"Senior Assistant Director of Student Financial Aid - 000294"

Senior Assistant Director of Student Financial Aid - 000294

Western Carolina University

Department: Student Financial Aid

About WCU:

Western Carolina University continues to rank high on Forbes Best Employers lists each year. Including:
2025 - Ranked 1st in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes Americas Best Employers by State list.
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 the Cullowhee, NC campus.

This position is an integral part of the daily operations of the Office of Financial Aid. The senior assistant director position will be responsible for assuring that stakeholders of the Office of Financial Aid, including but not limited to students, parents, faculty, and staff, have a smooth and efficient filing process beginning with the submission of the FAFSA through disbursement of federal, state, and institutional financial aid. This position will be integral in coordinating outreach events with various student groups such as open house, orientation, FAFSA day events, high school information events, etc.

In addition to assisting with the financial aid process, this position will work closely with the Director of Financial Aid and Associate Directors of Financial aid to assure that federal, state, and institutional regulations are adhered to in the process, therefore a strong knowledge of financial aid regulations is essential. Additionally, this position may be responsible for presenting to varying size audiences through an in person, electronic and hybrid setting. Strong communication and presentation skills are required.

This position will work closely with parents, students, and other staff in counseling students on the financial aid process through email, walk-in, and phone contact. Strong customer service and problem-solving skills are required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required for this position:

Minimum Qualifications:

Candidates must be legally eligible to work in the United States of America without the need for any immigration-related employer sponsorship.

Minimum requirements for the Sr. Assistant Director of Financial Aid position include graduation from an accredited four-year college or university in business, education, higher education, administration, or an appropriate student service-related field and a minimum of 3 years of relevant work experience in higher education, business, customer service, or other related field.

Preferred Qualifications:

Masters degree preferred. Preference given to applicants with prior experience in higher education, specifically experience in 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 a cover letter, current resume, and a list of three professional references with their complete contact information.

For questions or additional information please contact Matthew Ellsworth at ellsworth@email.wcu.edu

AA/EOE
Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; ethnicity; religion; sex; pregnancy; 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. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please call (828) 227-7218 or email at jobs@email.wcu.edu.