"Assistant Director, Scholarships"

Assistant Director, Scholarships

Company: Villanova University

Job Location: Villanova, Pennsylvania

Category: Financial Aid

Type: Full-Time

Posting Number: 20260073S

Location: Villanova, PA

Work Schedule: full-time/12-months

Department: 295-Office of Financial Assistance

Position Summary

Why work at Villanova?

• Join a mission-driven organization. Since Villanova University's founding in 1842, we have been inspired by the values of truth, unity, and love, and are a community dedicated to service to others.
• Villanova has been included among the nation's best colleges and universities. VU's inclusion again in U.S. News & World Report's 2025 "Best Colleges" rankings is another indication of the University's continued prominence and forward momentum.
• Villanova's most precious asset is our people. As an employee, you will receive a holistic benefits package, generous paid time off, a competitive retirement savings plan, flexible work options, wellness programs including gym membership, professional development, tuition assistance, and more.

The Assistant Director-Scholarships is a member of the Financial Aid Team and reports to the Senior Associate Director of Financial Assistance. To support the growth of Villanova's undergraduate population and expanding scholarship endowment, the Assistant Director-Scholarships plays a central role in guiding students and families through the scholarship process and managing the University's endowed, restricted, and departmental awards. The position maintains close collaboration with senior members of the Financial Assistance team to enhance internal scholarship operations and ensure a consistent, student-centered experience. The Assistant Director stays current on regulatory and professional standards through ongoing training and represents the University at various campus and community events. In addition, this role works closely with the Senior Associate Director of Financial Assistance on day-to-day reporting and operational needs.

This position may require limited evening and weekend hours.

Villanova is a Catholic university sponsored by the Augustinian Order. The University is an equal opportunity employer and seeks candidates who understand, respect and can contribute to the University's mission and values.

Duties and Responsibilities

Student Review, Verification and Counseling

• Assist in the review, verification, awarding, and counseling of need and non-need based financial aid based on institutional, state, and federal guidelines for 15-20% of the undergraduate student population
• Provide direct student and family support by explaining financial aid eligibility, required documentation, scholarship options, and award outcomes.
• Represent the Office of Financial Assistance at on- and off-campus events, presentations, and outreach activities that support student and family understanding of the financial aid and scholarship process.

Scholarship Management and Front-End Inquiries

• Serve as primary office contact for front end scholarship questions from students, families, campus partners, and external stakeholders.
• Provide accurate guidance regarding endowed, restricted, and departmental scholarship eligibility, application requirements, and timelines.
• Ensure a consistent and student-centered service experience for all scholarship-related inquiries.

Scholarship Process Development and Cross Campus Partnership

• Partner with departments and colleges across campus to develop and implement an internal scholarship application process.
• Train internal users and campus partners on scholarship procedures, workflows, and system functionality to ensure consistency and accuracy across units.
• Collaborate closely with the Senior Associate Director and Senior Assistant Director to streamline and improve internal scholarship operations in preparation for a growing student population and expanding endowment.

Scholarship Awarding, Reporting and Operational Support

• Award endowed, restricted and departmental scholarships using the BAM system in accordance with donor intent, institutional policy, and budget parameters.
• Provide weekly reports to the Director and Senior Associate Director detailing scholarship awarding activity, remaining fund balances, and updates requiring leadership attention.
• Work directly with the Senior Associate Director to support day-to-day scholarship reporting, operational processes, and continuous improvement initiatives that enhance internal workflow efficiencies.

Documentation, Compliance and Internal Procedures

• Maintain and update internal scholarship policies, procedures and documentation to ensure clarity, regulatory compliance, and operational consistency.
• Participate in ongoing professional development and training opportunities to obtain regulatory updates and stay current with evolving financial aid and scholarship-related requirements.
• Recommend updates or revisions to documentation based on changes in federal, state, institutional, or scholarship requirements.

Office and Service Support

• Serve as front desk back up as needed to ensure coverage and continuity of service for students and families.
• Provide general assistance related to student inquiries and office operations during peak service periods.
• Other duties as assigned by the Senior Associate Director and Director.

Minimum Qualifications

Formal Education:

• Bachelor's degree required. Master's preferred.
• Minimum of three years of direct experience in Financial Aid, in addition to the experience requirement listed below, may substitute for the degree requirement.

Minimum Work Experience:

• Minimum two years' experience in a financial aid office in an automated environment, working directly with students and parents.
• Experience in the administration of financial assistance to undergraduate and graduate students.
• Experience with the College Board's CSS Profile and institutional methodology preferred.
• Broad knowledge of Financial Aid including experience with all aspects of Title IV aid administration and regulations required.
• Banner/Ellucian experience preferred.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Interpersonal, organizational, and multi-tasking skills are essential.
• Ability to effectively manage projects with tight deadlines independently, and assist in the University's commitment to the strategic plan

Special Message to Applicants

Start Date will be after June 1st 2026.

Salary Posting Information

This position falls within salaried grade 13 and the range for this position is $51,000-63,800. The final salary will be determined with consideration of several factors including the selected candidate's qualifications, department budget availability, market data, and internal equity.

Salary Grade
13

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