Director of Student Retention

Posting Details

Posting Information


Posting Number
EHRA1055P


Quick Link for Internal Postings




Classification Title
Director


Working Title
Director of Student Retention - #000222


Department
Office of Student Retention


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).

The Director of Student Retention provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for the Office of Student Retention at Western Carolina University.

The Director leads a team of twelve full-time staff members and serves as the central point of coordination for all office programs, initiatives, and interventions designed to support at-risk and underrepresented student populations. This includes:

• Support for first-generation, low-income, and independent students
• Summer Bridge Programs and conditionally admitted student support
• New STEM Student Support Services TRiO grant
• First-year experience course and targeted outreach
• Academic standing and academic recovery
• First-year mentoring programs
• Additional programs supporting students from matriculation through graduation

The Director oversees day-to-day office operations, manages the office budget, and ensures accountability reporting. The Director also collaborates across campus on retention initiatives and reports to the Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Success.

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, Teaching, Counseling or related field
• Three years of experience in education supporting student retention and success, including student advising, teaching, or student support services
• Experience designing, implementing, or evaluating support programs for first-generation, low-income, underrepresented, or at-risk student populations, with demonstrated ability to use data to assess outcomes and drive continuous improvement
• Two or more years in a supervisory or management role with responsibility for staff, budgets, and/or strategic planning

Preferred Qualifications

• Five years of progressive experience in higher education supporting student success
• Three years of leadership within a unit and supervisory experience
• Experience with EAB Navigate, Ellucian Banner Student, and Tableau data visualization software
• Successful grant writing experience
• Demonstrated excellence in interpersonal communication, attention to detail, and creative problem-solving

Position Type
Permanent Full-Time


Number of Hours Per Week
40


Number of Months Per Year
12

Posting Text


Open Date
03/26/2026


Close Date

Open Until Filled
Yes


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 their complete contact information.

For questions or additional information please contact Mary Fischer at View email address on click.appcast.io

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 View phone number on click.appcast.io or email at View email address on click.appcast.io.

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 View phone number on click.appcast.io) or the Office of University Police, 111 Camp Annex, Cullowhee, NC 28723 View phone number on click.appcast.io). 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.