Director of Advancement Business Operations
Western Carolina University Department:
Advancement Services 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 Advancement Business Operations manages the business, financial, and operational affairs of the Division of Advancement and supports financial oversight of WCU Foundation activities. This position administers and monitors state-appropriated funds, private gifts, investment earnings, scholarship-related funds, and other financial resources to support accurate budgeting, reconciliation, reporting, purchasing, fund distribution, and compliance with donor intent, university requirements, and applicable regulations. The position reports to the Executive Director of Advancement Services and works closely with Advancement leadership, campus business officers, Administration and Finance, and other internal partners to support the efficient operation of the division and foundation.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge Working knowledge of
GAAP, GASB, FASB, IRS
requirements, UNC business practices, CASE counting standards, and applicable WCU policies and procedures. Knowledge of budget administration, fund accounting, gift and scholarship fund management, purchasing, accounts payable, asset management, and financial reporting. Skills Proficiency with Microsoft Office, especially Excel, and use of Microsoft Teams, Banner Finance, Raiser's Edge NXT and Raiser's Edge database view, electronic purchasing systems, and IT asset management forms. Skill in reviewing, reconciling, validating, and reporting financial data accurately and clearly. Strong communication and customer-service skills for working with Advancement staff, campus business officers, and internal partners. Abilities Ability to manage competing priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain accuracy in a detail-oriented financial environment. Ability to perform budget reconciliations, validate daily deposit reports, monitor fund activity, and identify discrepancies or needed corrections. Ability to interpret and apply donor intent, gift agreements, university policies, and applicable financial procedures. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required for this position:
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 in business administration, public administration, or related business area and five years of administrative management or business management experience or equivalent combination of training and experience.
Preferred Qualifications:
Master's degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field. Experience working in a higher education, university advancement, foundation, government, or similar nonprofit financial environment. Experience using Banner Finance and electronic purchasing systems. Certified Public Accountant credential.
Position Type:
Permanent Full-Time 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. To complete the application process, please include a cover letter, your current resume, and a list of at least three professional references with their complete contact information. For questions or additional information please contact: Claire Napoletano at enapoletano@email.wcu.edu AA/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. To apply, please visit: https://jobs.wcu.edu/postings/34952 je-79620cee28024acfba899e996b7dfba9
