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. 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 the main Cullowhee, NC campus.
The Software Licensing Analyst, reporting to the Director IT Administration, establishes processes for enhancing software licensing and is a key role that supports IT vendor management maturity by providing a clear view and understanding of the licenses and entitlements that are owned by WCU and how they are used.
The role of the Software Licensing Manager is to support, manage, administer, and improve contracts for software and application services and products across the organization. This includes reviewing and processing requests for software applications, conducting research to assist with purchases and contract requirements, managing a repository of applications, maintaining and tracking software license through vendor portals, ensuring compliance with licensing requirements of manufacturer, and managing annual renewals. The Software Licensing Analyst will also define and facilitate communication between WCU and its providers in order to deliver software and applications according to plan, and to ensure licensing compliance. This individual will apply proven communication and problem-solving skills to deliver excellent customer service to our campus clients. The Software Licensing Analyst will work with other IT teams to match entitlement records with discovered software information, reconcile, and report on license compliance status regularly.
Other Responsibilities:
Engage and collaborate with university legal team, IT Chief Security and Privacy Officer to ensure acceptable risk exposure through use of terms and conditions.
Assist in defining and developing IT vendor management methods, governance standards, processes, and metrics for monitoring performance against defined contract terms and overall risk management.
Develop and implement IT vendor management best practices, processes, and other programs. Define standard IT supplier and contract requirements. Perform ongoing maintenance of IT supplier and contract information.
Proactively identify and work to address issues and emerging risks.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required for this Position:
Understanding of the principles and practices of contracts and procurement.
Demonstrated ability to design and improve processes.
Demonstrated analytical skills.
Strong interpersonal skills with ability to communicate effectively at multiple levels of an organization (verbal and written).
Attention to detail.
Strong decision making and conflict resolution skills.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required for this position: Minimum Qualifications:
Must be legally eligible to work in the United States without requiring employment sponsorship for immigration purposes.
A combination of a bachelor's degree in business management; CIS; Computer Science; or other related area and 3 years' experience in IT software, hardware, or closely related functions; or a combination of associate degree and 5 years of experience.
Preferred Qualifications:
An advanced degree or certification in Business Management; CIS; Computer Science; or other related field
Understanding of software licensing platforms and IT technical specifications.
Experience with software license management tools.
Knowledge of state governmental and/or university regulations related to Vendor Management services or procurement.
Knowledge and experience with IT vendor consortiums.
Market knowledge of IT products and services and current trends.
Experience with program and project management, business delivery, or a management consulting role owning end-to-end delivery.
Desire to embrace and implement change.
Familiarity with major software solutions and vendors.
Position Type: Permanent Full-Time
Special Instructions to Applicants:
Applicants must apply online. Please submit a cover letter, resume, and at least three professional references (include complete contact information) in order to be considered for the position.
Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until a candidate has been selected for hire.
For questions or additional information, please contact Tabatha Springer (tjspringer@wcu.edu).
PLEASE COMPLETE ALL AREAS OF THE APPLICATION. INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS MAY NOT BE GIVEN CONSIDERATION IN THE REVIEW PROCESS.
AA/EOE 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.
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.
As the westernmost institution in the University of North Carolina system, WCU provides comprehensive educational opportunities to residents in the state’s western region and attracts students from around the globe to explore the region’s vast natural diversity. Founded in 1889 as a teaching college, Western Carolina now provides an education to more than 10,000 students in undergraduate and graduate programs.