Senior Assistant Director

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).

This position may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement that may include a partially remote work location, consistent with System Office policy. UNC Chapel Hill employees are generally required to reside within a reasonable commuting distance of their assigned duty station.

The Office of Scholarships and Student Aid ( OSSA) seeks a creative, enthusiastic, and organized individual for the position of Senior Assistant Director for Counseling & Student Employment. This is a full-time, permanent EHRA Non-Faculty position which will report to the Senior Associate Director for Communications and Outreach and will coordinate with OSSA leadership and colleagues in the Division of Enrollment, Human Resources, Career Services, and the University Cashier. This position has significant administrative responsibilities in a large, complex department including responsibility for administering the Federal Work Study program and the Carolina Works program. The position will work closely with work-study employers both on and off-campus, ensuring compliance with all applicable federal, state, and university policies, regulations, and guidelines.

The person in the position will supervise a team of Financial Aid professionals who provide direct service to students and parents, process aid applications, and will be responsible for exercising authority to independently commit the University to scholarship and financial aid awards. The person in the position will work closely with the OSSA colleagues to carry out day-to-day processing operations, serving as a resource to the Counseling staff of Assistant Directors.

The person in this position is self-directed, offering innovations to business processes, training, and communications materials prior to seeking direction from superiors. The position communicates with other departments such as Student Accounts or the University Registrar concerning billing or student registration information. The position also provides professional support as needed to the Associate Directors and the Associate Provost and Director in the Office of Scholarships & Student Aid. The Senior Assistant Director has direct authority to make financial aid commitments on behalf of the University.

Relevant post-Baccalaureate degree required (or foreign degree equivalent); for candidates demonstrating comparable independent educational or instructional activities associated with the delivery and/or management of student support functions, will accept a relevant Bachelor's degree (or foreign degree equivalent) and at least 1 year of relevant experience in substitution.

A minimum of three years of relevant experience in administering scholarship and/or financial aid programs are required. Exceptional written and oral communication skills, along with demonstrated leadership and counseling skills are required. The position also requires strong interpersonal and customer service skills, exceptional organizational and time-management skills, keen attention to detail and a strong work ethic.
Understanding of systems to handle large volumes of data along with demonstrated advanced MS Excel skills are also required.

A thorough knowledge of interpreting and/or administering rules and regulations governing state and federal student aid programs is highly preferred.
Experience with JobX (or other job-related system) and PeopleSoft are 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.