Assistant Director of Financial Aid & Scholarships

Assistant Director of Financial Aid & Scholarships

Under the general supervision of the Director of Financial Aid, the Assistant Director for Financial Aid & Scholarships is responsible for the administration of the USC Upstate Scholars Foundation, the state programs – Hope, LIFE and Palmetto Fellows, outside scholarship awards, the administration of the USC Upstate Undergraduate Admissions institutional scholarship awards and day‑to‑day operations of the Financial Aid Office. The position serves as a liaison with the community by conducting financial aid workshops for local high schools, represents USC Upstate at university events, and acts as financial aid counselor for students, parents, visitors, faculty and staff.

In addition, the Assistant Director leads and trains staff to provide financial aid services and support.

• Assist the Director in day‑to‑day administration of the Financial Aid Office, manage office processes, advise students and the public, and supervise the FA staff.
• Serve as Financial Aid Counselor to parents, students, and guests, and represent USC Upstate at on‑campus events and high school workshops.
• Process Foundation and outside scholarships, ensure donor criteria are met, maintain accurate fund and AR receivable codes, and coordinate awards with federal, state, and institutional guidelines.
• Administer all USC Upstate scholarship programs, ensuring fiscal integrity and compliance with regulations.
• Oversee the SC Hope, LIFE and Palmetto Fellows Scholarship programs, retaining fiscal integrity, regulatory compliance, and reporting duties.
• Assign and monitor work for two staff members, providing training and workload coordination for scholarship, work/study awards, and aid verification.
• Supervise and hire student workers and front desk receptionists to provide student service.
• Assist with awarding and managing student aid for athletes to meet NCAA requirements.
• Review student financial data to verify eligibility for federal grants (Pell, SEOG, SNBG, TEACH, OSPG, VIG) and administer federal work‑study programs.
• Perform any other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

• Bachelor’s degree in a job‑related field and at least two (2) years of job‑related experience (certification, training or education may substitute partially).
• Preferred:
  Master’s degree with accounting or higher‑education knowledge.
• Experience in financial aid or related roles, including public speaking and data‑system proficiency.
• Knowledge of federal and state regulations, strong counseling and communication skills, and ability to use new processing systems efficiently.
• Ability to manage concurrent job demands with limited errors, strong problem‑solving skills, and establish effective working relationships with faculty, staff, students, and parents.
• Successful background check required.

• Health and Life Insurance
• Retirement Programs
• Paid Tuition Program
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Annual Leave
• Sick Leave
• Paid Holidays (13, including extended December holiday)
• Paid Parental Leave
• Professional Development Opportunities

The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender (including transgender), gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDS status, military status, national origin, pregnancy (false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, childbirth, recovery therefrom or related medical conditions, breastfeeding), race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other bases under federal, state, local law, or regulations.

Applicants must complete the online application, including all current and previous work history and education. Attach a resume but do not substitute the resume for the work history and education sections.

Required documents:

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• List of References and Contact Information

Optional documents:
Other supporting documents.