Associate Director, Student Services

Associate Director, Student Services

Open Date  | 08/22/2025
Requisition Number  | PRN42922B
Job Title  | Associate Director, Student Services
Working Title  | Associate Director, Financial Counseling & Peer Programs
Job Grade  | F
FLSA Code  | Administrative
Patient Sensitive Job Code?  | No
Standard Hours per Week  | 4
Full Time or Part Time?  | Full Time
Shift  | Day
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.
VP Area  | President
Department  | 01603 - Financial Wellness
Location  | Campus
City  | Salt Lake City, UT
Type of Recruitment  | External Posting
Pay Rate Range  | $65,000 - $70,000
Close Date  | 11/22/2025
Priority Review Date (Note - Posting may close at any time)  |

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  | Department-Specific Qualifications
● 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.

Type  | Benefited Staff
Special Instructions Summary 

Additional Information  | The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems (“URS”). Eligible new hires with prior URS service, may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at (801) 581-7447 for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS’ post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at (801) 366-7770 or (800) 695-4877 or University Human Resource Management at (801) 581-7447 if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules.
This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.

The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and patients from all backgrounds and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education and quality healthcare for historically underrepresented students and patients.

All qualified individuals are strongly encouraged to apply. Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.

The University of Utah is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran’s status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.

To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action (OEO/AA). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator’s office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at: https://www.utah.edu/nondiscrimination/
Online reports may be submitted at oeo.utah.edu

https://safety.utah.edu/safetyreport This report includes statistics about criminal offenses, hate crimes, arrests and referrals for disciplinary action, and Violence Against Women Act offenses. They also provide information about safety and security-related services offered by the University of Utah. A paper copy can be obtained by request at the Department of Public Safety located at 1658 East 500 South.

Posting Specific Questions

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Applicant Documents

 University Human Resource Management 
 250 East 200 South, Suite 125 Salt Lake City, UT 84111
 Contact us: (801) 581-2169 By Email: employment@utah.edu