Western Carolina University continues to rank high on Forbes Best Employers lists each year. Including: 2024 - Ranking in the top 8.5% on Forbes Americas 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 Americas 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 Americas Best Employers by State list. Western Carolina University is the UNC systems 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 the Cullowhee, NC campus.
The Office of Student Retention implements targeted student success interventions that are guided by evidence-based practices and institutional data and analytics.
The Assistant Director will champion these efforts for upper-class students with an emphasis on increasing four-year graduation rates.
Responsibilities include: Finish in Four - Champion efforts that increase four-year graduation rates. These efforts may include at-risk student interventions, collaborations with programs and departments, a focus on removing barriers for student success, and the creation of policies and practices that increase degree attainment. Upper-class Student Retention Initiatives - Create and implement programming efforts for upper-class students focused on increasing retention and persistence. At-risk student support - Academic coaching for a small caseload of at-risk students. This includes teaching LC 101, an academic recovery course for students on academic warning designed to coach students in developing academic and self-management skills for success. Supervision - Supervise the Program Coordinator. Data-Driven Analysis & Assessment - Collaborate with Office of Institutional Planning & Effectiveness for analysis and assessment of programming and interventions for continuous improvement; Retention and Persistence initiatives - Create, implement, and support initiatives to increase semester-to-semester enrollment, decrease time to graduation, and advance the rate of degree completion; Office duties - assist with academic standing, appeals, term withdrawals, and re-admission after suspension/dismissal.
The candidate should have a comprehensive knowledge of academic and support programs and a thorough understanding of student development theories in practice. This role is highly collaborative, and the selected candidate must be able to collaborate with faculty and staff in the academic colleges, student affairs, academic support units, and athletics. An institutional perspective, excellent communication, and consensus-building skills, as well as an ability to interpret significant student data and generate appropriate actions are essential.
As part of a relatively-new office dedicated to supporting students, the Assistant Director will have the exciting opportunity to contribute creatively to the offices vision and to develop innovative student programming.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required for this position: Minimum Qualifications:
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for employment sponsorship or any immigration-related assistance.
Masters degree in Higher Education, College Student Personnel, or related field is required
2 years of experience in education supporting students, including student advising, teaching, or student support services
Experience using data analytics to design and assess student interventions
Experience supporting diverse student populations and collaborating with diverse stakeholders
Preferred Qualifications:
Strong skills in interpersonal/communication, organization, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple projects
Experience using student development theories, data analysis, and evidence-based practices for supporting student success initiatives and programs.
Creative and data-driven problem-solving abilities
Knowledge of WCUs academic policies and on-campus student resources
Experience with EAB Navigate student success management system and Ellucian Banner Student
Strong commitment to student success
Position Type: Permanent Full-Time
Special Instructions to Applicants:
To be considered, you must apply online. Please include a cover letter, resume, and a list of professional references to complete the application process.
Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until a candidate has been selected for hire.
For questions or additional information, please contact Amber Lowe at allowe@email.wcu.edu
AA/EOE Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; religion; sex; 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. Additionally, the University promotes the realization of equal employment opportunity for minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and veterans through its affirmative action program.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.
As the westernmost institution in the University of North Carolina system, WCU provides comprehensive educational opportunities to residents in the state’s western region and attracts students from around the globe to explore the region’s vast natural diversity. Founded in 1889 as a teaching college, Western Carolina now provides an education to more than 10,000 students in undergraduate and graduate programs.