Associate Director - Accessibility Resources - TRIO

Associate Director - Accessibility Resources - TRIO - 261083
Western Carolina University

Department: Accessibility Services

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.

The primary location of this position is on-site in Cullowhee, NC. This position is funded through a federal TRIO grant, with an initial five-year funding period secured through September 2030. Continued employment is contingent upon renewal of grant funding. The anticipated begin work date is early January 2026.

The Associate Director of Accessibility Resources‑TRIO provides oversight for the day‑to‑day operations of the TRIO Disabled Student Support Services (DSSS) within the Office of Accessibility Resources (OAR). Reporting to the Director of OAR, this grant‑funded position serves as a key administrator in providing programs and services to DSSS participants who have documented disabilities and are low‑income or have demonstrated academic need.

The Associate Director also serves on the OAR leadership team and will work in collaboration with OAR administrative staff to accomplish unit goals and objectives.

Oversee academic support services and programs, collaborative strategic planning (aligning with OAR, Division, and University goals), program assessment, pre‑advising, coordinating tutoring as needed, and other activities related to improving graduation and retention rates of students participating in DSSS. Coordinate additional student services in collaboration with OAR team, Office of Student Retention, Financial Aid, Orientation, Admissions, Career and Professional Development, Advising Center, Academic Affairs, and other on- and off‑campus partners.

Communicate with internal and external stakeholders to enhance awareness of programs and services, and to convey purpose, objectives, and performance outcomes. Represent the unit at conferences, meetings, and on‑ and off‑campus events.

Work alongside the Director and Assistant Director of OAR as a consultant, serving University faculty and staff…