What are the responsibilities and job description for the Emergency and Disaster Management - Academic Advisor position at Western Carolina University?
The position may be based remotely or residentially but is expected to attend required face-to-face training and periodic program meetings on the Western Carolina University campus. This position is designated as being exempt from the State of North Carolina Human Resources Act (EHRA).
This position serves as the academic advisor for online students in the Emergency and Disaster Management B.S. degree program and provides instructional support through assigned distance-education courses in Disaster Science. The position advises current and prospective distance-learning students through the application, admission, orientation, registration, transfer evaluation, curriculum selection, and degree completion processes.
Work includes helping students understand academic policies, program requirements, university procedures, and community college transfer pathways; responding to student inquiries; evaluating academic records; coordinating with Educational Outreach, the Department Head, and the Director of Disaster Science; and teaching assigned online Emergency and Disaster Management courses during fall, spring, and summer terms.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
This position serves as the academic advisor for online students in the Emergency and Disaster Management B.S. degree program and provides instructional support through assigned distance-education courses in Disaster Science. The position advises current and prospective distance-learning students through the application, admission, orientation, registration, transfer evaluation, curriculum selection, and degree completion processes.
Work includes helping students understand academic policies, program requirements, university procedures, and community college transfer pathways; responding to student inquiries; evaluating academic records; coordinating with Educational Outreach, the Department Head, and the Director of Disaster Science; and teaching assigned online Emergency and Disaster Management courses during fall, spring, and summer terms.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Knowledge of academic advising, degree planning, registration, transfer evaluation, and student progression practices.
- Knowledge of university academic policies, administrative procedures, curriculum requirements, and distance-learning student support processes.
- Ability to evaluate transcripts and academic records, interpret program requirements, and advise students through admission, orientation, registration, and degree completion.
- Ability to teach assigned online Emergency and Disaster Management courses and apply subject-matter expertise in Disaster Science or a closely related field.
- Ability to communicate clearly, exercise sound judgment, manage student inquiries, and collaborate effectively with students, faculty, staff, and university partners.
Minimum Qualifications
- Interested candidates must already be legally authorized to work in the United States and will not require any immigration sponsorship or support.
- Master’s degree in Emergency and Disaster Management, Disaster Science, or a closely related discipline; and demonstrated education, training, or experience related to Emergency and Disaster Management, Disaster Science, or a closely related field.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience advising online or distance-learning students in a higher education setting.
- Experience evaluating transcripts, supporting transfer students, or interpreting curriculum and degree requirements.
- Experience teaching online courses in Emergency and Disaster Management, Disaster Science, or a closely related field.
- Knowledge of academic policies, student support processes, and community college transfer pathways.
- Ability to attend required face-to-face training and periodic program meetings on the Western Carolina University campus.
Position Type
Permanent Full-Time
Number of Hours Per Week
40
Number of Months Per Year
12
Posting Text
Open Date
09/24/2026
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 Lisa Briggs at lbriggs@email.wcu.edu
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 Lisa Briggs at lbriggs@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.
Benefits:
Retirement Plan, Vacation & Paid Time Off, Dental InsuranceSalary : $41,544 - $65,381