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Policy roles at think tanks, federal agencies, and advocacy organizations regularly qualify for EB-2 and EB-3 green card sponsorship through PERM labor certification. Employers document that no qualified U.S. worker is available before filing your I-140 petition, making direct sponsorship the standard path for foreign policy professionals.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
The primary location of this position is the main Cullowhee, NC campus.
Following recent departmental alignment and ongoing strategic growth, we invite applications for a nine-month, tenure-track position in the Health Sciences Program with expertise and interest in health policy/health management. This is a full-time (9-month) tenure-track appointment at the rank of Assistant Professor. Opportunities for summer teaching and additional compensation are available. Anticipated start date is January 1, 2027. Salary is commensurate with academic qualifications and experience for a regional comprehensive university.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Responsibilities of the position include:
- Teaching undergraduate and graduate courses that support the Health Sciences curriculum and general education courses
- Advising and mentoring undergraduate and graduate students in collaboration with the Advising Center
- Providing meaningful service to the university, profession, and community
- Pursuing a well-defined scholarly/research agenda
The standard teaching load for tenure-track faculty is three courses per semester. Teaching responsibilities will align with the candidate’s expertise and program needs, including the development and delivery of courses within the Health Sciences curriculum. Core areas may include Quality Management, Financial Management in Healthcare, Research Methods, Systems and Trends in Healthcare Delivery, Legal and Legislative Aspects in Healthcare, Medicare and Medicaid, Cost Containment and Productivity Management, Healthcare Leadership, Healthcare Marketing, Organizational Problem Solving and Decision Making, Health Informatics, Biostatistics for Health Sciences, and Capstone courses.
We seek candidates who demonstrate their ability to work with, and be sensitive to the educational needs of, first generation, Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, and rural populations; and support the University’s commitment to Honoring Our Promise. The Health Sciences program holds inclusive excellence as a core value, and we work together to foster a welcoming community, where all are respected and know they belong.
The Health Sciences program is housed in the 160,000 square foot, state-of-the-art Health and Human Sciences Building and is part of the restricted Department of Integrated and Environmental Health Sciences within the College of Health Sciences. The Health Sciences program consists of a bachelor’s degree in Integrated Health Sciences and a master’s degree in Health Sciences. The Integrated Health Sciences (IHS) Program is a 120-credit hour, residential, program designed for students who have a broad-based interest in the health field with concentrations in Pre-Professional, Management, and Health & Wellness. This innovative and flexible program of study is intended to equally serve entry-level and transfer students. More information about the program can be found on the website: ihs.wcu.edu. The Master of Health Sciences (MHS) program, designed for the working professional, is a 100% online graduate degree program that prepares future health organization managers and educators. The MHS program offers concentrations in Emergency Medical Care, Health Education, Health Management and Nutrition & Dietetics/Dietetic Internship. More information about the program can be found on the website: mhs.wcu.edu.
The Department of Integrated and Environmental Health Sciences Program offers undergraduate programs in Environmental Health and Integrated Health Sciences, and a Master of Health Sciences. Additional programs within the College of Health and Human Sciences include Therapeutic and Clinical Healthcare, Communication Sciences and Disorders, Nursing, Physical Therapy, and Social Work. A collaborative environment conducive to interdisciplinary teaching, scholarship and service exists within the Department and College of Health and Human Sciences. Western North Carolina’s rural, ageing, and medically underserved population and location provides numerous and rich opportunities for community partnerships, collaborative research, and grant acquisition. More information on the College can be found on the website: chhs.wcu.edu.
Western Carolina University is a regional comprehensive university with more than 12,000 students with its main campus located in Cullowhee, NC. Part of our mission is to inspire student learning through innovative teaching, nationally recognized programs, exceptional support, and a robust connectedness with surrounding communities in Southern Appalachia, including the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. The county and surrounding areas provide residents a high quality of life with their proximity to the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, diverse outdoor adventures, a thriving arts community, and mild year-round temperatures.
Reports To: Department Head, Integrated and Environmental Health Sciences
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION
- Support the vision and mission of Health Sciences program, along with that of the Department, College, and University.
