Western Carolina University continues to rank high on Forbes 'Best Employers' lists each year. Including:
*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. Paid vacation and sick leave accrual begin after first month of employment. 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.

The primary location of this position is the main Cullowhee, NC campus.

The Emergency and Disaster Management Program within the Department of Criminology & Criminal Justice is seeking two faculty members at the rank of Assistant Professor, beginning August 1, 2024. These are nine-month tenure track positions with summer teaching possibilities and are for our residential program with some likely online teaching responsibilities. Review of applications will begin September 15th and continue until the position is filled.

Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience. Responsibilities include teaching, research, and service.

WCU embraces its role as a regionally engaged university and is designated by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching as a community engaged university. Preference will be given to candidates who can demonstrate a commitment to public engagement through their teaching and service.

Candidates must have a Ph.D. in Emergency and Disaster Management, Criminology/Criminal Justice, Public Administration, Sociology, Urban Planning or other discipline closely related to the field of Emergency & Disaster Management. Highly qualified ABD candidates will be considered if the degree is completed by 8/31/2024. Candidates must have a clearly articulated research agenda in Emergency & Disaster Management and a commitment of academic excellence and collegiality.

The Emergency and Disaster Program has an established record of engaging students through undergraduate research and experiential learning and is consistently ranked as one of the best undergraduate programs in the nation. The ideal candidate will have an interest in contributing to these efforts and have a firm foundation to teach a range of emergency and disaster management courses.

Application materials must be submitted online to Western Carolina University Human Resources Portal at .

Candidates should submit an online candidate profile, cover letter, curriculum vitae, statement of research interests, unofficial transcripts, evidence of teaching experience/philosophy, and contact information for three current references.

Contact:

Inquiries may be directed to Committee Chair and EDM Director:

Dr. Lisa T. Briggs

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.

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.

Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; religion; sex; 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. Additionally, the University promotes the realization of equal employment opportunity for minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and veterans through its affirmative action program.
Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please call (828) 227-7218 or email at jobs@email.wcu.edu.

The Western Carolina University Annual Safety Report is available online at 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.