Human Resources Consultant

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 on-site in Cullowhee, NC. This position is designated as being exempt from the State of North Carolina Human Resources Act (EHRA) and exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Join Human Resources & Payroll as a Human Resources Consultant and build broad HR expertise while making a meaningful impact on the employee and hiring experience across the university. The HR Consultant serves as a key member of the HR/Payroll team, supporting the university's recruitment, hiring, and employment operations while providing responsive, high-quality service to the university community. This position is ideal for a detail-oriented, service-minded professional who enjoys working with people, solving problems, using technology, and managing a variety of responsibilities. In this role, the Consultant will serve as a trusted HR resource to hiring managers, supervisors, and employees throughout the employee lifecycle. The Consultant will advise campus partners on recruitment, hiring, onboarding, and employment matters; interpret and apply employment policies and requirements; evaluate personnel actions; and use sound professional judgment to resolve compliance and procedural issues. As part of a cross-functional team, this position will have responsibility in the areas of recruitment, onboarding, employment compliance, EEO, HR systems, and university employment practices. This is a collaborative, campus-based position that works closely with members of the university community. Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Analysis and Judgment: Ability to analyze information, identify discrepancies or compliance concerns, and use sound judgment to determine appropriate courses of action within established policy, consulting leadership on complex or non-routine matters. Policy Interpretation and Confidentiality: Ability to interpret policies, procedures, and regulations, apply them to specific situations, and advise others on their application, while handling sensitive and confidential information with discretion. Organization and Accuracy: Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines, and attention to detail in supporting accurate records and data. Communication, Service, and Collaboration: Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to explain policies and requirements clearly to varied audiences, excellent customer service and interpersonal skills, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment. Technology: Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and electronic records systems, and the ability to learn and utilize multiple software systems and technologies. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required for this position: Minimum Qualifications Interested candidates must already be legally authorized to work in the United States and will not require any immigration sponsorship or support. Graduation from a four-year college or university and two years of progressively responsible experience analyzing, interpreting, applying, communicating and promoting HR best practices in the context of organizational goals and objectives; or an equivalent combination of training and experience. Degrees must be from appropriately accredited institutions. Preferred Qualifications Systems Experience: Experience using a Human Resources Information System (HRIS) and a talent management or applicant tracking system to manage hiring and onboarding workflows and to review personnel transactions for accuracy and compliance. Onboarding and Employment Eligibility: Experience with new hire onboarding and employment eligibility requirements (such as Form I-9), including evaluating documentation and resolving compliance questions. Employment Categories and Compliance: Working knowledge of HR compliance requirements and of the different employment categories supported in this role, such as faculty, EHRA non-faculty, SHRA, and temporary/hourly employees. Service Environment: Experience providing consultative customer service in a human resources, payroll, or employee services setting. Work Setting: Experience working in higher education, the public sector, or a similarly regulated environment. Position Type: Permanent Full-Time Special Instructions to Applicants Applicants must apply online in order to be considered. Please include a cover letter, resume, and a list of at least three professional references (with complete contact information). For questions or additional information, please contact Susan Gibbs at sgibbs@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 . University Safety 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. To apply, please visit: https://jobs.wcu.edu/postings/35933