What are the responsibilities and job description for the WCU UP Program Coordinator position at Western Carolina University?
The primary location of this position is on-site in Cullowhee, NC. This position is designated as being subject to the State of North Carolina Human Resources Act (SHRA).
The University Participant (UP) Program Coordinator provides day-to-day coordination and operational support for the UP Program, a postsecondary education program serving students with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. This position helps ensure that program activities, student supports, schedules, outreach efforts, and related services are planned and delivered effectively in support of student success.
The coordinator works closely with students, families, faculty, campus partners, undergraduate student supports, community organizations, and state agencies to promote an inclusive and well-coordinated program experience. The position also supports student progress monitoring, scheduling, program records, application review, staff training, outreach, reporting, emergency response coordination, and other activities necessary to maintain effective program operations.
About the University Participant (UP) Program:
The University Participant (UP) Program provides an inclusive, two-year, on-campus living and learning experience for young adults with intellectual disability. The program supports students as they transition from high school to adult life by developing skills in education, employment, independent living, and campus and community participation.
The University Participant (UP) Program Coordinator provides day-to-day coordination and operational support for the UP Program, a postsecondary education program serving students with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. This position helps ensure that program activities, student supports, schedules, outreach efforts, and related services are planned and delivered effectively in support of student success.
The coordinator works closely with students, families, faculty, campus partners, undergraduate student supports, community organizations, and state agencies to promote an inclusive and well-coordinated program experience. The position also supports student progress monitoring, scheduling, program records, application review, staff training, outreach, reporting, emergency response coordination, and other activities necessary to maintain effective program operations.
About the University Participant (UP) Program:
The University Participant (UP) Program provides an inclusive, two-year, on-campus living and learning experience for young adults with intellectual disability. The program supports students as they transition from high school to adult life by developing skills in education, employment, independent living, and campus and community participation.
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities Required for this Position
- Knowledge of the characteristics, support needs, and transition considerations of adolescents and young adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities, including familiarity with inclusive postsecondary education and student success practices.
- Ability to coordinate and effectively delegate/support program activities, student schedules, application processes, records, outreach efforts, and related services with strong attention to organization, confidentiality, planning, and follow-through.
- Ability to communicate effectively and build productive working relationships with students, families, faculty, campus partners, undergraduate student supports, community organizations, schools, and state or adult service agencies.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team-based environment with good interpersonal skills to guide, train, schedule, and provide feedback to undergraduate student supports, adapt to changing program needs, and provide rotating emergency on-call coverage, including occasional evening or weekend responsibilities.
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
$64,272
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 position is considered a Salary Grade 74.
Posting Text
Open Date
07/14/2026
Close Date
07/28/2026
Open Until Filled
No
Special Instructions to Applicants
Applicants must apply online in order to be considered.
Please include a cover letter, current resume, and a list of three professional 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, current resume, and a list of three professional 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