Find & Apply For Financial Manager Jobs in Cullowhee, North Carolina

Pre-Award Services Manager

• #002152 Western Carolina University parental leave, paid holidays, sick time, retirement plan United States, North Carolina, Cullowhee 1 University Way (Show on map) Nov 08, 2026 Pre-Award Services Manager
• #002152 Please see Special Instructions for more details.

To be considered, you must apply online. Hard copy materials will not be accepted for review. Applicants must attach a cover letter, current resume, and a listing of at least three professional references (including complete contact information with name, title, address, email, and phone) in order to complete the application. For questions and additional information, please contact Kloo Hansen at kchansen@wcu.edu Posting Details Posting Information Posting Number

EHRA1149P

Quick Link for Internal Postings https://jobs.wcu.edu/postings/35924 Classification Title Manager Working Title Pre-Award Services Manager

• #002152 Department Sponsored Research 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 both the State of North Carolina Human Resources Act ( EHRA) and the Fair Labor Standards Act ( FLSA). The Pre-Award Services Manager provides leadership and oversight for the University's pre-award and research development functions, supporting faculty and staff throughout the proposal development and submission process. The position strategically manages pre-award services, resources, systems, and research development initiatives to promote compliant, timely, and competitive proposals and increase external funding. Working collaboratively across the Office of Research Administration and the University, the position strengthens institutional research capacity, supports collaborative funding opportunities, and helps ensure a seamless sponsored project lifecycle from proposal development through award transition.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Communication:

Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to effectively communicate with faculty, staff, sponsors, and other stakeholders.

Project Management & Organization:

Proven ability to analyze and perform complex activities, manage competing priorities, and consistently meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Grants & Contracts Administration:

Knowledge of federal, state, and institutional sponsored programs requirements, including Uniform Guidance.

Financial & Compliance Knowledge:

Understanding of sponsored programs budgeting, accounting principles, and compliance requirements. Minimum Qualifications Interested candidates must already be legally authorized to work in the United States and will not require any immigration sponsorship or support. Bachelor's degree. At least 1 year of relevant experience. Preferred Qualifications At least 2 years of experience in project management or a related field. Experience in research administration within a higher education or nonprofit environment. Leadership experience, including staff supervision and performance management. Certified Research Administrator (CRA) or Certified Financial Research Administrator (CFRA) certification. Position Type Permanent Full-Time Number of Hours Per Week 40 Number of Months Per Year 12 Posting Text Open Date 11/05/2026 Close Date Open Until Filled Yes Special Instructions to Applicants To be considered, you must apply online. Hard copy materials will not be accepted for review. Applicants must attach a cover letter, current resume, and a listing of at least three professional references (including complete contact information with name, title, address, email, and phone) in order to complete the application. For questions and additional information, please contact Kloo Hansen at kchansen@wcu.edu 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 www.dhs.gov/E-Verify. 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 (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. Applicant Documents Required Documents Cover Letter/Letter of Application Resume List of references Optional Documents Supplemental Questions Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (

• ).

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