University Program Specialist for TRIO DSSS - #261094

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.

The primary location of this position is on-site in Cullowhee, NC. This position is funded through a federal TRIO grant, with an initial five-year funding period secured through September 2030. Continued employment is contingent upon renewal of grant funding.

Reporting to the Associate Director of OAR-TRIO DSSS, this grant-funded position provides comprehensive program coordination and administrative support for the Disabled Student Support Services program. The role supports the effective delivery, compliance, and day-to-day operation of a federally funded TRIO program by coordinating program activities, assisting with grant and budget administration, supporting reporting and evaluation requirements, and facilitating communication with internal and external stakeholders. Working collaboratively with DSSS leadership and staff, the position contributes to the achievement of program goals by ensuring efficient operations, consistent program implementation, and compliance with institutional and federal requirements while supporting outreach, marketing, and participant engagement.

About the Department and Program:
Located within the Division of Enrollment Management and Student Success, the Office of Accessibility Resources ( OAR) seeks to foster an inclusive campus environment that is designed with accessibility in mind. Our aim is to work collaboratively with students, faculty, and staff to identify and remove course, program, or campus barriers that may prevent equal access to education and an equitable campus experience for individuals with disabilities while promoting self-advocacy and providing support to foster student learning and engagement. The Disabled Student Support Services ( DSSS) program within OAR is a federally funded TRIO college retention program serving 100 students a year. DSSS provides participants with additional support and guidance to ensure their academic, personal, and professional success.

This position is funded through a federal TRIO grant, with an initial five-year funding period secured through September 2030. Continued employment is contingent upon renewal of grant funding.

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 claiming 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 ( SHRA) will serve a 12 month probationary period as defined by the North Carolina Office of State Human Resources ( OSHR).

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.

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.

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.

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.