Assistant Director, Financial Aid

Wake Forest University; Winston-Salem (NC); Hybrid; USD 78,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Wake Forest University seeks an Assistant Director of Student Financial Aid to counsel families, analyze need, and package aid for assigned students. You’ll manage program administration, eligibility, disbursement, and reconciliation while ensuring compliance and timely communication with campus partners.

The role emphasizes independent and collaborative work, strong service orientation, and the ability to adapt to evolving priorities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred.
• At least 3 years of experience in financial aid administration or related higher education setting.
• Knowledge of federal financial aid regulations, study abroad funding models, external scholarships, and donor‑supported programs.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem‑solving skills; ability to manage multiple priorities in a high‑volume setting with accuracy.
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills across diverse campus constituencies.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team; flexibility in evolving priorities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and student information systems; PowerFAIDS or similar system experience preferred.
• Willingness to work occasional evenings/weekends and travel as needed.

Responsibilities

• Serve as program manager for aid programs, overseeing eligibility, disbursement, award adjustments, and reconciliation.
• Manage receipt, processing, and reconciliation of external scholarships and state grants with compliance.
• Administer special scholarship programs in collaboration with Undergraduate Admissions and other departments.
• Perform need analysis and exercise professional judgment to package and adjust awards per regulations.
• Handle Return of Title IV (R2T4) calculations and maintain audit readiness.
• Provide backup support for VA education benefits advisement.
• Participate in financial aid appeals and scholarship committees; contribute to policy discussions.
• Maintain documentation and audit readiness across all responsibilities.

Skills

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Problem solving

Interpersonal skills

Written and verbal communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree preferred

Tools

PowerFAIDS

Microsoft Office

Google Workspace

Student information systems

Job description

Job Description Summary

The Office of Student Financial Aid Assistant Director will have a number of primary responsibilities, including providing counseling, need analysis and packaging for a section of students based on alphabetical distribution. The Assistant Director serves as a primary financial aid relationship contact for assigned students and advises students and families about the financial aid application process, financial aid eligibility, treatment of unusual and extenuating circumstances, and financial aid programs. The Assistant Director will also administer one or more aid programs, processes, or functional areas, as assigned by the Executive Director of Financial Aid, with responsibility for activities that may include student eligibility, awarding, disbursement, award adjustments, reconciliation, reporting, compliance, and coordination with other components of a student’s financial aid package. The role supports effective stewardship of financial aid operations through appropriate documentation, cross‑training, backup coverage, and process improvement, and partners across University departments to support accurate, timely, and compliant administration of financial aid.

Selection Preferences and Location

Selection preference will be given to candidates with the ability to work independently, and collaboratively on a team in a professional manner; with the ability to plan and carry out the essential functions of the role; with a strong commitment to student service; the flexibility to adapt and respond to the needs of a diverse constituency and evolving office priorities; and excellent communication, analytical, and problem‑solving skills.

The AD will perform most job duties in an office setting on the University campus in Winston‑Salem, North Carolina, and by remote modes according to departmental and university needs.

Essential Functions

• Serves as a primary program manager for an aid program, as assigned, with oversight over all aspects of the program’s administration from student eligibility, disbursement, award adjustments, monthly and final reconciliation, and coordination with other aid programs in a student aid package..
• Manages the receipt, processing, and reconciliation of external scholarships and state grants; ensures timely and accurate posting of awards, compliance with regulatory requirements, and clear communication with students and campus partners.
• Administers special scholarship programs, coordinating with Undergraduate Admissions, Merit Scholarships, and other university departments to determine eligibility and ensure donor compliance.
• Performs need analysis and exercises professional judgment in evaluating special or unusual financial circumstances; packages and revises financial aid awards in compliance with institutional and federal regulations.
• Manages the calculation, processing, and documentation of Return of Title IV (R2T4) withdrawal calculations for all undergraduate students; ensures compliance with federal requirements and supports audit readiness.
• Provides backup support for the Associate Director in certifying and advising on VA education benefits.
• Participates in financial aid appeals and scholarship committees; contributes to policy discussions and case reviews.
• Supports federal and institutional compliance through accurate documentation and audit readiness for all areas of responsibility.
• Maintains detailed and accurate records of communication, awarding decisions, and supporting documentation in accordance with office protocols.
• Coordinates presentations and workshops for prospective and current program assignments for students and scholarship recipients; develops outreach and training material, as needed
• Assists in the development and continuous improvement of financial aid systems and procedures related to assigned populations.
• Serves as a primary/secondary contact with campus partners in the Registrar’s Office, Student Financial Services, Undergraduate Admissions, International Student Services (ISS) and others to meet students’ needs
• Performs other duties as assigned in support of the goals of The Student Financial Aid Office.

Required Education, Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred.
• At least 3 years of experience in financial aid administration or related higher education setting; experience with both federal and institutional methodology preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge of federal financial aid regulations, study abroad funding models, external scholarships, and donor‑supported scholarship programs.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem‑solving skills; ability to manage multiple priorities in a high‑volume setting with accuracy and professionalism.
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively across diverse campus constituencies.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team; sound judgment and flexibility in responding to evolving priorities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and student information systems; PowerFAIDS or similar system experience preferred.
• Ability to manage sensitive information in a confidential manner. Protects PII, and CUI in all instances
• Willingness to work occasional evenings/weekends and travel as needed.

Accountabilities

• Responsible for own work only.

Physical Requirements

• Sedentary work primarily involves sitting/standing; communicating with others to exchange information; repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands, and/or fingers; and assessing the accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of the work assigned.

Environmental Conditions

• No environmental conditions

Time Type Requirement

Full time

Note To Applicant

This position profile identifies the key responsibilities and expectations for performance. It cannot encompass all specific job tasks that an employee may be required to perform. Employees are required to follow any other job‑related instructions and perform job‑related duties as may be reasonably assigned by his/her supervisor.

In order to provide a safe and productive learning and living community, Wake Forest University conducts background investigations and drug screens for all final staff candidates being considered for employment.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all qualified candidates to apply without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, disability and military or veteran status.

Accommodations for Applicants

If you are an individual with a disability and need an accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, please contact [e-mail] or (336) 758‑4700.

This position is not eligible for sponsorship of non‑immigrant or immigrant visa status through Wake Forest University. All eligible applicants are encouraged to apply.