Educational Initiatives Specialist; Student Retention

Educational Initiatives Specialist (Student Retention) - #005045

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

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,  or .

Working Title Educational Initiatives Specialist (Student Retention) - #005045

Department

Department Office of Student Retention

Anticipated Hiring Range

Anticipated Hiring Range Based on qualifications/experience, internal equity, and departmental budget restrictions.

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 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…