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Western Carolina University

Communications Coordinator for Development - #270033

🇺🇸 Cullowhee, North Carolina 🕑 Full-Time 💰 $36K - $97K 💻 Communications 🗓️ November 8th, 2026

Edtech.com's Summary

Western Carolina University is hiring a Communications Coordinator for Development. This role supports the Division of Advancement by creating digital, print, written, and multimedia communications to promote alumni engagement, annual giving, athletics development, donor relations, and major advancement initiatives. The coordinator independently manages communication projects and collaborates with colleagues to ensure accurate and consistent messaging.

Highlights
  • Produce email communications, web content, stories, graphics, photography, video, event materials, and mail pieces.
  • Support communications for Alumni Engagement, Annual Giving, athletics, Donor Relations and Events, Development, and major initiatives.
  • Work independently on production projects and collaborate with Advancement colleagues and University Communications.
  • Required skills include excellent writing, editing, interviewing, and storytelling abilities.
  • Proficiency in digital and print communications, email marketing, web content, social media, and digital communication best practices.
  • Working knowledge of graphic design, photography, and short-form video editing.
  • Strong organizational and project management skills to meet deadlines and ensure quality control.
  • Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Anticipated salary starting at $45,000 with a range from $35,880 to $96,560 annually.
  • Position reports to the Director of Development for Advancement Communication in the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Advancement.

Communications Coordinator for Development - #270033 Full Description

Western Carolina University has been ranked #3 in the nation on Forbes 2025 ‘America’s Best Midsize Employers’ list, out of the top 498 employers across all industries.

Communications Coordinator for Development - #270033 Bookmark this Posting Print Preview | Apply for this Job

Please see Special Instructions for more details.
Applicants must apply online in order to be considered.

Please include a cover letter, resume, writing samples, 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).
Posting Details
Posting Information
Posting Number SHRA1746P
Quick Link for Internal Postings https://jobs.wcu.edu/postings/35941
Classification Title Public Communication Spec
Competency Level Contributing
Working Title Communications Coordinator for Development - #270033
Department Office, VC, Advancement
About WCU
Western Carolina University continues to rank high on Forbes ‘Best Employers’ lists each year. Including:
• 2025 – Ranked 1st in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes ‘America’s Best Employers by State’ list.
• 2024 – Ranking in the top 8.5% on Forbes ‘America’s Best Midsize Employers’ list, WCU was ranked 34 out of the top 400 employers across all industries.
• 2023 – Ranked in the top 20% on Forbes ‘America’s Best Midsize Employers’ list, WCU was ranked 97 out of the top 500 employers across all industries.
• 2022 – Ranked 14th in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes ‘America’s Best Employers by State’ list.
Western Carolina University is the UNC system’s westernmost campus and has been consistently ranked as one of the top 15 public regional institutions in the South.
Employees of WCU are provided a comprehensive benefits package as well as other resources, policies and programs to ensure a happy and healthy work/life balance. Benefit eligible employees have access to dental, vision and health insurance plans – eligibility begins on the first of the month following date of hire. Retirement plan contributions begin on the eligibility date following election and include employer contributions for either a defined contribution or a defined benefit plan. Optional disability plans are also available.
Eligible employees have access to tuition waivers for up to three courses per academic year; employee may enroll at any of the constituent UNC System campuses. Also offered are free group exercise classes multiple times per week, a discounted membership to the campus recreation center, free vaccine and booster shots offered on campus, pretax flexible spending accounts, 12 paid holidays and 24 hours of paid community service leave each year. Leave earning employees (staff and 12-month faculty) who work at least half of the working days of their first month of employment will begin accruing vacation and sick leave immediately. Paid parental leave after 12 months of continuous service.
WCU offers an abundance of training and development programs, certifications, workshops and conferences – many of which are offered free of charge.
Position Summary
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 Communications Coordinator for Development supports the strategy and execution of communications for the Division of Advancement. Reporting to the Director of Development for Advancement Communication, this position is responsible for producing digital, print, written, and multimedia communications supporting Alumni Engagement, Annual Giving, athletics development, Donor Relations and Events, Development, and major Advancement initiatives.

The position produces email communications, web content, stories, graphics, photography, video, event materials, mail pieces, and other communications based on established Advancement communications strategies and priorities. The position independently manages assigned production projects and collaborates with Advancement colleagues, student communications employees, and University Communications and Marketing to ensure timely, accurate, and consistent execution.

Must be eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship.
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities Required for this Position
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including writing, editing, proofreading, interviewing, and developing stories about alumni, donors, students, and institutional impact.
  • Ability to produce professional digital and print communications using working knowledge of email marketing, web content, social media, and digital communications best practices.
  • Working knowledge of graphic design and visual communications principles, with the ability to capture and edit basic photography and short-form video.
  • Strong organizational and project-management skills to manage multiple deadlines and recurring projects, work independently and collaboratively, and ensure accuracy, attention to detail, brand consistency, and quality control.
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 in a discipline 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 $45,000
Position Type Permanent Full-Time
Number of Hours per Week 40
Number of Months per Year 12
Salary Band Range $35,880 - $96,560
Salary Grade
Posting Text
Open Date 11/06/2026
Close Date 11/30/2026
Open Until Filled No
Special Instructions to Applicants
Applicants must apply online in order to be considered.

Please include a cover letter, resume, writing samples, 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.
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 [email protected].
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.
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
  1. Cover Letter/Letter of Application
  2. Resume
  3. List of references

Optional Documents

  1. DD-214
  2. NGB 23A (RPAS)
  3. DD256 or NGB22
Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

  1. * How did you hear about this employment opportunity?
    • HigherEdJobs.com
    • Inside Higher Ed
    • HERC - Higher Education Recruitment Consortium
    • Website - Jobs.wcu.edu
    • Indeed.com
    • Personal Referral
    • Agency Referral
    • Other
  2. * Do you require sponsorship?
    • Yes
    • No

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