Job Details

Executive Assistant - #002234

Position Number: 9956272
Location: Cullowhee, United States
Position Type: Executive Assistants

Executive Assistant - #002234

Western Carolina University

Department: Office of the Chancellor

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:

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) and subject to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

The Executive Assistant to the Office of the Chief of Staff joins a division that is a key part of the campus senior leadership team. The Executive Assistant reports directly to the Chief of Staff and effectively serves as her 'right hand' providing administrative support, including serving as secretary to the Governance and Trusteeship Committee of the Board of Trustees. The Executive Assistant will also provide primary administrative support to the Deputy Chief of Staff & External Relations Director, Chief Marketing & Strategic Partnerships Officer and the Special Events office.

The Executive Assistant will provide general office support, but a significant amount of his/her work will also involve high level judgment and decision-making ability. In this position, the EA will have public contact with a range of internal and external constituents of the University including campus administrators, faculty, staff, Board members, elected/appointed officials, and the general public. In addition, the Executive Assistant will coordinate business functions with the Division budget officer, including personnel administration and budget monitoring/management.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Demonstrated commitment to advancing the University's mission and strategic priorities while building effective, collaborative relationships with administrators, faculty, staff, and external stakeholders.
Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills, including the ability to independently prepare and coordinate materials, manage complex calendars, and maintain awareness of office functions and priorities.
Proven ability to handle confidential information with sound judgment, discretion, professionalism, and a high level of integrity.
Strong administrative and problem-solving capabilities, including budget oversight, travel and reimbursement management for the Chancellor and Chief of Staff, independent decision-making, and the ability to resolve routine and complex issues with minimal supervision in dynamic environments.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required for this position:
Minimum Qualifications:

Interested candidates must already be legally authorized to work in the United States and will not require any immigration sponsorship or support.
High school diploma or equivalency and three years of progressively responsible administrative/office management experience; or Associate's degree in secretarial science, business administration, or a related discipline and one year of progressively responsible administrative/office management experience ; or Bachelor's degree, preferably in business administration or a related discipline; or equivalent combination of training and experience. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

Preferred Qualifications:
Position Type: Permanent Full-Time

Special Instructions to Applicants:

To be considered, you must apply online. Hard copy materials will not be accepted for review.

Applicants must attach a cover letter, current resume, and a listing of at least three professional references (including complete contact information with name, title, address, email, and phone) in order to complete the application.

For questions and additional information, please contact Melissa Wargo at wargo@email.wcu.edu

AA/EOE
Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; ethnicity; religion; sex; pregnancy; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; national origin; age; disability; genetic information; political affiliation; National Guard or veteran status, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and policies, and the policies of The University of North Carolina. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please call (828) 227-7218 or email at jobs@email.wcu.edu.

University Safety
The Western Carolina University Annual Safety Report is available online at University Annual Safety Report or in hard-copy by request at the office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, 227 HFR Administration Building, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7147) or the Office of University Police, 111 Camp Annex, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7301). The report, required of all universities participating in Title IV student financial aid programs, discusses crime statistics, procedures for reporting suspicious or criminal activity, security, police authority, crime prevention strategies, university policies on substance abuse and sexual offenses, workplace violence and fire safety.

To apply, please visit: https://jobs.wcu.edu/postings/35956