Find & Apply For Human Resources / Labor Relations Specialist Jobs in Cullowhee, North Carolina

Human Resources Consultant -

• 4.2 1 University Way, Cullowhee, NC 28723 Permanent, Full-time Apply on company site 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) and exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Join Human Resources & Payroll as a Human Resources Consultant and build broad HR expertise while making a meaningful impact on the employee and hiring experience across the university. The HR Consultant serves as a key member of the HR/Payroll team, supporting the university's recruitment, hiring, and employment operations while providing responsive, high-quality service to the university community. This position is ideal for a detail-oriented, service-minded professional who enjoys working with people, solving problems, using technology, and managing a variety of responsibilities. In this role, the Consultant will serve as a trusted HR resource to hiring managers, supervisors, and employees throughout the employee lifecycle. The Consultant will advise campus partners on recruitment, hiring, onboarding, and employment matters; interpret and apply employment policies and requirements; evaluate personnel actions; and use sound professional judgment to resolve compliance and procedural issues. As part of a cross-functional team, this position will have responsibility in the areas of recruitment, onboarding, employment compliance, EEO, HR systems, and university employment practices. This is a collaborative, campus-based position that works closely with members of the university community.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Analysis and Judgment:

Ability to analyze information, identify discrepancies or compliance concerns, and use sound judgment to determine appropriate courses of action within established policy, consulting leadership on complex or non-routine matters.

Policy Interpretation and Confidentiality:

Ability to interpret policies, procedures, and regulations, apply them to specific situations, and advise others on their application, while handling sensitive and confidential information with discretion.

Organization and Accuracy:

Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines, and attention to detail in supporting accurate records and data.

Communication, Service, and Collaboration:

Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to explain policies and requirements clearly to varied audiences, excellent customer service and interpersonal skills, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.

Technology:

Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and electronic records systems, and the ability to learn and utilize multiple software systems and technologies. Minimum Qualifications Interested candidates must already be legally authorized to work in the United States and will not require any immigration sponsorship or support. Graduation from a four-year college or university and two years of progressively responsible experience analyzing, interpreting, applying, communicating and promoting HR best practices in the context of organizational goals and objectives; or an equivalent combination of training and experience. Degrees must be from appropriately accredited institutions.

Preferred Qualifications Systems Experience:

Experience using a Human Resources Information System (HRIS) and a talent management or applicant tracking system to manage hiring and onboarding workflows and to review personnel transactions for accuracy and compliance.

Onboarding and Employment Eligibility:

Experience with new hire onboarding and employment eligibility requirements (such as Form I-9), including evaluating documentation and resolving compliance questions.

Employment Categories and Compliance:

Working knowledge of HR compliance requirements and of the different employment categories supported in this role, such as faculty, EHRA non-faculty, SHRA, and temporary/hourly employees.

Service Environment:

Experience providing consultative customer service in a human resources, payroll, or employee services setting.

Work Setting:

Experience working in higher education, the public sector, or a similarly regulated environment. Position Type Permanent Full-Time Number of Hours Per Week 40 Number of Months Per Year 12 Posting Text Open Date 11/06/2026 Close Date Open Until Filled Yes Special Instructions to Applicants Applicants must apply online in order to be considered. Please include a cover letter, resume, and a list of at least three professional references (with complete contact information). For questions or additional information, please contact Susan Gibbs at sgibbs@email.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.