Executive Assistant - #002162

Western Carolina University continues to rank high on Forbes 'Best Employers' lists each year. Including:
* 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.

The primary location of this position is the main Cullowhee, NC campus with a regular work week schedule of Monday through Friday from 8:00a - 5:00p.

The College of Health and Human Sciences comprises three departments and two schools with various programs, centers, and clinics. The college offers academic programs at Cullowhee and Biltmore Park ranging from undergraduate to professional doctoral degrees. The College of Health and Human Sciences is highly collaborative and cooperative.

About the Position:
This position reports to the Dean of the College of Health and Human Sciences and serves as a strategic partner and assistant to the dean. The Executive Assistant is a front-line customer service position responsible for providing administrative and operational support to the Dean's office. This individual will work closely with a wide range of individuals within and outside of the college and requires great diplomacy, discretion, resourcefulness, and flexibility.

Generalized responsibilities encompass managing schedules, coordinating meetings, handling communication, and overseeing administrative operations. This role includes providing leadership, supervising student workers, and prioritizing tasks to optimize the Dean's time.

Additionally, maintaining confidential records, preparing correspondence, and representing the office professionally are vital components. Communication and coordination duties involve drafting documents, serving as a liaison, and fostering positive relationships with stakeholders. The position also contributes to strategic planning, assists with event coordination, manages travel arrangements, and fulfills any other tasks as delegated by the Dean or designee.

Must be eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Demonstrated leadership skills in working with others and fostering a positive work environment. Skill in collaboration, emotional intelligence, and conflict management. Ability to build and maintain strong connections and networks and act as an advocate or change champion.

Knowledge - Program

Knowledge of the functional responsibilities and operations of the college related to the strategic plan, mission, and vision. Skill in fact-finding, data analysis, report building, and accurate record-keeping. Ability to gather, analyze and present facts, communicate effectively, and possess critical thinking and the ability to plan, organize work, and meet deadlines.

Problem Solving and Strategic Optimizer

Demonstrate critical thinking, a positive attitude, creativity, and resilience when navigating change, adapting to challenges, and encountering setbacks. Skilled in effective communication strategies, emotional intelligence, and building partnerships. Ability to embrace new circumstances, adapt quickly, and thrive in changing situations.

Planning and Organizing

Understand the basic operations of the office and develop plans and strategies to coordinate best business processes. Skill in time management, attention to detail, and multi-tasking. Ability to take initiative, organize and prioritize work, set realistic goals, and deliver results in a timely manner.

Communication (Written and Verbal)

Demonstrated knowledge of appropriate business etiquette, verbal and non-verbal communication skills, and situational awareness required to coordinate the work of the office. Skill in written and verbal communication techniques to represent the college and interact effectively with internal and external constituents. Ability to effectively convey and exchange information and use strong interpersonal skills to problem-solve and build consensus.

Information/Records Administration

Independently researches information affecting organizational goals and objectives and administrator's decision-making needs. Interprets and summarizes information based on program knowledge, organizational goals, and priorities.

Customer Service and Relationship Manager

Demonstrate a people-first attitude, be a team player, and serve as a resource to others concerning the college. Skilled in customer service skills (i.e., polite, patient, conscientious, trustworthy). Will possess and maintain a high level of discretion and confidentiality. Ability to build trust and respect and identify concerns with appropriate action to ensure a satisfactory resolution.

To be considered, you must apply online. In order to complete the application process, please attach a cover letter, resume, and listing of references (include their complete contact information).

PLEASE COMPLETE ALL AREAS OF THE APPLICATION. INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS MAY NOT BE GIVEN CONSIDERATION IN THE REVIEW PROCESS.

If no applicants apply, who meet the required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities/Competencies and Training and Experience requirements, then management may consider other applicants.

All new hires into positions subject to the State Human Resources Act ( SHRA) will serve a 12 month probationary period as defined by the North Carolina Office of State Human Resources ( OSHR).

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks.

Western Carolina University uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify. Proper documentation of identity and employability are required at the time of employment.

All new employees are required to have listed credentials/degrees verified within 30 days of employment. All new employees who will be teaching are required to provide official transcripts within 30 days of employment. Transcripts should be provided for the highest earned degree and/or the degree which is being used to satisfy credential/qualification requirements.

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.

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.