Associate Director of Scholarships and Financial Aid

Posting Number: PG195006EP | Department: Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid | Location: Raleigh, NC

About the Department

The mission of the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid is to deliver a quality, affordable education to all students, regardless of their financial circumstances. The office administers a comprehensive array of need- and merit-based programs to more than 22,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students annually, committing and disbursing in excess of $350 million per year.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
• Flexible Spending Account
• Retirement Programs
• Disability Plans
• Life Insurance
• Accident Plan
• Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs
• 12 Holidays Each Year
• Tuition and Academic Assistance
• Childcare benefits
• Wellness & Recreation Membership
• Wellness Programs

Perks and benefit eligibility is based on Part-Time or Full-Time employment status.

Responsibilities

As the Associate Director of Scholarships and Financial Aid, you will provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for scholarship administration, processing, and management. You will play a key role in advancing the university’s scholarship programs by overseeing institutional resources, strengthening business processes, and ensuring effective management of scholarship funds. Working as a member of the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid leadership team, the role contributes to the development and enhancement of financial aid systems, applications, policies, and research initiatives. The role also leads and develops professional staff, oversees technical operations, and builds strong partnerships across campus to support effective scholarship administration and student success.

Scholarship Processing and Management

• Leads the administration and oversight of scholarship programs and processes within the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid, ensuring accurate and effective management of university scholarship funds.
• Directs the selection and awarding process for a growing portfolio of university-wide scholarships, partnering with University Advancement to establish funds, define award criteria, coordinate recipient selection and notification, and manage renewal requirements.
• Oversees the identification and resolution of scholarship funding errors and discrepancies, ensuring accurate records at both the student and fund levels.
• Coordinates data analysis, reporting, and information requests related to scholarship requirements, fund management, and donor relations.
• Reviews proposed scholarship fund agreements and evaluates award parameters to ensure they can be effectively supported within the university’s student information system.
• Serves as a trusted resource and strategic partner to colleges, departments, and university stakeholders, providing guidance on scholarship awarding, recipient selection, fund management, and donor relations.
• Evaluates the technology and system needs of scholarship programs and staff, recommending software solutions and enhancements that improve efficiency, accuracy, and service delivery.

Team Supervision and Leadership

• Leads and supervises a team of six scholarship professionals, providing direction, coaching, and support for scholarship processing, administration, and program operations.
• Establishes training and oversight practices that strengthen staff knowledge, promote consistent processes, and support effective resolution of complex financial aid and scholarship matters.
• Provides leadership and guidance on nonstandard scholarship and financial aid situations, helping staff navigate complex issues and deliver accurate, timely outcomes.

Outreach and Engagement

• Represents the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid through university-wide outreach and engagement initiatives, delivering presentations and communicating scholarship policies, processes, and opportunities to campus and external audiences.
• Builds and maintains partnerships with colleges, academic departments, and external scholarship programs, serving as a liaison and providing guidance on effective awarding practices, recipient selection, and fund management.
• Represents the office on university committees, including the Teaching Fellows Program, Scholarships and Student Aid, and Athletics Compliance, contributing operational expertise and supporting the development and implementation of university policies.

Other Responsibilities

• Evaluate student eligibility for financial aid and determine appropriate financial assistance and funding commitments.
• Advise students and families on special circumstances that may affect their ability to finance a university education.
• Develop and deliver educational programs that help students and families understand financial aid options, application processes, and loan repayment.
• Partner with University offices to communicate financial aid policies and procedures, support policy development, and advance new financial aid programs.
• Represent the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid on University committees, contributing financial aid expertise to campus policy discussions.

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree (Master’s Degree preferred)