Senior Assistant Director of Student Financial Aid - #000294

Edtech.com's Summary

Western Carolina University is hiring a Senior Assistant Director of Student Financial Aid. The role involves managing the financial aid application process from FAFSA submission to disbursement, coordinating outreach events, ensuring compliance with financial aid regulations, and providing counseling to students and parents through multiple communication channels.

Highlights

Manage daily operations of the Office of Financial Aid including processing financial aid files and disbursements.
Coordinate outreach events such as open houses, orientations, FAFSA days, and high school information sessions.
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and institutional financial aid regulations in collaboration with Financial Aid leadership.
Provide counseling and customer service to students, parents, faculty, and staff via email, phone, and walk-in services.
Present financial aid information to diverse audiences in person, electronically, and hybrid settings.
Strong knowledge of financial aid regulations is required.
Preferred experience with automated financial aid systems such as BANNER.
Minimum qualifications: bachelor’s degree in business, education, higher education, administration, or related field and 3 years of relevant experience.
Master’s degree and prior higher education financial aid experience preferred.
Permanent full-time position with 12 months per year and compensation based on qualifications and budget.

Senior Assistant Director of Student Financial Aid - #000294 Full Description

Western Carolina University has been ranked #3 in the nation on Forbes 2025 ‘America’s Best Midsize Employers’ list, out of the top 498 employers across all industries.

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Senior Assistant Director of Student Financial Aid - #000294 Bookmark this Posting Print Preview | Apply for this Job

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

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

Posting Details

Posting Information

Posting Number	EHRA1001P
Quick Link for Internal Postings	https://jobs.wcu.edu/postings/32344
Classification Title	Senior Assistant Director
Working Title	Senior Assistant Director of Student Financial Aid - #000294
Department	Student Financial Aid
Anticipated Hiring Range	Based on qualifications/experience, internal equity, and departmental budget restrictions.
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 ‘America’s Best Employers by State’ list. • 2024 – Ranking in the top 8.5% on Forbes ‘America’s 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 ‘America’s 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 ‘America’s Best Employers by State’ list. Western Carolina University is the UNC system’s 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.
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	Master’s 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
Number of Hours Per Week
Number of Months Per Year	12

Posting Text

Open Date	11/20/2025
Close Date
Open Until Filled	Yes
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
Background/E-Verify	Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Western Carolina University uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify. Proper documentation of identity and employability are required at the time of employment.
Credential Verification	All new employees are required to have listed credentials/degrees verified within 30 days of employment. All new employees who will be teaching are required to provide official transcripts within 30 days of employment. Transcripts should be provided for the highest earned degree and/or the degree which is being used to satisfy credential/qualification requirements.
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.
University Safety	The Western Carolina University Annual Safety Report is available online at University Annual Safety Report or in hard-copy by request at the office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, 227 HFR Administration Building, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7147) or the Office of University Police, 111 Camp Annex, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7301). The report, required of all universities participating in Title IV student financial aid programs, discusses crime statistics, procedures for reporting suspicious or criminal activity, security, police authority, crime prevention strategies, university policies on substance abuse and sexual offenses, workplace violence and fire safety.

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

Cover Letter/Letter of Application
Resume
List of references

Optional Documents

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

* Do you require sponsorship?
- Yes
- No

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Original Job Description

Western Carolina University has been ranked #3 in the nation on Forbes 2025 ‘America’s Best Midsize Employers’ list, out of the top 498 employers across all industries.

Toggle navigation

Senior Assistant Director of Student Financial Aid - #000294 Bookmark this Posting Print Preview | Apply for this Job

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Posting Details

Posting Information

Posting Number	EHRA1001P
Quick Link for Internal Postings	https://jobs.wcu.edu/postings/32344
Classification Title	Senior Assistant Director
Working Title	Senior Assistant Director of Student Financial Aid - #000294
Department	Student Financial Aid
Anticipated Hiring Range	Based on qualifications/experience, internal equity, and departmental budget restrictions.
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 ‘America’s Best Employers by State’ list. • 2024 – Ranking in the top 8.5% on Forbes ‘America’s 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 ‘America’s 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 ‘America’s Best Employers by State’ list. Western Carolina University is the UNC system’s 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.
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	Master’s 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
Number of Hours Per Week
Number of Months Per Year	12

Posting Text

Open Date	11/20/2025
Close Date
Open Until Filled	Yes
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
Background/E-Verify	Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Western Carolina University uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify. Proper documentation of identity and employability are required at the time of employment.
Credential Verification	All new employees are required to have listed credentials/degrees verified within 30 days of employment. All new employees who will be teaching are required to provide official transcripts within 30 days of employment. Transcripts should be provided for the highest earned degree and/or the degree which is being used to satisfy credential/qualification requirements.
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.
University Safety	The Western Carolina University Annual Safety Report is available online at University Annual Safety Report or in hard-copy by request at the office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, 227 HFR Administration Building, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7147) or the Office of University Police, 111 Camp Annex, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7301). The report, required of all universities participating in Title IV student financial aid programs, discusses crime statistics, procedures for reporting suspicious or criminal activity, security, police authority, crime prevention strategies, university policies on substance abuse and sexual offenses, workplace violence and fire safety.

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

Cover Letter/Letter of Application
Resume
List of references

Optional Documents

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

* Do you require sponsorship?
- Yes
- No

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.

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Click 'OK' to keep your session active.

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Senior Assistant Director of Student Financial Aid - #000294

Edtech.com's Summary

Senior Assistant Director of Student Financial Aid - #000294 Full Description

Financial Aid Officer (On-Site)

Associate Principal, Financial Aid Optimization

Associate Principal, Financial Aid Optimization

Associate Principal, Financial Aid Optimization

Consultant, Strategic Enrollment & Financial Aid