- Develop and deliver courses within the Health Sciences program such as, but not limited to, Quality Management, Research Methods, Systems & Trends in Healthcare Delivery, Legal and Legislative Aspects in Healthcare, Medicare & Medicaid, Cost Containment/Productivity Management, Healthcare Leadership, Healthcare Marketing, Healthcare Organization Problem Solving & Decision Making, Health Informatics, Biostatistics for Health Sciences, and Capstone courses.
- Mentor and advise students in collaboration with the Advising Center about academic progress and professional development.
- Provide service to the university, profession, and community.
- Establish and maintain a clearly defined, focused program of scholarly inquiry that engages students.
- Maintain currency and contemporary expertise in the academic discipline through continuing education, scholarship, and/or participation in activities within the profession, including involvement within professional organizations at the state, district and national levels.
- Work cooperatively and collegially with all faculty and staff involved in the Health Sciences program, Department of Integrated and Environmental Sciences, and across the university.
- Submit appropriate artifacts, narratives, and data related to program, liberal studies, and accreditation assessment and continuous improvement.
- Carry out other assignments and duties as assigned by the Health Sciences Program Director, Department of Integrated and Environmental Health Sciences, and Dean of the College of Health and Human Sciences.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Doctoral degree in healthcare administration, healthcare management, public health, health sciences, or closely related field from a regionally accredited institution (ABD candidates will be considered with degree conferral by May 2026 for an August start or December 2026 for a January start) with a minimum of 18 graduate semester hours in the teaching discipline.
- Evidence of teaching experience in the discipline.
- Evidence of scholarly activity and a research agenda.
- Evidence of service to the profession or community.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Credentials or certifications in health care administration specialties.
POSITION TYPE
Permanent Full-Time
NUMBER OF MONTHS PER YEAR
9
OPEN DATE
04/27/2026
OPEN UNTIL FILLED
Yes
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.
Please include the following:
- Letter of application
- Current CV
- List of a minimum of 3 professional references with complete contact information
- Description of your teaching philosophy
- Description of your research/scholarly agenda
- Unofficial transcripts showing degree conferral dates for all degrees at the master’s degree level and higher
- Copy of credentials and certifications (if applicable)
For questions or additional information please contact:
Dr. Brian Byrd
E-mail: bdbyrd@wcu.edu
Phone: (828) 227-2607
All applicants are required to submit an unofficial transcript of their highest attained degree, showing all completed coursework and the date the degree was conferred. The transcript must state Degree Awarded, Degree Conferred or a similar phrase. For candidates who are ABD, please submit your most recent doctoral program transcript along with your master’s degree transcript, if you hold such a degree. The master’s degree transcript must have a notation such as Degree Awarded, Degree Conferred or similar phrase, to verify it as your highest completed degree.
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.
INTRODUCTION
The primary location of this position is the main Cullowhee, NC campus.
Following recent departmental alignment and ongoing strategic growth, we invite applications for a nine-month, tenure-track position in the Health Sciences Program with expertise and interest in health policy/health management. This is a full-time (9-month) tenure-track appointment at the rank of Assistant Professor. Opportunities for summer teaching and additional compensation are available. Anticipated start date is January 1, 2027. Salary is commensurate with academic qualifications and experience for a regional comprehensive university.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Responsibilities of the position include:
- Teaching undergraduate and graduate courses that support the Health Sciences curriculum and general education courses
- Advising and mentoring undergraduate and graduate students in collaboration with the Advising Center
- Providing meaningful service to the university, profession, and community
- Pursuing a well-defined scholarly/research agenda
The standard teaching load for tenure-track faculty is three courses per semester. Teaching responsibilities will align with the candidate’s expertise and program needs, including the development and delivery of courses within the Health Sciences curriculum. Core areas may include Quality Management, Financial Management in Healthcare, Research Methods, Systems and Trends in Healthcare Delivery, Legal and Legislative Aspects in Healthcare, Medicare and Medicaid, Cost Containment and Productivity Management, Healthcare Leadership, Healthcare Marketing, Organizational Problem Solving and Decision Making, Health Informatics, Biostatistics for Health Sciences, and Capstone courses.
We seek candidates who demonstrate their ability to work with, and be sensitive to the educational needs of, first generation, Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, and rural populations; and support the University’s commitment to Honoring Our Promise. The Health Sciences program holds inclusive excellence as a core value, and we work together to foster a welcoming community, where all are respected and know they belong.
