Western Carolina University
Assistant Director, STEM Success - #261090
Western Carolina University, Cullowhee, North Carolina, United States, 28723
Assistant Director, STEM Success - #261090
Overview
To be considered, you must apply online. Please include a cover letter, resume, and a list of professional references to complete the application process. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until a candidate has been selected for hire.
This position is funded through a federal TRIO student support services grant. Continued employment is contingent upon renewal of grant funding.
For questions or additional information, please contact Thomas Newkirk at tnewkirk@email.wcu.edu
Position Details
Working Title:
Assistant Director, STEM Success - #261090
Department:
Office of Student Retention
Anticipated Hiring Range:
Based on qualifications/experience, internal equity, and departmental budget restrictions.
Location:
On-site in Cullowhee, NC (exempt from EHRA)
About WCU Western Carolina University continues to rank high on Forbes ‘Best Employers’ lists each year. Highlights include:
2025 – Ranked 1st in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes ‘America’s Best Employers by State’
2024 – Top 8.5% in Forbes ‘America’s Best Midsize Employers’; ranked 34 of 400
2023 – Top 20% in Forbes ‘America’s Best Midsize Employers’; ranked 97 of 500
2022 – 14th in the top 100 employers in North Carolina
WCU is the UNC system’s westernmost campus and is consistently ranked among top public regional institutions in the South.
Benefits include comprehensive coverage, tuition waivers for up to three courses per academic year, wellness programs, 12 paid holidays, 24 hours of paid community service leave, and more. Eligibility for benefits begins on the first of the month following hire.
Position Summary The primary location of this position is on-site in Cullowhee, NC. This position is designated as exempt from the State of North Carolina Human Resources Act (EHRA).
The Office of Student Retention fosters student success through educationally purposeful, data-informed strategies that enhance retention and persistence to graduation. We provide holistic support, remove barriers, and collaborate with campus and community partners to drive positive change.
The Assistant Director of the STEM Success Program contributes to the academic and operational components of the program, which is designed to support the retention and graduation of students who are first-generation, low-income, and/or have a disability majoring in STEM fields. The role includes development, implementation, and evaluation of student services and interventions to promote persistence and success, program assessment, compliance, and daily operations. The position also serves as a liaison among students, faculty, staff, and external stakeholders.
The role is highly collaborative and requires working with faculty and staff across colleges, student affairs, academic support units, athletics, and public relations to strengthen student ties to the institution and promote academic success and persistence. Strong institutional perspective, communication, consensus-building, and data interpretation skills are essential.
Minimum Qualifications
Must be legally eligible to work in the United States without the need for employment sponsorship.
Master’s degree in Higher Education, College Student Personnel, teaching, counseling, or related field is required.
1-3 years experience in supporting students, including advising, coaching, or student support services.
Demonstrated experience supporting broad student populations and collaborating with various stakeholders.
Preferred Qualifications
STEM Student Support: experience supporting STEM students through initiatives that enhance success
Interpersonal and Communication Skills: strong interpersonal and communication skills with ability to manage multiple projects
Problem-Solving: data-driven and creative problem-solving abilities with implemented solutions
Program Assessment and Evaluation: experience with program assessments and continuous improvement
Commitment to Student Success: demonstrated engagement in initiatives improving student outcomes with measurable results
Experience implementing academic initiatives and interventions for STEM students
Position Details
Position Type:
Time-Limited Full-Time
Hours/Week:
40
Months/Year:
12
Open Date:
12/18/2025
Close Date:
Open Until Filled
Special Instructions to Applicants To be considered, you must apply online. Please include a cover letter, resume, and a list of professional references to complete the application process. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until a candidate has been selected for hire.
This position is funded through a federal TRIO student support services grant. Continued employment is contingent upon renewal of grant funding.
For questions or additional information, please contact Thomas Newkirk at tnewkirk@email.wcu.edu
Background/E-Verify Final candidates are subject to criminal and sex offender background checks. Some vacancies may 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 is required at the time of employment.
All new employees are required to have listed credentials/degrees verified within 30 days. Official transcripts must be provided within 30 days for highest earned degree or relevant credential requirements.
EEO and Safety 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 laws and University policies. For accommodations in the application process, call (828) 227-7218 or email jobs@email.wcu.edu.
The Western Carolina University Annual Safety Report is available online or by request from the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and the Office of University Police.
