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 Americas Best Employers by State list.
2024 - Ranking in the top 8.5% on Forbes Americas 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 Americas 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 Americas Best Employers by State list.
Western Carolina University is the UNC systems 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 designated as being exempt from the State of North Carolina Human Resources Act (EHRA).

The position title (Enrollment Counselor or Assistant Director of Admissions) will be determined based on the selected candidates education, qualifications, and directly related professional experience, in accordance with university and UNC System guidelines. Final title determination will be made at the time of hire.

The Enrollment Counselor/Assistant Director of Admissions is responsible for recruiting prospective students and guiding them and their families through the college selection process.
Key responsibilities include providing clear and informative guidance on the benefits of a college education and the available pathways to achieve it; delivering accurate and comprehensive information about Western Carolina Universitys admissions process, financial aid, academic programs, and campus life; and evaluating academic credentials to determine admissibility and render admission decisions. The role also involves developing and implementing recruitment strategies and outreach activities designed to convert prospective students into enrolled students, as well as coordinating special projects that support student recruitment efforts.

Additionally, this position contributes to enhancing the universitys image by assisting in the design and development of print and digital marketing materials that reflect the quality and value of WCUs academic offerings. The Enrollment Counselor/Assistant Director actively builds and maintains relationships with high school counselors, community college advisors, and community-based organization (CBO) leaders, and represents the WCU Admissions Office through recruitment visits to high schools, community colleges, and regional events and forums.

This position requires weekly travel within designated regions of North Carolina as well as other territories, as assigned by the institution, along with limited evening and weekend work. The incumbent is also expected to participate in on-campus recruitment events in Cullowhee, including Open Houses and other special programs, as needed, as well as periodic on-campus engagement of up to one day per academic semester.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Applications must be submitted online and must include a current resume or curriculum vitae, a cover letter, and a list of at least three professional references with complete contact information.

For questions or additional information, please contact kpresha@email.wcu.edu