Director of Financial Aid and Scholarships
: Job Details :

Director of Financial Aid and Scholarships

Job Summary: The University of Virginia's College at Wise is seeking a Director of Financial Aid and Scholarships to join our Enrollment Management Team. This position is an in-person, on-campus assignment located in Wise, Virginia.

Reporting to the Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management, the Director of Financial Aid & Scholarships is the chief financial aid administrator and is responsible for overall leadership of departmental operations, including management of federal, state, and institutional aid funds, as well as compliance with federal and state programs and adhering to best practices.

Position Description: The Director of Financial Aid and Scholarships will play a vital role in supporting UVA Wise's enrollment growth initiatives. UVA Wise has been experiencing positive trends in student enrollment, and the College is supported by loyal alumni and friends who have helped the College to grow its endowment to $165 million at the end of June 2024. Of this, more than 70% is restricted for scholarship support generating an increasing number of scholarships. Year over year for the past few years, we are seeing increased numbers of applications for admissions to the institution.

As part of the Enrollment Management Team, the Director will be responsible for developing and implementing strategic financial aid policies that align with the College's recruitment and retention goals. They will oversee the distribution of financial aid packages, including the management of a recent, record-breaking gift with $15.7 million total impact from The Bill Gatton Foundation gift and UVA's Bicentennial Scholarship initiative.

The role involves ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations while also creating innovative scholarship programs to attract and retain talented students. The Director will work closely with other departments to provide comprehensive financial counseling to students and families, helping them navigate the complexities of college financing.

The Director of Financial Aid and Scholarships will be instrumental in upholding UVA Wise's commitment to making college more affordable for students in the region and similar areas across the U.S. They will need to stay informed about the latest trends in higher education financing and continuously adapt strategies to meet the evolving needs of the student population.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education.
• Ten (10) years of progressive professional experience in financial aid.
• Demonstrated successful and significant experience in financial aid including the ability to develop, implement, and manage financial aid programs and provide leadership for the college and staff.
• High level knowledge of the administration and disbursement of federal and state aid programs including best practices and latest trends in student aid and active participation in state, national, and regional financial aid associations.
• Experience ensuring compliance with federal and state reconciliation and reporting requirements, and other regulations pertaining to Federal Direct Loan and private loan programs.
• Proven ability to lead teams and leverage resources.
• Experience utilizing word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software, such as Microsoft Suite products to create, modify and format documents and presentations.
• Project management, coordination and/or supervisory experience.
• Demonstrated commitment to inclusion and/or experience working with students and/or co-workers from a wide range of abilities, backgrounds and experiences.
• OR applicable combination of education and/or experience which demonstrates the ability to perform the essential functions of the position.
• Increasingly responsible experience in office and general administrative work, including support of high-level executives in complex, large organizations.

Salary: Pay commensurate with experience.

UVA Wise is an equal opportunity employer committed to excellence, affordable access, and unwavering support of a collaborative and diverse community. Women, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.