Job Description Summary

The Financial Aid Assistant Director plays a key role in providing financial aid counseling, need analysis, and program administration to support student success. This position manages a designated caseload of students, assigned annually by alphabetical distribution, ensuring accurate financial aid packaging, verification, and eligibility determinations. The Financial Aid Assistant Director also oversees key financial aid programs, including federal and private loan processing and grant administration, ensuring compliance with federal and institutional policies. In addition to student counseling, this role contributes to financial aid operations through regulatory compliance, systems support, and cross-functional collaboration. A strong commitment to customer service and continuous process improvement is essential for success in this role.

Selection preference will be given to candidates who demonstrate the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a professional team environment. Ideal candidates will have strong organizational skills, the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively, and a commitment to delivering exceptional customer service, particularly in support of underserved populations. Cultural competence, adaptability in responding to the needs of a diverse community, and excellent communication skills are essential for success in this role.

The Financial Aid Assistant Director will perform most job duties in person on the University’s Reynolda campus in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. While this is not a remote or hybrid position, limited flexibility may be available occasionally based on departmental and university needs.

Job Description

Essential Functions:

Student Counseling & Financial Aid Support

• Counsel students, prospective students, and families in person, in writing, and electronically on financial aid processes, eligibility, and interpreting aid packages and offer letters. This may include large group presentations.
• Performs need analysis and packages financial aid for a designated section of undergraduate students (assigned alphabetically).
• Performs verification of FAFSA information for assigned undergraduate students.
• Serves on the undergraduate appeals committee.
• Assists with the review of student programs of study, adjusting financial aid packages as needed.
• Serves as a liaison for financial aid processing related to undergraduate summer school applicants, working with the dean and the Magnolia office.
• Assists the registrar with student status corrections made on the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS).
• Covers the front desk as needed, including responding to the email listserv, answering phone inquiries, and assisting families in person.

Program Management & Compliance

• Serves as the Secondary Destination Point Administrator (DPA) with the U.S. Department of Education, ensuring secure access and compliance with federal systems used for financial aid administration.
• Manages the federal direct student loan program, including daily file transmission, fund tracking, monthly reconciliation, year-end closeout, exit counseling coordination, and borrower correspondence.
• Manages the supplemental loan program, including loan certification, disbursement processing, revisions, fund returns, lender list maintenance, and lender relations.
• Manages the federal Pell Grant program, including file transmission, fund tracking, monthly reconciliation, year-end closeout, and recipient communication.
• Manages summer school aid eligibility determinations and processing.
• Maintains compliance with Federal Title IV regulations through self-directed reading, webinars, training, and conference attendance.
• Protects Personally Identifiable Information (PII) and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) at all times.
• Assist auditors with data requests as needed.

Systems & Operational Support

• Assists with the annual financial aid year rollout.
• Assists with testing of system software to support aid processing.
• Supports office-wide operational needs, including processing the return of Title IV funds, revising aid packages for part-time students, assisting with the emergency loan program, conducting program of study reviews, performing quality control checks, and processing files via Department of Education software.
• Follows all office policies and procedures related to financial aid tasks and responsibilities.

Professional Development & Team Collaboration

• Understands and stays current on systemic barriers to college access and attainment.
• Identifies knowledge gaps and actively seek opportunities for professional development.
• Attend seminars and conferences to stay up to date on financial aid regulations and FAFSA changes.
• Provides backup support for coworkers as needed.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Required Education, Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Minimum two years of experience in higher education administration with financial aid experience in federal methodology.
• Five or more years of experience with institutional methodology preferred.
• Strong numeric reasoning and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Google Suite.
• Experience with financial reconciliation, data analysis, and reporting.
• Familiarity with accounting concepts related to financial aid.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team-based environment.
• Strong critical thinking, organizational, and communication skills (oral and written).
• Ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced setting.
• Demonstrated cultural competence and ability to communicate effectively across diverse populations.
• High level of confidentiality, discretion, and sound judgment.
• Initiative and adaptability to respond to evolving institutional and student needs.