GCAP Counselor - #002494

Western Carolina University; Asheville (NC); On-site; USD 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Western Carolina University is seeking a Procurement Counselor to advise clients on doing business with federal, state and local governments. The role focuses on DoD contracts, bid preparation, and post-award support from Asheville, NC.

The position involves designing training programs and seminars across North Carolina, helping clients identify opportunities and develop compliant business plans, with an EHRA-exempt status and grant-funded funding context.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and one year of experience related to the area of assignment; or equivalent combination of training and experience.
• All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

Responsibilities

• Counsel clients on how to do business with federal, state and local governments, with emphasis on DoD and related programs.
• Identify marketing opportunities for clients’ products or services through researching award history.
• Assist clients with applications, certifications, registrations, and developing business plans.
• Assist with bids and proposals including financial analysis and contract administration.
• Deliver training programs and workshops across North Carolina.

Education

Bachelor’s degree and one year of experience related to the area of assignment

equivalent combination of training and experience

Job description

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 work location is Asheville, NC. The role is exempt from the State of North Carolina Human Resources Act ( EHRA ).

This grant-funded appointment is contingent upon continued funding availability.

The Procurement Counselor is responsible for counseling clients on a variety of business issues with emphasis on how do to business with federal, state and local governments. The GCAP counselor’s services will include but are not limited to:

• Identifying marketing opportunities for the clients products or services through researching award history, to include PROBID


• Advising and assisting clients in the preparation and proper submission of applications, certifications, registrations, locating government specifications and standards and assist developing business plans, etc.


• Advising and assisting clients with preparation and submission of bids and proposals to include financial analysis and strategic planning (contract administration)


• Advising and assisting clients concerning post award functions. As a minimum the assistance should include: -Production -Quality Systems -Accounting Systems -Wide Area Work Flow ( WAWF ) -Transportation and Packaging -Subcontracting


• Educating Clients in the following areas -Federal, state and local government contracting laws, policies and procedures. Emphasis should be placed on requirements and procedures used by the DoD and other federal agencies. -DoD Mentor-Protégé Program, SBIR and STTR and other federal and state specialty programs


• The counselor is responsible for designing and delivering training programs and providing assistance in group settings through seminars and workshops given across the state of North Carolina.


• Other tasks as assigned by the State GCAP Program Director

Minimum Qualifications

• Interested candidates must already be legally authorized to work in the United States and will not require any immigration sponsorship or support.


• Bachelor’s degree and one year of experience related to the area of assignment; or equivalent combination of training and experience. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a related field and government contracting experience as well as general business experience is desired.

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

Open Date

Open Date 07/13/2026

Open Until Filled Yes

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.

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 [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

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).