Administrative Support Associate - #002146

Western Carolina University continues to rank high on Forbes 'Best Employers' lists each year. Including:
* 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.

The primary location of this position is on-site at the main Cullowhee, NC campus.

The Administrative Support Associate plays a vital role in keeping the Biology Department running smoothly. This position supports a wide range of administrative, academic, and operational functions. Key responsibilities include monitoring departmental budgets, coordinating purchases and travel, and maintaining records related to teaching, research, and advising.

Those serving in the role work closely with the Department Head and Associate Department Head to manage course scheduling for fall, spring, and summer terms, and serves as a resource for faculty by assisting with travel logistics, documentation, and classroom support. The position requires comfort with various office technologies and university systems (such as Banner and R25), and includes routine tasks like maintaining departmental files, managing equipment sign-outs, and overseeing student worker time.

As the primary point of contact for the Biology Office, this role also involves welcoming visitors, answering phone calls, and providing information about the department's programs. A successful candidate will be organized, detail-oriented, and comfortable balancing multiple priorities in a dynamic academic environment.

Strong verbal and written communication skills; expertise in Microsoft Office and Banner; professional demeanor. Must be able to deal effectively and professionally with students, faculty, administrators, and staff; must be able to prioritize work. Ability to manage departmental budgets.

High school diploma or equivalency; or demonstrated possession of the competencies necessary to perform the work.

Applicants must apply online in order to be considered.

Please include a cover letter, current resume, and a list of three professional references (with complete contact information).

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

PLEASE COMPLETE ALL AREAS OF THE APPLICATION. INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS MAY NOT BE GIVEN CONSIDERATION IN THE REVIEW PROCESS.

If no applicants apply, who meet the required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities/Competencies and Training and Experience requirements, then management may consider other applicants.

All new hires into positions subject to the State Human Resources Act ( SHRA) will serve a 12 month probationary period as defined by the North Carolina Office of State Human Resources ( OSHR).

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 (828) 227-7218 or email at jobs@email.wcu.edu.

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.