What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director, Academic Resources & Business Operations position at Western Carolina University?
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 Director of Academic Resources and Business Operations reports directly to the Provost and serves as the Provost’s designee for academic budgeting and staffing initiatives. The position holds signature authority on behalf of the Provost for budget and staffing matters and serves as the primary liaison between Academic Affairs and the Division of Administration and Finance.
The Director oversees, coordinates, and evaluates multiple business operations across the division, with primary emphasis on EHRA faculty staffing and budget management. This includes strategic budget planning, preparation of monthly and ad hoc budget reports, and regular review of those reports with the Provost.
The Director analyzes current management functions across the division, develops and evaluates policies and procedures to improve operational effectiveness, and provides guidance and support to deans and other academic leadership on faculty hiring and budgeting. The Director also provides training and professional development for division budget and finance staff, including college budget officers, and leads specific initiatives as assigned by the Provost.
This position is a key member of the Provost’s executive team.
The Director of Academic Resources and Business Operations reports directly to the Provost and serves as the Provost’s designee for academic budgeting and staffing initiatives. The position holds signature authority on behalf of the Provost for budget and staffing matters and serves as the primary liaison between Academic Affairs and the Division of Administration and Finance.
The Director oversees, coordinates, and evaluates multiple business operations across the division, with primary emphasis on EHRA faculty staffing and budget management. This includes strategic budget planning, preparation of monthly and ad hoc budget reports, and regular review of those reports with the Provost.
The Director analyzes current management functions across the division, develops and evaluates policies and procedures to improve operational effectiveness, and provides guidance and support to deans and other academic leadership on faculty hiring and budgeting. The Director also provides training and professional development for division budget and finance staff, including college budget officers, and leads specific initiatives as assigned by the Provost.
This position is a key member of the Provost’s executive team.
Minimum Qualifications
- Legal authorization to work in the United States without the need for current or future employment sponsorship.
- Bachelor’s degree in business field, including accounting or closely related discipline with at least three (3) years’ experience in the field
- Strong analytical, accounting and budgeting skills
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (particularly Excel)
Preferred Qualifications
- Master of Accounting, Master of Public Administration, or Master of Business Administration
- Experience working in Higher Education
- Experience with Banner Finance, Banner HR, and SharePoint
- Experience in data analysis and visualization
- Superior oral and written communication skills
- Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously
- Ability to work independently and meet deadlines
- Superior interpersonal skills
Position Type
Permanent Full-Time
Number of Hours Per Week
40
Number of Months Per Year
12
Posting Text
Open Date
06/19/2026
Close Date
Open Until Filled
Yes
Special Instructions to Applicants
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 complete contact information.
For questions or additional information please contact Morgan Burnett, Search Committee Chair, at cmburnett@email.wcu.edu
Background/E-Verify
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.
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.
Credential Verification
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.
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.