University Program Associate - #220941

Western Carolina University; Cullowhee (NC); On-site; USD 40,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Western Carolina University is seeking an University Program Associate to provide administrative, clerical, and event planning support for the Brinson Honors College. This on-site role in Cullowhee, NC, collaborates with campus units and supports admissions while ensuring high-quality office operations.

The position requires a Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience, strong communication and organizational skills, and proficiency with Microsoft Office.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook, Teams) and ability to prioritize multiple tasks.

Responsibilities

• Provide administrative, clerical, and event planning support for the Brinson Honors College.
• Support admissions and collaborate with units across campus.
• Ensure high-quality, professional office functions and services.

Skills

Communication skills

Microsoft Office

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Excel

Job description

University Program Associate - #220941

Posting Number: SHRA1700P

Quick Link for Internal Postings: https://jobs.wcu.edu/postings/35033

Classification Title: University Program Associate

Competency Level: Contributing

Working Title: University Program Associate - #220941

Department: Office of the Dean, Honors

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). This position provides administrative, clerical, and event planning support for the Brinson Honors College. The position is an integral part of a small and dynamic team that: serves a student population of around 1,200 residential undergraduate students; is a actively involved in admissions; and collaborates with units across campus. The UPA will play a critical role in supporting the mission of the BHC as we enter our twenty-fifth year. The UPA will work closely with the Executive Assistant to ensure high quality, professional office functions and services. Must be eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities Required for this Position

The UPA must be reliable and dependable. The ability to work effectively in a collaborative office work environment is essential, as is the ability to take initiative and be a self-starter. Excellent communications skills (written and oral) are required. Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook, Teams) computer software is essential. The UPA must have excellent organizational skills and the ability to prioritize and manage multiple priorities at the same time. Attention to detail is required.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree; or equivalent combination of training and experience. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

Anticipated Hiring Range

$40,183

Position Type

Permanent Full-Time

Number of Hours per Week

40

Number of Months per Year

12

Salary Band Range

$35,589 - $64,499

Salary Grade

For administrative purposes during the implementation of Career Banding this contributing level position is considered a Salary Grade 62.

Veteran's Preference

Applicants must upload a DD-214 if claiming Veteran's Preference.

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 [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.

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

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