The Health Sciences program is housed in the 160,000 square foot, state-of-the-art Health and Human Sciences Building and is part of the restricted Department of Integrated and Environmental Health Sciences within the College of Health Sciences. The Health Sciences program consists of a bachelor’s degree in Integrated Health Sciences and a master’s degree in Health Sciences. The Integrated Health Sciences (IHS) Program is a 120-credit hour, residential, program designed for students who have a broad-based interest in the health field with concentrations in Pre-Professional, Management, and Health & Wellness. This innovative and flexible program of study is intended to equally serve entry-level and transfer students. More information about the program can be found on the website: ihs.wcu.edu. The Master of Health Sciences (MHS) program, designed for the working professional, is a 100% online graduate degree program that prepares future health organization managers and educators. The MHS program offers concentrations in Emergency Medical Care, Health Education, Health Management and Nutrition & Dietetics/Dietetic Internship. More information about the program can be found on the website: mhs.wcu.edu.
The Department of Integrated and Environmental Health Sciences Program offers undergraduate programs in Environmental Health and Integrated Health Sciences, and a Master of Health Sciences. Additional programs within the College of Health and Human Sciences include Therapeutic and Clinical Healthcare, Communication Sciences and Disorders, Nursing, Physical Therapy, and Social Work. A collaborative environment conducive to interdisciplinary teaching, scholarship and service exists within the Department and College of Health and Human Sciences. Western North Carolina’s rural, ageing, and medically underserved population and location provides numerous and rich opportunities for community partnerships, collaborative research, and grant acquisition. More information on the College can be found on the website: chhs.wcu.edu.
Western Carolina University is a regional comprehensive university with more than 12,000 students with its main campus located in Cullowhee, NC. Part of our mission is to inspire student learning through innovative teaching, nationally recognized programs, exceptional support, and a robust connectedness with surrounding communities in Southern Appalachia, including the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. The county and surrounding areas provide residents a high quality of life with their proximity to the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, diverse outdoor adventures, a thriving arts community, and mild year-round temperatures.
Reports To: Department Head, Integrated and Environmental Health Sciences
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION
- Support the vision and mission of Health Sciences program, along with that of the Department, College, and University.
- Develop and deliver courses within the Health Sciences program such as, but not limited to, Quality Management, Research Methods, Systems & Trends in Healthcare Delivery, Legal and Legislative Aspects in Healthcare, Medicare & Medicaid, Cost Containment/Productivity Management, Healthcare Leadership, Healthcare Marketing, Healthcare Organization Problem Solving & Decision Making, Health Informatics, Biostatistics for Health Sciences, and Capstone courses.
- Mentor and advise students in collaboration with the Advising Center about academic progress and professional development.
- Provide service to the university, profession, and community.
- Establish and maintain a clearly defined, focused program of scholarly inquiry that engages students.
- Maintain currency and contemporary expertise in the academic discipline through continuing education, scholarship, and/or participation in activities within the profession, including involvement within professional organizations at the state, district and national levels.
- Work cooperatively and collegially with all faculty and staff involved in the Health Sciences program, Department of Integrated and Environmental Sciences, and across the university.
- Submit appropriate artifacts, narratives, and data related to program, liberal studies, and accreditation assessment and continuous improvement.
- Carry out other assignments and duties as assigned by the Health Sciences Program Director, Department of Integrated and Environmental Health Sciences, and Dean of the College of Health and Human Sciences.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Doctoral degree in healthcare administration, healthcare management, public health, health sciences, or closely related field from a regionally accredited institution (ABD candidates will be considered with degree conferral by May 2026 for an August start or December 2026 for a January start) with a minimum of 18 graduate semester hours in the teaching discipline.
- Evidence of teaching experience in the discipline.
- Evidence of scholarly activity and a research agenda.
- Evidence of service to the profession or community.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Credentials or certifications in health care administration specialties.
POSITION TYPE
Permanent Full-Time
NUMBER OF MONTHS PER YEAR
9
OPEN DATE
04/27/2026
OPEN UNTIL FILLED
Yes
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.
