provide advanced administrative and operational support for the DegreePlus program and the Center for Career and Professional Development. The role is responsible for coordinating and administering key program functions, including tracking and reporting participant data, managing program‑related technology systems, and supporting budgeting and financial processes.

The position also oversees DegreePlus program operations, including outreach, marketing, and implementation in collaboration with program leadership.

Additionally, it supervises student staff and ensures effective workflow in support of program goals. The role serves as a central point of contact for program logistics, including the management of employer payments related to career fairs.

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

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities Required for this Position

• Demonstrated knowledge of administrative and office support practices, including records management, report preparation, and the application of program policies and procedures.
• Skill in verbal and written communication, with the ability to convey information clearly and effectively to a variety of audiences, including students, faculty, staff, and external partners.
• Ability to coordinate multiple tasks and priorities, organize workflow, and support program operations in a dynamic work environment.
• Ability to use office technology and information systems to manage data, maintain accurate records, and support reporting and program needs.

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 $44,000

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

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.

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.

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].

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.

Required Documents

• Cover Letter/Letter of Application
• Resume
• List of references

Optional Documents

• DD-214
• NGB 23A (RPAS)
• DD256 or NGB22

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * 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