Special Assistant to the Chancellor/Executive Director for Healthcare Workforce Initiatives

Special Assistant to the Chancellor/Executive Director for Healthcare Workforce Initiatives

Western Carolina University

Department: Office of the Chancellor

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).

Western Carolina University seeks an innovative and collaborative leader to serve as the inaugural Special Assistant to the Chancellor/Executive Director for Healthcare Workforce Initiatives. This position will lead the development and implementation of a regional healthcare workforce strategy designed to strengthen the health and economic prosperity of Western North Carolina.

Serving as WCU's primary convener and strategic coordinator, the Director will build and sustain partnerships among healthcare providers, higher education partners, K-12 school systems, workforce development organizations, foundations, economic development partners, policymakers, and community stakeholders. The Executive Director will coordinate the creation of a regional healthcare workforce roadmap and lead initiatives that increase the number of healthcare professionals educated, retained, and employed throughout Western North Carolina.

This position will serve as a catalyst for innovative workforce solutions, grant-funded initiatives, and collaborative programs that support healthcare talent development across the region.

Within the first 12-24 months, the Director will be expected to:

• Establish a regional healthcare workforce coalition.
• Convene regular regional stakeholder meetings.
• Develop and publish a healthcare workforce white paper and strategic roadmap.
• Secure external funding to support workforce initiatives.
• Create formal partnership agreements with key healthcare and educational organizations.
• Launch or facilitate at least one new healthcare pipeline initiative.
• Develop a framework for measuring regional workforce outcomes and impact.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Strategic thinking and systems-level leadership.
• Exceptional relationship-building and convening skills.
• Grant writing and resource development expertise.
• Ability to translate data into actionable strategies.
• Strong written communication skills, including white paper and report development.
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Political acumen and ability to navigate diverse stakeholder interests.
• Commitment to rural community development and health equity.

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 public health, healthcare administration, higher education, public administration, workforce development, economic development, business, or a related field.
• Seven years of progressively responsible experience in healthcare workforce development, healthcare administration, higher education, economic development, community engagement, strategic partnerships, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex stakeholder relationships.
• Experience securing or supporting grant-funded initiatives.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced degree in public health, healthcare administration, higher education, public administration, workforce development, economic development, business, or a related field.
• Experience working within rural healthcare environments.
• Knowledge of healthcare workforce challenges and opportunities in North Carolina.
• Experience leading regional collaborations or collective-impact initiatives.
• Successful track record securing competitive grants.
• Experience working with foundations, and public-sector partners.
• Familiarity with healthcare professional education pathways and workforce pipeline programs.
• Experience evaluating or developing workforce strategies related to the adoption of AI and digital health technologies, including assessment of workforce competencies, training needs, and organizational readiness.

Position Type: Permanent Full-Time

Special Instructions to Applicants: To be considered, you must apply online. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until a candidate has been selected for hire.

Attach a cover letter, current resume, and a list of references (including complete contact information with name, title, address, email, and phone) to complete the application.

For questions and additional information, please contact Melissa Wargo, Chief of Staff, at wargo@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/35485







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