"Business Officer - 002137"

Job Details

Business Officer - 002137
Western Carolina University
Department: Office of the Dean, Business

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 the Cullowhee, NC campus. This position reports directly to the Dean of the College of Business and serves as the lead administrator for the College’s budgeting and financial operations. The role involves overseeing the planning, management, and reporting of a variety of funding sources, including state budgets, faculty support funds, trust funds, distance learning budgets, and grant-related revenues. The individual in this role provides the Dean with timely and accurate budget reports and analysis to support decision-making, recommends funding strategies for new initiatives, and processes budget transfers as needed. They manage personnel budgeting across the College, including staffing plans and faculty contracts for tenure-track, fixed-term, adjunct, summer, and distance learning appointments. In addition to budget and personnel management, this position supervises administrative support staff, coordinates operational functions of the Dean’s office, and contributes to strategic planning efforts. The role also provides guidance to School Directors on budget, personnel, and policy matters. Other duties may be assigned by the Dean or their designee.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required for this Position:

• Ability to interact effectively with a wide range of constituencies, including students, faculty, alumni, and employers.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in managing budgets and student records, with working knowledge of systems and software such as Banner, Microsoft Office, Talent Management and other relevant tools.
• Skilled in building relationships and professional networks; capable of developing internship and employment opportunities for students, graduates, and alumni.
• Experience collaborating with campus offices, including the Provost’s Office, Administration & Finance, Facilities Management, Human Resources and Advancement.
• Ability to generate and interpret reports related to scheduling (e.g., R25), administrative operations, student matriculation, graduation rates, employment outcomes, and other key performance indicators.
• Ability to provide several different studies associated with the AACSB and the COB accreditation.
• Highly organized, with creativity, energy, enthusiasm, sound judgment, and demonstrated management experience. A flexible and collegial team player.
• Strong strategic planning skills; able to prioritize, work under pressure, meet deadlines, and manage resources effectively.
• Experience coordinating support services, including facilities maintenance, capital improvement tracking, leases, and vendor relationships.
• Capable of identifying administrative challenges and proposing solutions.
• Able to produce data reports and special studies supporting Academic Affairs initiatives, and to maintain statistical data for use in strategic planning.
• A demonstrated commitment to the mission and priorities of the College of Business, including excellence in teaching and learning, research advancement, interdisciplinary education, community engagement, economic development.
• Maintains a high level of professionalism in appearance, demeanor, and attitude.
• Possesses exceptional interpersonal skills, integrity, and sound judgment.

Minimum Qualifications: Interested candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for employment sponsorship or any immigration-related assistance. Bachelor’s degree completed by January 1, 2026, and 2–4 years of relevant work experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

Position Type: Permanent Full-Time

Special Instructions to Applicants: Application materials must be submitted online. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until a candidate has been selected for hire. Please include a cover letter, current resume and a list of three professional references with complete contact information. For questions or additional information please contact AJ Grube, Dean of the College of Business, at agrube@email.wcu.edu

AA/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.