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- Tasks: Lead a team in managing financial aid for over 11,000 students.
- Company: Join Western Carolina University, a top-ranked employer known for its supportive work culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy comprehensive health plans, tuition waivers, and flexible work options.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' lives while working in a collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: Master's degree and 3-5 years of relevant experience required.
- Other info: Position based in beautiful Cullowhee, NC with opportunities for professional development.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Please see Special Instructions for more details. 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 a cover letter, current resume, and a list of three professional references with their complete contact information.
For questions or additional information please contact Brady Proffitt at.
The primary location of this position is the Cullowhee, NC campus. This position is designated as being exempt from the State of North Carolina Human Resources Act (EHRA). Western Carolina University, a constituent member of the University of North Carolina system, seeks an experienced financial aid professional to serve as the Associate Director of Financial Aid. The office administers over $95,000,000 of aid annually and has a student enrollment exceeding 11,000 students.
The Office of Financial Aid is housed in the Division of Student Affairs and reports to the Associate Vice Chancellor for Undergraduate Enrollment. The Associate Director of Financial Aid provides backup leadership and supervision of 10 full-time staff members as well as one part-time staff member. The Associate Director will work closely with Undergraduate Enrollment and numerous campus partners and units.
The Associate Director will assist the Director of Financial Aid in establishing and implementing institutional policies and procedures to comply with Federal Title IV regulation and overseeing the administration of federal, state, institutional, and private financial aid programs. The Associate Director of Financial Aid is a deputy department head and supervises financial aid personnel and must possess a strong commitment to client service and a collaborative approach to problem solving.
The position assists in all aspects of processing undergraduate and graduate aid and must collaborate with other campus units to provide appropriate services to both currently enrolled students and prospective students. The Associate Director may serve as needed on other university committees or initiatives.
The ideal candidate should possess the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:
- Leadership & Management: Demonstrated skills in organizational leadership, supervision, and management. Ability to oversee and support financial aid staff, ensuring consistent service and operational efficiency. Experience monitoring productivity and implementing solutions to enhance team performance. Strong ability to identify and resolve operational challenges in a fast-paced environment.
- Financial Aid Knowledge & Compliance: Extensive knowledge of federal, state, institutional, and private financial aid programs. Expertise in Title IV regulations, financial aid policies, and compliance requirements. Strong familiarity with automated financial aid systems. Ability to generate ad hoc reports using SQL and analyse financial aid data.
- Student Services & Communication: Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills for student and stakeholder engagement. Ability to work collaboratively with university departments and external partners. Experience coordinating and overseeing student communications, ensuring timely and accurate financial aid information. Commitment to exceptional customer service.
- Training & Policy Implementation: Experience developing and updating training materials for financial aid staff. Ability to implement and enforce university policies and procedures related to financial aid. Strong attention to detail in maintaining proper documentation and compliance records.
Minimum Qualifications: Candidates must be legally eligible to work in the United States of America without the need for any immigration-related employer sponsorship. Master’s degree from an accredited institution. Three to five years of demonstrated experience serving in roles with progressive responsibilities. Experience should demonstrate increasing responsibility in areas such as policy implementation, staff supervision, program management, and compliance with regulations or guidelines.
Preferred Qualifications: Three or more years of direct supervisory experience in a financial aid office. Experience with Banner or other student information systems. Proficiency with SQL-based reporting and financial aid data analysis. Experience managing financial aid reconciliation processes. Familiarity with automation tools used in financial aid processing. Experience working in a high-enrollment institution (10,000+ students). Demonstrated success in process improvement and policy development for financial aid administration.
Position Type: Permanent Full-Time
Posting Text Open Date: 04/07/2025 Close Date: 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 a cover letter, current resume, and a list of three professional references with their complete contact information.
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.
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.
EOE: Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; colour; ethnicity; religion; sex; pregnancy; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; national origin; age; disability; genetic information; political affiliation; National Guard or veteran status.
University Safety: The Western Carolina University Annual Safety Report is available online or in hard-copy by request at the office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs.
Associate Director of Financial Aid - #000294 employer: Western Carolina University
Contact Detail:
Western Carolina University Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Director of Financial Aid - #000294
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific financial aid regulations and compliance requirements mentioned in the job description. This will not only help you understand the role better but also allow you to engage in informed discussions during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Western Carolina University, especially those in the financial aid department. They can provide valuable insights into the office culture and expectations, which can be beneficial for your application and interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership and management experiences in detail. Since the role involves supervising staff, think of specific examples where you've successfully led a team or improved processes in previous positions.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on trends and changes in financial aid policies at both state and federal levels. Being knowledgeable about recent developments will demonstrate your commitment to the field and your readiness to tackle challenges in the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director of Financial Aid - #000294
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should highlight your relevant experience and skills that align with the Associate Director of Financial Aid role. Make sure to address how your leadership and financial aid knowledge can contribute to the university's goals.
Update Your Resume: Ensure your resume is current and tailored to the job description. Emphasise your supervisory experience, compliance knowledge, and any specific financial aid systems you have worked with, such as Banner or SQL.
Prepare Your References: Compile a list of three professional references who can vouch for your qualifications and experience in financial aid. Include their complete contact information and ensure they are aware they may be contacted.
Follow Application Instructions: Make sure to submit all required materials online as specified in the job posting. Double-check that your cover letter, resume, and reference list are included before hitting 'submit'.
How to prepare for a job interview at Western Carolina University
✨Research the Institution
Before your interview, take some time to learn about Western Carolina University. Familiarise yourself with its mission, values, and recent achievements. This will not only help you understand the culture but also allow you to tailor your responses to align with the university's goals.
✨Prepare for Compliance Questions
Given the role's focus on financial aid regulations, be ready to discuss your knowledge of federal, state, and institutional financial aid policies. Prepare examples from your past experience that demonstrate your understanding of compliance and how you've successfully navigated challenges in this area.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
As an Associate Director, you'll need strong leadership abilities. Be prepared to share specific instances where you've led a team, improved processes, or resolved conflicts. Highlight your management style and how it contributes to a positive work environment.
✨Engage with Questions
At the end of the interview, have thoughtful questions ready to ask the interviewers. Inquire about the team's dynamics, the challenges they currently face, or how success is measured in this role. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