Please include the following:
- Letter of application
- Current CV
- List of a minimum of 3 professional references with complete contact information
- Description of your teaching philosophy
- Description of your research/scholarly agenda
- Unofficial transcripts showing degree conferral dates for all degrees at the master’s degree level and higher
- Copy of credentials and certifications (if applicable)
For questions or additional information please contact:
Dr. Brian Byrd
E-mail: bdbyrd@wcu.edu
Phone: (828) 227-2607
All applicants are required to submit an unofficial transcript of their highest attained degree, showing all completed coursework and the date the degree was conferred. The transcript must state Degree Awarded, Degree Conferred or a similar phrase. For candidates who are ABD, please submit your most recent doctoral program transcript along with your master’s degree transcript, if you hold such a degree. The master’s degree transcript must have a notation such as Degree Awarded, Degree Conferred or similar phrase, to verify it as your highest completed degree.
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.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Green Card Sponsorship in Policy
Frame your credentials around specialty occupation requirements
EB-2 eligibility for policy roles depends on demonstrating that your position requires an advanced degree in a specific field. A generic master's in public administration carries less weight than one tied to a defined policy domain like health economics or environmental regulation.
Target employers with established PERM filing histories
Federal contractors, university policy centers, and large nonprofit advocacy organizations file PERM applications regularly. These employers have internal HR processes for labor certification, which shortens your sponsorship timeline compared to first-time sponsors.
Use Migrate Mate to filter sponsoring policy employers
Searching broadly for policy jobs buries the few roles where sponsorship is already on the table. Migrate Mate filters by employers with active green card filing history, so you target organizations that have already navigated PERM for roles like yours.
Verify the prevailing wage tier before accepting an offer
Your employer must pay at least the DOL prevailing wage for your policy role and location before PERM is approved. Check your job title against the OFLC Wage Search to confirm your offered salary meets the required wage level, since underpayment blocks certification.
Negotiate timing before your employer files the PERM application
Once PERM is filed, your employer's recruitment documentation is locked in. Raise questions about job duties, title, and remote-work arrangements before filing, not after. Changes post-filing can require restarting the entire labor certification process.
Distinguish EB-2 NIW self-petition from employer-sponsored PERM
If your policy work serves a national interest, like public health research or international development, the EB-2 National Interest Waiver lets you self-petition without a job offer. USCIS evaluates your proposed work's impact independently of any employer's PERM obligation.
Green Card Policy: Frequently Asked Questions
Do policy jobs typically qualify for EB-2 or EB-3 green card sponsorship?
Most policy roles at think tanks, federal contractors, and advocacy organizations qualify under EB-2, because the positions routinely require a master's degree or higher in a relevant field like public policy, economics, or law. Roles with a bachelor's degree requirement and several years of experience often fall under EB-3. Your employer's HR team documents the educational requirement in the PERM application, so the job description language matters.
How does PERM green card sponsorship differ from H-1B for policy professionals?
H-1B visa is a temporary nonimmigrant status tied to an employer, renewed in three-year increments, and subject to an annual lottery for most cap-subject petitions. PERM green card sponsorship is a permanent immigration pathway with no annual cap at the EB-3 level for most countries outside India and China. The PERM process takes longer upfront, typically 12 to 24 months from labor certification through I-140 approval, but it leads to lawful permanent residency rather than repeated renewals.
How do I find policy employers who already sponsor green cards?
Use Migrate Mate to search policy roles filtered by employers with verified green card filing history. This removes the guesswork of cold-applying to organizations that may not have sponsored before. Employers like large nonprofits, university research centers, and federal contractors tend to have established PERM processes and dedicated HR contacts for immigration matters.
Can I switch policy jobs while my green card application is pending?
You can change employers under the AC21 portability rule once your I-140 petition has been approved and your I-485 adjustment of status application has been pending for at least 180 days. The new role must be in the same or a similar occupational classification. Policy and public affairs roles are broadly classifiable under O*NET categories, which gives you meaningful flexibility if your sponsoring employer changes its hiring plans.
What happens if my employer withdraws PERM sponsorship before I receive my green card?
If your I-140 has been approved and pending for 180 days or more, AC21 portability protects your priority date even if your employer withdraws the petition. You can port to a new employer in a comparable policy role without restarting the entire process. If the I-140 has not yet been approved, you would need a new employer to file a new PERM application, which resets your place in the queue. Contact USCIS directly if your petition is withdrawn to understand your current status.