Assistant Director, STEM Success

Assistant Director, STEM Success - #261090

Overview

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.

This position is funded through a federal TRIO student support services grant. Continued employment is contingent upon renewal of grant funding.

For questions or additional information, please contact Thomas Newkirk

• Working Title: Assistant Director, STEM Success - #261090
• Department: Office of Student Retention
• Anticipated Hiring Range: Based on qualifications/experience, internal equity, and departmental budget restrictions.
• Location: On-site in Cullowhee, NC (exempt from EHRA)

Western Carolina University continues to rank high on Forbes ‘Best Employers’ lists each year. Highlights include:

• 2025 – Ranked 1st in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes ‘America’s Best Employers by State’
• 2024 – Top 8.5% in Forbes ‘America’s Best Midsize Employers’; ranked 34 of 400
• 2023 – Top 20% in Forbes ‘America’s Best Midsize Employers’; ranked 97 of 500
• 2022 – 14th in the top 100 employers in North Carolina

WCU is the UNC system’s westernmost campus and is consistently ranked among top public regional institutions in the South.

Benefits include comprehensive coverage, tuition waivers for up to three courses per academic year, wellness programs, 12 paid holidays, 24 hours of paid community service leave, and more. Eligibility for benefits begins on the first of the month following hire.

The primary location of this position is on-site in Cullowhee, NC. This position is designated as exempt from the State of North Carolina Human Resources Act (EHRA).

The Office of Student Retention fosters student success through educationally purposeful, data-informed strategies that enhance retention and persistence to graduation. We provide holistic support, remove barriers, and collaborate with campus and community partners to drive positive change.

The Assistant Director of the STEM Success Program contributes to the academic and operational components of the program, which is designed to support the retention and graduation of students who are first-generation, low-income, and/or have a disability majoring in STEM fields. The role includes development, implementation, and evaluation of student services and interventions to promote persistence and success, program assessment, compliance, and daily operations.

The position also serves as a liaison among students, faculty, staff, and external stakeholders.

The role is highly collaborative and requires working with faculty and staff across colleges, student affairs, academic support units, athletics, and public relations to strengthen student ties to the institution and promote academic success and persistence. Strong institutional perspective, communication, consensus-building, and data interpretation skills are essential.

• Must be legally eligible to work in the United States without the need for employment sponsorship.
• Master’s degree in Higher Education, College Student Personnel, teaching, counseling, or related field is required.
• 1-3 years experience in supporting students, including advising, coaching, or student support services.
• Demonstrated experience supporting broad student populations and collaborating with various stakeholders.

• STEM Student Support: experience supporting STEM students through initiatives that enhance success
• Interpersonal and Communication
  
  Skills:
  
  strong interpersonal and communication skills with ability to manage multiple projects
• Problem-Solving: data-driven and creative problem-solving abilities with implemented solutions
• Program Assessment and Evaluation: experience with program assessments and continuous improvement
• Commitment to Student Success: demonstrated engagement in initiatives improving student outcomes with measurable results
• Experience implementing academic initiatives and interventions for STEM students

• Position Type: Time-Limit…