Special Assistant to Chancellor​/Executive Director for Healthcare Workforce Initiatives

Special Assistant to the Chancellor/Executive Director for Healthcare Workforce Initiatives - #270012

Working Title Special Assistant to the Chancellor/Executive Director for Healthcare Workforce Initiatives - #270012

Department

Department Office of the Chancellor

Anticipated Hiring Range

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

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.

• 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.
• 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.

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).

Western Carolina University seeks an innovative and collaborative leader to serve as the inaugural Special Assistant to the Chancellor/Executive Director for Healthcare Workforce Initiatives. This position will lead the development and implementation of a regional healthcare workforce strategy designed to strengthen the health and economic prosperity of Western North Carolina.

Serving as WCU’s primary convener and strategic coordinator, the Director will build and sustain partnerships among healthcare providers, higher education partners, K‑12 school systems, workforce development organizations, foundations, economic development partners, policymakers, and community stakeholders. The Executive Director will coordinate the creation of a regional healthcare workforce roadmap and lead initiatives that increase the number of healthcare professionals educated, retained, and employed throughout Western North Carolina.

This position will serve as a catalyst for innovative workforce solutions, grant‑funded initiatives, and collaborative programs that support healthcare talent development across the region.

• Establish a…