Required Documents Required: Cover Letter/Letter of Application Resume List of references
Optional Documents
Supplemental Questions Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
#J-18808-Ljbffr
To be considered, you must apply online. Please include a cover letter, resume, and a list of professional references to complete the application process. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until a candidate has been selected for hire.
This position is funded through a federal TRIO student support services grant. Continued employment is contingent upon renewal of grant funding.
For questions or additional information, please contact Thomas Newkirk at tnewkirk@email.wcu.edu
Position Details
Working Title:
Assistant Director, STEM Success - #261090
Department:
Office of Student Retention
Anticipated Hiring Range:
Based on qualifications/experience, internal equity, and departmental budget restrictions.
Location:
On-site in Cullowhee, NC (exempt from EHRA)
About WCU Western Carolina University continues to rank high on Forbes ‘Best Employers’ lists each year. Highlights include:
2025 – Ranked 1st in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes ‘America’s Best Employers by State’
2024 – Top 8.5% in Forbes ‘America’s Best Midsize Employers’; ranked 34 of 400
2023 – Top 20% in Forbes ‘America’s Best Midsize Employers’; ranked 97 of 500
2022 – 14th in the top 100 employers in North Carolina
WCU is the UNC system’s westernmost campus and is consistently ranked among top public regional institutions in the South.
Benefits include comprehensive coverage, tuition waivers for up to three courses per academic year, wellness programs, 12 paid holidays, 24 hours of paid community service leave, and more. Eligibility for benefits begins on the first of the month following hire.
Position Summary The primary location of this position is on-site in Cullowhee, NC. This position is designated as exempt from the State of North Carolina Human Resources Act (EHRA).
The Office of Student Retention fosters student success through educationally purposeful, data-informed strategies that enhance retention and persistence to graduation. We provide holistic support, remove barriers, and collaborate with campus and community partners to drive positive change.
The Assistant Director of the STEM Success Program contributes to the academic and operational components of the program, which is designed to support the retention and graduation of students who are first-generation, low-income, and/or have a disability majoring in STEM fields. The role includes development, implementation, and evaluation of student services and interventions to promote persistence and success, program assessment, compliance, and daily operations. The position also serves as a liaison among students, faculty, staff, and external stakeholders.
The role is highly collaborative and requires working with faculty and staff across colleges, student affairs, academic support units, athletics, and public relations to strengthen student ties to the institution and promote academic success and persistence. Strong institutional perspective, communication, consensus-building, and data interpretation skills are essential.
Minimum Qualifications
Must be legally eligible to work in the United States without the need for employment sponsorship.
Master’s degree in Higher Education, College Student Personnel, teaching, counseling, or related field is required.
1-3 years experience in supporting students, including advising, coaching, or student support services.
Demonstrated experience supporting broad student populations and collaborating with various stakeholders.
Preferred Qualifications
STEM Student Support: experience supporting STEM students through initiatives that enhance success
Interpersonal and Communication Skills: strong interpersonal and communication skills with ability to manage multiple projects
Problem-Solving: data-driven and creative problem-solving abilities with implemented solutions
Program Assessment and Evaluation: experience with program assessments and continuous improvement
Commitment to Student Success: demonstrated engagement in initiatives improving student outcomes with measurable results
Experience implementing academic initiatives and interventions for STEM students
Position Details
Position Type:
Time-Limited Full-Time
Hours/Week:
40
Months/Year:
12
Open Date:
12/18/2025
Close Date:
Open Until Filled
Special Instructions to Applicants To be considered, you must apply online. Please include a cover letter, resume, and a list of professional references to complete the application process. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until a candidate has been selected for hire.
This position is funded through a federal TRIO student support services grant. Continued employment is contingent upon renewal of grant funding.
For questions or additional information, please contact Thomas Newkirk at tnewkirk@email.wcu.edu
Background/E-Verify Final candidates are subject to criminal and sex offender background checks. Some vacancies may 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 is required at the time of employment.
All new employees are required to have listed credentials/degrees verified within 30 days. Official transcripts must be provided within 30 days for highest earned degree or relevant credential requirements.
EEO and Safety 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 laws and University policies. For accommodations in the application process, call (828) 227-7218 or email jobs@email.wcu.edu.
The Western Carolina University Annual Safety Report is available online or by request from the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and the Office of University Police.
Required Documents Required: Cover Letter/Letter of Application Resume List of references
Optional Documents
Supplemental Questions Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
#J-18808-Ljbffr