EHRA661P

https://jobs.wcu.edu/postings/22078

Assistant Director

Assistant Director of Financial Aid - #202875

Student Financial Aid

Salary commensurate with experience.

Western Carolina University has been named to the 2022 “America’s Best Employers by State” list by Forbes, ranking 14 out of the top 100 employers in North Carolina. 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. WCU’s main campus is nestled in a beautiful valley of the Blue Ridge Mountains, 50 miles west of Asheville. WCU is located just 25 miles from the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, one of the nation’s most spectacular and most visited national parks. The entire region is known for its excellent quality of life and access to outdoor activities.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. Paid vacation and sick leave accrual begin after first month of employment. 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.

The primary location of this position is on the main Cullowhee, NC campus.

The purpose of this position is to counsel prospective and current students/families on all aspects of financial aid, scholarships, and student accounts, as well as participate in outreach activities and presentations to encourage timely completion of the financial aid and scholarship application processes. This includes in-person meetings, open houses, FAFSA Day, phone and email conversations, and other venues as required.

Additionally, this position will provide administrative backup for federal, state, and institutional financial aid, including: Completion of federal financial aid forms (FAFSA); verification and professional judgment of students’ financial aid applications; awarding of financial aid on behalf of the University- including special populations of students.

This position will serve as backup for the implementation and management of a comprehensive student education program geared at student awareness of loan debt and the options available to them as well as default prevention, including but not limited to forgiveness, consolidation, forbearance processes, deferment requirements and requests as well as repayment options.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Minimum qualifications for the 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 services related field.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Preference given to applicants with a Master’s degree and prior experience in higher education, specifically experience in the 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.

Permanent Full-Time

40

12

10/18/2022

Yes

To be considered, you must apply online. Review of applications will begin immediately. Please attach a cover letter, current professional resume, and a list of three references (include complete contact information – telephone numbers). For more information, please contact Matthew Ellsworth at 828-227-7290.

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.

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.

Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; religion; sex; 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. Additionally, the University promotes the realization of equal employment opportunity for minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and veterans through its affirmative action program.
Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please call (828) 227-7218 or email at jobs@email.wcu.edu.

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.