Job Details

Western Carolina University continues to rank high on Forbes Best Employers lists each year. Including:
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.

This is a hybrid position requiring a minimum of one day (8 hours) per week on the Western Carolina University campus in Cullowhee, NC. During remote workdays, the employee must have reliable access to MS Teams and email.

This is a time-limited, grant-funded appointment with continued employment contingent upon the availability of funding. The position is expected to last approximately 12 months and has a scheduled work week of 30 hours (0.75 FTE).

The Departments of Chemistry and Physics and Environmental Health at Western Carolina University, located in Cullowhee, North Carolina, is seeking a Program Coordinator for a grant funded project incorporating mid-infrared spectroscopy, chemometrics, and mosquito biology. This role will be supervised by Dr. Brian Byrd (Environmental Health Sciences) and work collaboratively with Dr. Scott Huffman (Chemistry and Physics). The program coordinator will work closely with the Office of Research Administration, Budget Office, Human Resources/Payroll, and other administrative and project staff.

The grant-funded Program Coordinator will be responsible for overseeing and managing logistical and administrative aspects of the project including budget management, purchasing, travel logistics, social media/stakeholder engagement, compliance and reporting. Given the entrepreneurial nature of this project, the program coordinator should expect other duties as assigned.

This role requires a highly organized and detail-oriented individual with excellent communication and program management skills. The coordinator will help ensure that all project objectives are met on time, within scope, and within budget, while adhering to the funding agencys guidelines and reporting requirements. Collaboration with laboratory members, including undergraduate and graduate students, is essential.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Demonstrated ability to manage strategic partnerships, complex budgets, and team-based deliverables. Experience producing reports, presentations, and marketing/outreach materials. Proficiency with Microsoft Office, WCU Banner,ChromeRiver, and virtual collaboration tools (e.g., Teams).

To be considered, you must apply online. Hard-copy application materials will not be considered. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Please attach a cover letter, current resume and a list of three references (include complete contact information - telephone numbers).

This is a time-limited, grant-funded appointment with continued employment contingent upon the availability of funding. The position is expected to last approximately 12 months and has a scheduled work week of 30 hours (0.75 FTE).

For questions or additional information, please contact: Dr. Brian Byrd at bdbyrd@email.wcu.edu