Assistant Director of Student Financial Aid

Assistant Director of Student Financial Aid - 261093

Department:
Student Financial Aid

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 Americas Best Employers by State list. 2024 - Ranking in the top 8.5% on Forbes Americas 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 Americas 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 Americas Best Employers by State list. Western Carolina University is the UNC systems 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.

The primary location of this position is on-site in Cullowhee, NC.

The primary purpose of this position is to serve as a comprehensive and helpful resource for prospective and current students, their families, and other associated individuals. This role involves delivering exceptional customer service and guidance across multiple channels, including email, in-person consultation, and telephone, specifically concerning all facets of student financial aid and the reconciliation of their university account details.

Additionally, this position is responsible for assisting in the efficient administration of federal, state, and institutional aid programs. This support includes, but is not limited to, key functions such as application verification, aid awarding, and personalized financial aid counseling. This role will also actively participate in various departmental and university outreach initiatives, such as Open Houses, orientation sessions, and special financial aid informational events throughout the academic year.

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university; or
• An equivalent combination of education and progressively responsible financial aid experience that provides the knowledge and competencies required to perform the role; or
• An equivalent combination of education and at least seven years of progressively responsible experience in complex, regulated, customer-facing environments requiring interpretation and application of policies, review of documentation, problem resolution, and handling of confidential information (for example: higher education student services, banking, insurance, benefits administration, or public sector programs).
• Interested candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for employment sponsorship or any other immigration-related assistance.