Assistant Director for Financial Aid Counseling

A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation's top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.

One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.

University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.

The Office of Scholarships and Student Aid works to ensure that qualified students have the opportunity to study at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill regardless of their ability to pay. The office serves students at all levels, including graduate and professional school students and coordinates all student financial support for the campus. The office assists in the recruitment, retention and success of students while maximizing available funds, exercising good stewardship of those funds, and performing related research, analysis and program evaluation in support of long-range enrollment and campus goals. In addition, the office provides academic and co-circular support services for scholarships, provides financial literacy and educational tools, and partners with faculty and other student success areas across campus to provide excellent service to low- and middle-income students and other scholarship recipients. The work of the office is public in nature and closely scrutinized by students and their families, lawmakers, faculty and staff at the University, and by the media (local, regional, and national).

The Office of Scholarships and Student Aid seeks a hard-working, caring, and collaborative Assistant Director for Financial Aid Counseling. This position plays a crucial role in counseling students and engaging the campus community and surrounding area to support financial aid opportunities at UNC Chapel Hill. Counseling is done both on-site and through remote platforms to allow for engagement and outreach that best meets the needs of those we work with.

This position provides student-centric counseling throughout the financial aid process, including prospective student recruitment, aid applications and verification, and special circumstances. The Assistant Director also advises students on unique enrollment scenarios. In addition, this role handles emergency determinations for students. The ideal candidate will make timely decisions and use judgement to assist students and ensure immediate needs are met. As this position manages a portion of the total need-based financial aid applications, it is critical that the candidate be committed to supporting student success while upholding institutional and federal financial aid policies.

The Assistant Director provides professional support to leadership in the Office of Scholarships and Student Aid as needed, by providing feedback and suggestions and through committee involvement contributing to the overall success of the team. This position will be responsible for 25% of programmatic support in one or more functional areas to best support the team and campus partner programs.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate an outstanding ability to advocate and care for students and families; identify and assess opportunities to support outreach efforts; speak and write clearly in explaining complex situations. The successful candidate will also demonstrate a strong commitment to the Office of Scholarships and Student Aid's mission, a keen interest in supporting Carolina's student body, and an ability to work effectively with colleagues who have varied backgrounds and perspectives.

Bachelor's degree; or equivalent combination of training and experience. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

Candidates must have strong verbal and written communication skills. Experience delivering high-quality service in a high volume, fast-paced office environment and interpreting and explaining program policy and procedures, preferably in the field of financial aid or student services at a college or university setting. Must be able to manage multiple, ongoing priorities, work independently as well as in a team environment and in a professional manner. Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail. Strong commitment to helping others and to providing outstanding, friendly service. Proficiency with MS-Office.

Professional experience with college access or higher education is strongly preferred..

The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.