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 the main Cullowhee, NC campus.

The title of this position is based on qualifications and years of experience in the profession. Determination will be made at point of hire.

The Enrollment Counselor/Assistant Director of Admission at Western Carolina University (WCU) is responsible for a comprehensive set of student recruitment and admissions duties, beginning with providing information to prospective students and their families about the benefits of a college education and the means of acquiring it. This individual must disseminate specific and accurate information regarding WCUs admission process, financial aid, academic programs, and campus life to students, families, and counselors, and is also tasked with evaluating academic credentials to determine admissibility and rendering final admission decisions.

A core component of the role involves designing and implementing activities and programs to enhance the conversion rate, or yield, of prospects to enrolled students, and coordinating special projects related to student recruitment. Furthermore, the counselor contributes to improving the image of WCU by assisting in the design and development of print and electronic marketing materials that accurately reflect the quality academic programs offered by the university.

This position requires considerable mobility, including weekly travel within institution-identified regions of North Carolina, in addition to limited evening and weekend work. The counselor will actively identify and cultivate strong relationships with high school counselors, community college counselors, and leaders from community-based organizations (CBOs), and conduct recruitment activity at various regional schools, while also participating in regional forums as a representative of the WCU Admissions Office when asked. Finally, a physical presence in Cullowhee is required for all Open House and other necessary recruiting events, as well as for up to one day per academic semester (Fall, Spring, Summer).

An advanced degree and one year of admissions experience is preferred.

Application materials must be submitted online. Review of applications will begin early January 2026 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 Mike Langford at malangford@email.wcu.edu