What are the responsibilities and job description for the University Program Specialist position at Western Carolina University?
The primary location of this position is the Cullowhee, NC campus.
The primary purpose of this position is to provide expert coordination and oversight for essential programs that support student success, academic excellence, and operational efficiency within the College of Health and Human Sciences. This role ensures the seamless management of clinical affiliation agreements, student compliance processes, and facility operations, all of which are critical to the college’s mission. By navigating complex legal, accreditation, and institutional requirements, the position helps maintain strong partnerships, enhances student learning opportunities, and supports the overall strategic direction of the college.
In addition to program oversight, this position plays a key role in administrative coordination, supporting leadership and committees that drive important initiatives. From managing clinical education logistics to ensuring smooth facility operations and emergency planning, this role requires problem-solving, organization, and a proactive approach to improving processes. With a focus on collaboration and innovation, the position contributes to a well-structured, student-centered, and forward-thinking environment within the college.
Must be eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship.
The primary purpose of this position is to provide expert coordination and oversight for essential programs that support student success, academic excellence, and operational efficiency within the College of Health and Human Sciences. This role ensures the seamless management of clinical affiliation agreements, student compliance processes, and facility operations, all of which are critical to the college’s mission. By navigating complex legal, accreditation, and institutional requirements, the position helps maintain strong partnerships, enhances student learning opportunities, and supports the overall strategic direction of the college.
In addition to program oversight, this position plays a key role in administrative coordination, supporting leadership and committees that drive important initiatives. From managing clinical education logistics to ensuring smooth facility operations and emergency planning, this role requires problem-solving, organization, and a proactive approach to improving processes. With a focus on collaboration and innovation, the position contributes to a well-structured, student-centered, and forward-thinking environment within the college.
Must be eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship.
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities Required for this Position
Required: Strong written and oral communication skills; knowledge and skill in Microsoft Office; flexibility in working with a variety of individuals on a variety of projects; ability to organize and prioritize; multitask; work under pressure; work individually and as part of a team.
Minimum Qualifications
Some state job postings say you can qualify by an ‘equivalent combination of education and experience.’ If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both.
Bachelor’s degree and one year of experience related to the area of assignment; or equivalent combination of training and experience. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.
Bachelor’s degree and one year of experience related to the area of assignment; or equivalent combination of training and experience. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.
Anticipated Hiring Range
$56,650
Position Type
Permanent Full-Time
Number of Hours per Week
40
Number of Months per Year
12
Salary Band Range
$36,381 - $91,526
Salary Grade
For administrative purposes during the implementation of Career Banding this advanced level posiiton is considered a Salary Grade 63.
Posting Text
Open Date
10/21/2026
Close Date
10/28/2026
Open Until Filled
No
Special Instructions to Applicants
Applicants must apply online in order to be considered.
Please include a cover letter, resume, and a list of references (with complete contact information).
Applicants must upload a DD-214 if claiming Veteran’s Preference.
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).
Please include a cover letter, resume, and a list of references (with complete contact information).
Applicants must upload a DD-214 if claiming Veteran’s Preference.
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).
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 : $36,381 - $91,526