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Western Carolina University

Executive Assistant for the Vice Chancellor of Advancement - #000074

🇺🇸 Cullowhee, NC

🕑 Full-Time

💰 $55K

💻 Development & Advancement

🗓️ December 4th, 2025

Raiser’s Edge

Edtech.com's Summary

Western Carolina University is hiring an Executive Assistant for the Vice Chancellor of Advancement. The role involves providing high-level executive support by managing complex administrative tasks and serving as the key interface for the Vice Chancellor's office. The Executive Assistant coordinates communications, organizes travel, manages records and reports, supports board meetings, and assists with special projects and recruitment activities.

Highlights
  • Manage complex administrative responsibilities and serve as primary contact for the Vice Chancellor of Advancement's office.
  • Handle communication professionally including greeting visitors, managing emails and phone calls, and composing correspondence
  • Coordinate travel arrangements, expense reports, and maintain organized filing systems.
  • Serve as recording secretary for WCU Board of Trustees Advancement and Athletics Committee.
  • Manage Raiser’s Edge database reports and act as a proxy for time approvals and purchasing systems.
  • Support recruitment efforts by participating in search committees and coordinating office coverage.
  • Required skills include advanced problem-solving, superior written and oral communication, organizational excellence, strategic decision-making, and customer service proficiency.
  • Minimum qualifications include a high school diploma with three years of administrative experience, or equivalent education and experience.
  • Compensation range is $37,306 to $86,062 with an anticipated hiring range of $55,000 annually.
  • Position is full-time, permanent, working 40 hours per week throughout the year.

Executive Assistant for the Vice Chancellor of Advancement - #000074 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. 

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Executive Assistant for the Vice Chancellor of Advancement - #000074
Please see Special Instructions for more details.
To be considered, you must apply online. Applicant should attach a cover letter, up to date resume, and a list of three professional references (include names, addresses and complete contact information).

Applicants who wish to claim veteran’s preference must upload a copy of their DD-214.

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 (SPA) 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  | SHRA1603P
Quick Link for Internal Postings  | https://jobs.wcu.edu/postings/32403
Classification Title  | Executive Assistant
Competency Level  | Journey
Working Title  | Executive Assistant for the Vice Chancellor of Advancement - #000074
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.

The Executive Assistant for the Vice Chancellor of Advancement plays a critical role in ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of the Advancement Division. This comprehensive position supports senior leadership through a diverse range of strategic and operational responsibilities. The primary function encompasses providing high-level executive support that involves managing complex administrative tasks with precision and professionalism.

The position serves as the critical interface for the Vice Chancellor’s office, professionally representing the department through expert communication management. This includes professionally greeting visitors, responding to emails, and handling phone communications with exceptional skill and discretion. The role requires independent research and composition of professional correspondence, including letters, memoranda, scripts, and comprehensive reports that reflect the highest standards of the university’s communication.

Operationally, the position demands meticulous organizational management across multiple domains. The executive assistant designs and maintains sophisticated filing systems, coordinates intricate travel arrangements for senior university leadership, processes detailed expense reports, and ensures database accuracy. Additional responsibilities include serving as a recording secretary for the WCU Board of Trustees Advancement and Athletics Committee, managing special projects, coordinating events for leadership boards , and serving as a critical administrative liaison across various university departments.

The role extends to technical administrative duties, including managing Raiser’s Edge database reports, serving as a proxy for time approvals and purchasing systems, coordinating office coverage, and supporting recruitment efforts through participation in search committees. The executive assistant must demonstrate exceptional organizational skills, proactive communication, and the ability to prioritize complex, competing responsibilities while maintaining the highest level of professional discretion.

Must be eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship.
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities Required for this Position  | Advanced Problem-Solving: Exceptional ability to navigate non-routine activities with initiative, good judgment, and adaptability in complex, dynamic work environments Communication Mastery: Superior oral and written communication skills, with the ability to interact professionally with diverse stakeholders and represent executive leadership Organizational Excellence: Meticulous attention to detail, advanced planning and organizing skills, with proven capability to manage multiple priorities and meet critical deadlines Strategic Decision-Making: Capacity to interpret situational nuances and select appropriate courses of action with minimal supervision Customer Service Proficiency: Outstanding interpersonal skills and the ability to provide exceptional service in high-stakes professional settings Adaptive Performance: Demonstrated flexibility to quickly adjust to changing organizational needs and support complex administrative functions with discretion and efficiency
Minimum Qualifications  | High school diploma or equivalency and three years of progressively responsible administrative/office management experience;
or Associate’s degree in secretarial science, business administration, or a related discipline and one year of progressively responsible administrative/office management experience ; or Bachelor’s degree, preferably in business administration or a related discipline; or equivalent combination of training and experience. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.
Anticipated Hiring Range  | $55,000
Position Type  | Permanent Full-Time
Number of Hours per Week  | 40
Number of Months per Year  | 12
Salary Band Range  | $37,306 - $86,062
Salary Grade  | 
 Posting Text 
Open Date  | 12/02/2025
Close Date  | 12/09/2025
Open Until Filled  | No
Special Instructions to Applicants  | To be considered, you must apply online. Applicant should attach a cover letter, up to date resume, and a list of three professional references (include names, addresses and complete contact information).

Applicants who wish to claim veteran’s preference must upload a copy of their DD-214.

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 (SPA) 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 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.
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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