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 University Budget Director serves as the chief budget planning and financial oversight officer for Western Carolina University, reporting to the Associate Vice Chancellor for Fiscal Affairs and supporting the Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance. This position provides comprehensive financial planning, projections, consulting, and ongoing monitoring of all university departments and personnel. The Budget Director maintains daily oversight of the administration of WCU's operating and capital budgets, serves as institutional liaison to the Office of State Budget and Management and the University of North Carolina System Office, and supports campus leadership through instruction on budgeting best practices, financial modeling, compliance frameworks, and oversight processes. The position holds responsibility for budget reporting, position control, the annual tuition and fee process, revenue forecasting, preparation of the all-funds budget, and all related fiscal year management activities.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of state accounting principles, UNC System budgeting policies, state of North Carolina Office of Budget and Management policies, and higher education financial management. Skill in financial analysis, budget modeling, and revenue forecasting. Ability to lead and manage professional staff. Ability to communicate complex financial information clearly to non-financial audiences. Proficiency with enterprise resource planning systems and advanced spreadsheet analysis. Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects and tight deadlines in a complex institutional environment. Ability to make presentations to the Executive Council and the University Board of Trustees. 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. A master's degree in Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, or similarly related field plus three to five years' related experience or a bachelor's degree with five to eight years of progressively responsible experience in budget administration, preferably in higher education. Preferred Qualifications Five years of experience working in the budget office of a UNC member institution as an analyst or higher position or working as an analyst in the Office of State Budget and Management. Familiarity with the Banner Finance module. Experience with data organization tools such as advanced excel functions. Familiarity with Department of Public Instruction fiscal policies for lab school financial management. Position Type Permanent Full-Time Number of Hours Per Week 40 Number of Months Per Year 12 Posting Text Open Date 09/28/2026 Close Date Open Until Filled Yes Special Instructions to Applicants To be considered, you must apply online. Attach a cover letter, current resume, and a list of professional references (including complete contact information with name, title, address, email, and phone) to complete the application. For questions and additional information, please contact David Steinbicker at bdsteinbicker@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.