Assistant Director of Financial Aid

Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains in Western North Carolina, UNC Asheville is the designated public liberal arts campus in the University of North Carolina system. UNC Asheville is nationally known for the quality of our student-centered teaching, mentoring of undergraduates in research, interdisciplinary learning, and striving to be an inclusive campus community.
UNC Asheville is committed to promoting diversity and a work environment that encourages knowledge of, respect for, and the ability to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds. The successful candidate is expected to foster an inclusive work culture where uniqueness of beliefs, backgrounds, talents, capabilities and ways of living are respected and welcomed.

Typical office hours are Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with evenings and weekends as needed.

The Assistant Director of Financial Aid position provides support to the Associate Director of Financial Aid in leading the Office of Admission and Financial Aid. The Assistant Director must be available to represent the Office of Admission and Financial Aid by providing a high-level of public contact to a variety of constituents: to prospective and current students, to parents and families, and to high school counselors and representing the University during high school corresponding programming at times. This position will deploy an exemplary level of professionalism, knowledge, and problem-solving to handle departmental needs.

The Assistant Director aids in decision-making on behalf of the institution related to financial aid packages for students.

The Assistant Director assists the Associate Director with compliance audit checks, reconciliation of all state and federal programs, preparing and submitting monthly reports outlining compliance outcomes to the Director of Financial Aid. The Assistant Director must possess a strong knowledge base of the Banner system and stay abreast of all system upgrades and defects.

The Assistant Director must be able to serve as a deputy for the Associate Director of Financial Aid with the ability make decisions in their absence, so the capacity to understand the expectations of the Director of Financial Aid position is important.

Bachelor's degree; or equivalent combination of training and experience. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

Master's degree. May also consider a Bachelor's degree and equivalent experience.

The preferred candidate will have four to six years of prior work experience in a financial aid office, preferably using Banner and Slate.

Demonstrated effective communication and problem-solving skills.

Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite with excellent proficiency in Microsoft Excel.

Knowledge of financial aid programs and regulations including both governmental and private loan programs, and experience with university accounting, budgeting, and disbursement policies and procedures.

Ability to develop and deliver presentations to diverse audiences on financial aid programs, budgeting and financial planning. The Assistant Director is expected to provide one-on-one financial aid counseling to current and prospective students during periods of high volume.

Knowledge of, and a willingness to stay abreast of, general information on federal regulations in various ways, including: conference travel, accessing professional colleagues, and accessing contacts within the federal government to gain answers to questions, insights and suggestions, and national best-practices.

Ability to coach, develop, and mentor financial aid team members in a way that fosters both departmental growth and evolution while focusing on individual professional development. Work with team members to expand their understanding of the financial aid field, as well as their areas of interest in professional development and cross-training, and to learn how financial aid information can improve their individual performances throughout the unit.

Applications must be submitted online no later than 11:59 p.m. ( EST) on the closing date for each specific position. Please note that any documents submitted to Human Resources or the hiring departments become property of UNC Asheville and will not be returned. Official verification from each college/university you have attended are required upon employment, and will be requested directly from the college/university by Human Resources or from the National Student Clearinghouse. Any expense will be the responsibility of the employee. Educational degrees must be from an appropriately accredited institution. If no applicants apply who meet the required competency and training and experience requirements, management may consider other applicants. Salary would be determined based on competencies, equity, budget, and market considerations. It is the policy of UNC Asheville to conduct pre-employment background investigations on all candidates selected for employment. If hired, the candidate will be required to submit proof of eligibility to work in the United States. New employees are paid only by direct deposit to the financial institution of their choice.