Administrative Support Specialist (T00447)

The primary location of this position is on the main Cullowhee, NC campus

This is a time-limited; grant-funded position. Continuation of employment is contingent upon the availability of funding. The position is currently funded through August of 2026 as part of the Project Discovery-Talent Search grant.

Project Discovery-Talent Search is a federally funded program that identifies and assists students from disadvantaged backgrounds who have the potential to succeed in higher education. The program provides academic, career, and financial counseling to its participants and encourages them to graduate from high school and continue on to and complete their postsecondary education. The program publicizes the availability of financial aid and assist participants with the postsecondary application process.

The administrative support specialist will serve as an overall subject matter expert in administrative and program support regarding processes and procedures that pertain to Talent Search. The position involves extensive coordination and support of program components including programming, data management and reporting, and support for other staff members.

The administrative support specialist reports to the director and possesses a significant knowledge of operations, policies, and procedures that are necessary for the efficient operation of the program.

The employee functions independently of regular supervision and is a self-starter, responsible for the completion of work in a manner that requires decision making and meeting deadlines.

The work also involves responsibility for ensuring compliance with established guidelines and responding within established time frames; and knowledge and use of a variety of Office software and systems.

The administrative support specialist will be a process and procedure expert and has supervisory responsibility of student workers and contracted workers.

Must possess the ability to coordinate multiple projects simultaneously. Excellent organizational skills and understand how to prioritize and reprioritize tasks as they come in to the office.

Must possess the ability to communicate effectively in both written and oral formats.

High school diploma or equivalency and one year of related office experience; or equivalent combination of training and experience.

Applicants must apply online.



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



Qualified applicants will be contacted by the department directly if selected for interview.



Please Note: Temporary employees are paid bi-weekly on an hourly basis and do not receive benefits.

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.