"Assistant Director of University Scholarships - 000102"

Assistant Director of University Scholarships - 000102

Western Carolina University

Department: University Scholarship Office

About WCU: Western Carolina University continues to rank high on Forbes Best Employers lists each year. Including: 2024 - Ranking in the top 8.5% on Forbes Americas 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 Americas 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 Americas Best Employers by State list. Western Carolina University is the UNC systems 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 on the main Cullowhee, NC campus.

The purpose of this position is to counsel prospective and current students/families on all aspects of financial aid, scholarships, and student accounts, as well as participate in outreach activities and presentations to encourage timely completion of the financial aid and scholarship application processes. This includes in-person meetings, open houses, phone and email conversations, and other venues as required.

This position also serves as a primary liaison in the management and administration of WCU scholarships working closely with representatives of academic colleges and/or departments in the review and selection of scholarship candidates. This position may also have assigned duties related to the administration and/or processing of state and other external scholarship programs.

Additionally, this position will provide administrative backup for federal, state, and institutional financial aid including: completion of federal financial aid forms (FAFSA); verification and professional judgment of students' financial aid applications; awarding of financial aid on behalf of the University- including special populations of students.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required for this position:

Minimum Qualifications: Minimum qualifications for the Assistant Director of University Scholarships position include graduation from an accredited four-year college or university in business, education, higher education, administration, or an appropriate student services related field. Must be eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Preferred Qualifications: Preference given to applicants with a masters degree and prior experience in higher education, specifically experience in a scholarships or financial aid capacity. Experience with automated financial aid systems such as Banner is desirable. This position requires a highly organized person with the ability to multitask. Strong customer service background is a must with excellent oral and written communication skills.

Position Type: Permanent Full-Time

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 cover letter, resume and a list references with complete contact information. For questions or additional information please contact the University Scholarships Office at 828-227-7290.

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.