Educational Initiatives Specialist

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).

This position advances institutional retention and persistence goals by supporting instructional development, contributing to curriculum design, and informing assessment practices for retention-focused courses and initiatives. The position contributes expertise in pedagogy, assessment, and student development theory to ensure that student success programming is evidence-based, data-informed, and aligned with institutional priorities. This position also collaborates in cross-campus initiatives that support belonging, persistence, and graduation outcomes.

Responsibilities include:

• Co-facilitating instructional training and professional development for First-Year Experience (FYE) and Academic Recovery instructors
• Collaborating on the development, revision, and refinement of curriculum for FYE and Academic Recovery courses, including alignment of learning outcomes, assessments, and instructional materials.
• Serving as a consulting resource on best practices in pedagogy, student development, and high-impact practices
• Leading AI initiatives for student success to ensure accuracy, tailored guidance, and alignment with academic policies
• Evaluating the effectiveness of courses and initiatives using student outcomes, assessment data, and faculty/student feedback
• Assisting in developing and implementing assessment plans for student success programs
• Collaborating with faculty, advisors, and campus partners to implement retention-focused initiatives
• Supporting OSR's foundational objectives of targeted support for at-risk students, policy oversight, and data driven improvements to cross-campus student success initiatives.

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.
• Master's degree in Higher Education, College Student Personnel, Curriculum & Instruction, or a related field
• 2 years of experience in education supporting students, including teaching, advising, or student support services
• Experience supporting broad student populations and collaborating with a wide variety stakeholders

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of WCU's academic policies and student resources
• Demonstrated experience teaching or designing curriculum for FYE, academic recovery, or student success courses
• Strong understanding of student development theory and high-impact practices
• Experience with assessment and data analysis to improve student outcomes
• Familiarity with EAB Navigate, Canvas, Ellucian Banner, Qualtrics, or similar systems
• Strong facilitation and presentation skills for faculty/staff development
• Creative and data-driven problem-solving abilities

Position Type

Permanent Full-Time

Number of Hours Per Week

40

Number of Months Per Year

12

Posting Text

Open Date

12/19/2025

Close Date

Open Until Filled

Yes

Special Instructions to Applicants

To be considered, you must apply online. Please include a cover letter, resume, and a list of professional references to complete the application process. For questions or additional information, please contact search committee chair, Mosisah Mavity, at or

Background/E-Verify

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks.

Western Carolina University uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit Proper documentation of identity and employability are required at the time of employment.

Credential Verification

All new employees are required to have listed credentials/degrees verified within 30 days of employment. All new employees who will be teaching are required to provide official transcripts within 30 days of employment. Transcripts should be provided for the highest earned degree and/or the degree which is being used to satisfy credential/qualification requirements.

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 or email at

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 or the Office of University Police, 111 Camp Annex, Cullowhee, NC 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.