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 Americas Best Employers by State list.
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.

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

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

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 Senior Assistant Director of SSS-STEM contributes to these efforts through leadership, strategic planning, and daily management of the federally funded grant at Western Carolina University. This position is responsible for implementing programming to promote the academic persistence, retention, graduation, and STEM career readiness of students who are first-generation, low-income, and/or have a disability. Reporting to the Associate Director of Retention, the Senior Assistant Director supervises staff, supports management of the program budget, conducts program evaluation, and represents the SSS-STEM program both internally and externally. The TRIO STEM Success Program supports students in multiple colleges at WCU.

The Senior Assistant Director 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, as well as with public relations to strengthen students ties to the institution and promote academic success and persistence at the university. An institutional perspective, excellent communication and consensus-building skills, as well as an ability to interpret significant student data and generate appropriate action plans resulting from data collection are essential.

The Senior Assistant Director will be part of the leadership team within the office and report to the Associate Director.

STEM Student Support: prior experience in supporting STEM students through intentional initiatives aimed at enhancing student success
Interpersonal and Communication Skills: Strong interpersonal and communication skills, as demonstrated by feedback from colleagues or stakeholders, and the ability to manage multiple projects effectively, with examples of successful project management.
Problem-Solving Skills: Evidence of creative and data-driven problem-solving abilities, including specific instances where innovative solutions were implemented based on data analysis.
Program Assessment and Evaluation: Proven track record of conducting program assessments and evaluations, with documented examples of continuous improvement initiatives based on findings.
Application of Student Development Theories: Experience in applying student development theories and conducting data analysis to inform and enhance student success initiatives, supported by quantitative or qualitative data.
Supervisory Experience: Documented supervisory experience.
Commitment to Student Success: Clear commitment to student success, demonstrated through participation in initiatives, programs, or activities aimed at improving student outcomes, with measurable results.

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 Anita Puerto at acpuerto@email.wcu.edu