Western Carolina University continues to rank high on Forbes Best Employers lists each year. Including:
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 the Cullowhee, NC campus. This position is designated as being exempt from the State of North Carolina Human Resources Act (EHRA).

Continuing Education & Workforce Training at Western Carolina University includes all non-credit programming and events such as professional development (courses, certificates, credentials), customized training, personal enrichment experiences, conferences and symposiums, testing center, youth programming and camps, and lifelong learning groups. Non-credit programming is a thriving ecosystem of staff, subject matter experts, and stakeholders committed to inspiring students of all ages to seek something greater in their lives and careers. By fostering collaboration and innovation, Continuing Education & Workforce Training builds a student-first culture shaped by impact and growth.

This position will have the responsibility, with the direction of the Director of Continuing Education & Workforce Training, to establish, maintain, grow, and continuously improve relationships with various colleges, academic departments, businesses and the regional community, working collaboratively in order to develop quality programming while maintaining quality assurance and ensuring mutually beneficial partnerships. This critical role leads, organizes and oversees the management of programming activities and events ensuring meaningful engagement to stakeholders in an effective and efficient manner, based on data-driven analysis and strategy. This role provides strategic direction and contributes to data quality and continuous improvement initiatives in the unit. The Associate Director develops, executives, and maintains a successful growth strategy of a diversified programming portfolio and assesses the changing curricular, logistical and demographical needs and offers plans for improvement. This position will identify relevant speakers, guests and experts for programming and other opportunities. The Associate Director must work within the universitys policies, processes and procedures and works in partnership with Educational Outreachs marketing and budgeting leads who set timelines, processes and procedures for marketing and pricing.

Success in this position requires demonstrated abilities to plan and organize workshops/training courses, including developing training materials appropriate to the program and population to be served. To ensure optimum results, the person in this position must possess proven leadership and management skills to effectively implement their plans and the unit/universitys strategic objectives. Other key skills include self-directed skill development, effective communication, acceptance and promotion of diversity and inclusive practices, and the ability to develop sound program goals and objectives that support life-long learning. This position will provide assessment, analysis and reporting of program outcomes.

The Associate Director must have advanced knowledge of current age-appropriate pedagogies, inclusive learning environment, and best practice in non-credit program planning and assessment. This role must stay current of research, best practices, peer institutions, market/economic conditions and government rules, regulations and policies. Finally, the Associate Director will demonstrate student focus with a passion for serving adults and other target audiences and encouraging their continued pursuit of education, training and enrichment. Position will be responsible for ensuring positive customer service to customers and that all programs meet/exceed expectations of the customer. This position will be responsible for analyzing data and reporting information to the Director of Continuing Education & Workforce Training, Executive Director, Provost, etc. for assessment to determine needs, trends, and evaluate programs. Position must have working experience with budgeting for programs and will work closely with Educational Outreachs Budget Officer.

Position will often work outside the 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. workday to perform job functions, as well as travel in the region requiring a valid drivers license, and the physical strength sufficient to periodically lift and/or carry 40 pounds of materials, equipment or supplies.

Additional experience facilitating program growth and coordinating and executing events preferred. Experience in a fast-paced, team-based environment is preferred.

Application materials must be submitted online. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until a candidate has been selected for hire.

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

For questions or additional information please contact Briana Ford at blford@email.wcu.edu