Communications Coordinator for Development - #270033

Western Carolina University Inc

Cullowhee (NC)

On-site

USD 41,000 - 50,000

Full time

4 days ago

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Job summary

Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, NC seeks a Communications Coordinator for Development to support Alumni Engagement, Annual Giving, athletics development, and events. The role produces email communications, web content, stories, graphics, photography, video, and mail materials.

Must be eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship. You will independently manage projects and collaborate with Advancement and University Communications teams to ensure timely, accurate, and

Qualifications

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including writing, editing, proofreading, interviewing, and developing stories about alumni, donors, students, and institutional impact.
Ability to produce professional digital and print communications using working knowledge of email marketing, web content, social media, and digital communications best practices.
Working knowledge of graphic design and visual communications principles, with the ability to capture and edit basic photography and short-form video.
Strong organizational and project-management skills to manage multiple deadlines and recurring projects, work independently and collaboratively, and ensure accuracy, attention to detail, brand consistency, and quality control.

Responsibilities

Produce email communications, web content, stories, graphics, photography, video, event materials, mail pieces, and other communications based on established Advancement strategies.
Independently manage assigned production projects and collaborate with Advancement colleagues and University Communications and Marketing to ensure timely, accurate, and consistent execution.

Skills

Writing & editing

Digital marketing

Graphic design basics

Project management

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Tools

Adobe Creative Suite

Job description

Communications Coordinator for Development - #270033

Western Carolina University has been ranked #3 in the nation on Forbes 2025 ‘America’s Best Midsize Employers’ list, out of the top 498 employers across all industries.

Posting Details

Posting Number: SHRA1746P

Quick Link for Internal Postings: https://jobs.wcu.edu/postings/35941

Classification Title: Public Communication Spec

Competency Level: Contributing

Working Title: Communications Coordinator for Development - #270033

Department: Office, VC, Advancement

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.

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 Communications Coordinator for Development supports the strategy and execution of communications for the Division of Advancement. Reporting to the Director of Development for Advancement Communication, this position is responsible for producing digital, print, written, and multimedia communications supporting Alumni Engagement, Annual Giving, athletics development, Donor Relations and Events, Development, and major Advancement initiatives.

The position produces email communications, web content, stories, graphics, photography, video, event materials, mail pieces, and other communications based on established Advancement communications strategies and priorities. The position independently manages assigned production projects and collaborates with Advancement colleagues, student communications employees, and University Communications and Marketing to ensure timely, accurate, and consistent execution.

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

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities Required for this Position

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including writing, editing, proofreading, interviewing, and developing stories about alumni, donors, students, and institutional impact.
Ability to produce professional digital and print communications using working knowledge of email marketing, web content, social media, and digital communications best practices.
Working knowledge of graphic design and visual communications principles, with the ability to capture and edit basic photography and short-form video.
Strong organizational and project-management skills to manage multiple deadlines and recurring projects, work independently and collaboratively, and ensure accuracy, attention to detail, brand consistency, and quality control.

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.

Bachelor’s degree in a discipline related to the area of assignment; or equivalent combination of training and experience. All degrees must received from appropriately accredited institutions.

Anticipated Hiring Range

$45,000

Position Type

Permanent Full-Time

Number of Hours per Week

Number of Months per Year

Salary Band Range

$35,880 - $96,560

Posting Dates

Open Date: 11/06/2026

Close Date: 11/30/2026

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 jobs@email.wcu.edu.

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