Associate Director, Financial Counseling & Peer Programs

Job Summary

About Us

The Financial Wellness Center (FWC) at the University of Utah is a nationally recognized and state-wide model of excellence in student financial wellness. As a comprehensive center, we provide individualized financial counseling, impactful education, engaging outreach, and dynamic programming that supports students in all areas of their financial well-being. We proudly provide a wide range of services—from financial, credit, and student loan counseling to tax clinics and student leadership opportunities—all through a holistic lens of health and wellness. Our work is grounded in a student-centered approach that acknowledges the unique experiences of our campus community. We aim to create a welcoming and engaging environment where all students can thrive.

As a team, we prioritize mutual support, collaboration, and well-being. We value continuous growth and professional development while encouraging self-care practices to foster a positive workplace culture. Our team operates on a hybrid work model, offering flexibility of 1-2 remote days per week, depending on job duties and approval by the direct supervisor. Please note that in-person participation may be required during peak programming periods.

Our Mission: The mission of the Financial Wellness Center is to support student well-being and success by providing individualized financial counseling, education, programming, research, and advocacy to guide students in their lifelong financial wellness journeys.

About the Position

The Financial Wellness Center (FWC) is seeking a compassionate and student-centered Associate Director of Financial Counseling and Peer Programs to join our dynamic and nationally recognized team. This role will serve as a key resource for students navigating various financial situations, offering expert one-on-one counseling and overseeing the development of peer well-being ambassadors who deliver frontline financial education. This position also plays a vital role in managing the operations of the FWC financial counseling, triaging financial concerns, and supporting the center's communication and referral systems.

The ideal candidate brings a strong foundation in financial wellness and student development, with an approach that fosters belonging and accessibility. Candidates must either hold or obtain the Accredited Financial Counselor (AFC®) certification within twelve months of hire and will be required to obtain IRS VITA Certification tests each year (Basic, Advanced and International Student).

About Student Affairs

Student Affairs is comprised of more than 20 departments and is focused on supporting student well-being and success with the ultimate goal of assisting students in discovering their passion, people, and purpose. To that end, we aim to foster an environment that encourages employees to embrace innovative service delivery methods to best meet the needs of our students. As a result, students have the opportunity to participate in the creation of campus culture, collaboratively working alongside professional staff, student leaders, and academic partners.

Student Affairs departments serve all students at the University of Utah, including undergraduate, graduate, and professional students who represent many communities, cultures, and nations. In order to best support our students, it is important that staff stay aware of issues and best practices related to student development, identity, and sense of belonging, both locally and nationally.

Responsibilities

Leadership, Staff Supervision, and Training

• Ensure compliance with university, state, and federal regulations, including FERPA, Title IX, and consumer financial protections.
• Recruit, train, and mentor staff and student team members—including graduate assistants, peer well-being ambassadors, to foster a culture of continuous learning and development. This includes supporting departmental staffing efforts, including recruitment, training, performance evaluation, and retention.
• Foster a collaborative team environment by facilitating regular check-ins, staff meetings, and professional development opportunities that promote leadership, communication, and team-building.
• Serve on the department's leadership team, contributing to operations, strategy, and cross-functional initiatives.
• Assume leadership responsibilities in the absence of the Director as needed.

Financial Counseling Management

• Oversee daily operations of the Financial Wellness Center's financial counseling services, ensuring smooth service coordination and timely student support.
• Triage and manage the center inbox, delegate inquiries, and maintain professional, student-centered communication.
• Manage financial counseling referrals and intake, directing students to appropriate resources based on urgency and complexity.
• Assess and evaluate financial counseling effectiveness to inform improvements and strategic direction, and collaborate on the development of reports related to service utilization, student satisfaction, and program outcomes.

High-Level Financial Counseling & Education

• Provide expert, one-on-one financial counseling to students, offering guidance on budgeting, credit, student loans, and overall financial wellness.
• Support students experiencing financial stress or complex financial challenges, with a student-centered and compassionate approach.
• Promote financial education on campus through presentations, programming, and collaboration with campus partners to expand the reach and impact of financial wellness initiatives.

Professional Development

• Engage in ongoing professional development to stay current on financial wellness trends, student support strategies, and higher education best practices.
• Encourage and model self-care, professional growth, and development for staff and student team members.
• Participate in field-related conferences, training, and certification programs (e.g., Accredited Financial Counselor).
• Other duties, functions, and responsibilities as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Finance, Social and Behavioral Sciences, or related field, or equivalency (one year of education can be substituted for two years of related work experience). Six years of progressively more responsible management experience; and demonstrated leadership, human relations and effective communication skills also required.

Master's degree in Business Administration or related area preferred.

Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.

Preferences

Plus 4-6 years of progressively more responsible management experience, leadership, human relations and effective communications also required. Background knowledge of financial education/wellness in higher education. Candidates must either hold or obtain the Accredited Financial Counselor (AFC®) certification within twelve months of hire and will be required to obtain IRS VITA Certification tests each year (Basic, Advanced and International Student).

Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.

Special Instructions

Requisition Number: PRN42922B

Full Time or Part Time? Full Time

Work Schedule Summary: Monday - Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM. This is a student-supporting role and requires in-person, on-campus presence. Our team operates on a hybrid work model, offering flexibility of 1-2 remote days per week, depending on job duties and approval by the direct supervisor.

Department: 01603 - Financial Wellness

Location: Campus

Pay Rate Range: $65,000 - $70,000

Close Date: 11/22/2025

Open Until Filled:

To apply, visit https://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/187741