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).

The Assistant Director plays a central role in supporting Continuing Education and Summer Programs (CESP) at Western Carolina University, serving learners of all ages across both credit and non-credit offerings. This position ensures programs-from youth camps to workforce training and lifelong learning-run smoothly and meet the diverse needs of participants. You will be the primary point of contact for operational, technical, and student support, helping learners navigate registration, policies, and program logistics with clarity and care.

In this role, you will manage day-to-day operations, coordinate schedules and communications, and support learning technologies and enrollment systems. You will troubleshoot issues, implement digital solutions, and refine workflows to enhance program delivery. A learner-centered approach, clear communication, and proactive problem-solving are key to ensuring all participants have a positive experience and can succeed in their programs.

The Assistant Director also supports program evaluation, budgeting, and reporting, collaborating with colleagues across CESP to improve services and plan for continuous growth. Occasional evenings, weekends, and travel to instructional sites may be required, providing opportunities to engage directly with learners and staff. This role offers a chance to make a meaningful impact on a wide range of learners while contributing to a team committed to innovation, quality, and accessibility in continuing education.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Preference will be given to applicants with experience developing or supporting programs for a range of learners, including youth, adult learners, lifelong learners, or international students. Experience in higher education is desirable but not required.

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 their complete contact information.

For questions or additional information please contact Brittany Marshall at bmarshall@email.wcu.edu