"Assistant Director of Events & Stewardship - Catamount Club - 140244"

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 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.

Position Summary:

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).

Are you passionate about collegiate athletics and inspired by the power of philanthropy to elevate the student-athlete experience?

Western Carolina University invites applications for a detail-oriented and relationship-driven professional to join our team as Assistant Director of Events and Stewardship - Catamount Club. This role offers the opportunity to create meaningful donor experiences and deliver exceptional events that strengthen support for WCU Athletics.

Reporting to the Director of Donor Relations, this position is responsible for planning and executing signature events, game day hospitality, and special engagement opportunities that foster lasting relationships with donors. Additionally, the role ensures personalized stewardship through thank-you initiatives, benefit fulfillment, and creative engagement strategies that celebrate donor impact.

Key Responsibilities:

• Event Planning and Execution
  • Coordinate and execute donor stewardship events including the Catamount Golf Tour, athletics gala, team reunions, and pre-game and in-game hospitality for football, basketball, and baseball.
  • Coordinate sports management apprentices as needed, including managing student workers who assist with event operations and benefit fulfillment.
• Donor Stewardship
  • Assist with scholarship stewardship process to ensure timely and personalized donor recognition.
  • Assist with membership benefit fulfillment initiatives.
  • Contribute to marketing and promotional strategies that enhance donor engagement and event participation.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong knowledge of event planning principles and donor stewardship best practices.
• Strong communication, customer service, and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel) and donor database systems.
• Ability to build and maintain positive relationships with donors, prospects, and campus partners.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and travel as required for events.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Interested candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for employment sponsorship or any other immigration-related assistance.
• Bachelors degree required. Candidate must have previous demonstrated experience in event management and stewardship. Degree must be from an appropriately accredited institution.

Position Type:

Permanent Full-Time

Special Instructions to Applicants:

To be considered, you must apply online. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until a candidate has been selected for hire.

Attach a cover letter, current resume and a list of references (including complete contact information with name, title, address, email, and phone) to complete the application.

For questions and additional information, please contact Stephanie Edwards at sdedwards@email.wcu.edu