University Program Associate

Position: University Program Associate - #261099
Location: Cullowhee

Posting Number SHRA
1619P Quick Link for Internal Postings (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). Classification Title University Program Associate Competency Level Contributing Working Title University Program Associate - #261099 Department School of Engineering & Technology 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

This position is supported by external grant funding and is time-limited, with continued employment dependent on funding availability and the duration of the project.

The Program Coordinator provides day-to-day administrative and operational support for a grant-funded project to ensure proper program functioning and compliance with university requirements and grant reporting deliverables. The position serves as the central point of coordination for communications, meetings, and internal and external visits, and is responsible for processing and tracking key program transactions including travel authorizations and reimbursements, purchasing, and student payroll.

The role applies knowledge of WCU policies, procedures, and information systems to maintain accurate records, support project personnel, and keep program activities operating smoothly throughout the life of the project.

The primary work location for this position is expected to be in Asheville, NC, with the specific office location currently being finalized.

This role offers a hybrid work arrangement, where some work-from-home flexibility will be permitted subject to all required approvals. Regular travel to Cullowhee is required, typically occurring twice per week, and candidates should also expect frequent travel within North Carolina along with occasional out-of-state travel to support the objectives of the grant.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities Required for this Position

* Knowledge of university policies, procedures, and information systems related to travel, purchasing, and payroll processing.

* Skill in coordinating program operations, including scheduling meetings, arranging visits, and managing…