Assistant Director of Financial Aid

Lenoir-Rhyne University; Hickory (NC); On-site; USD 55,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

Lenoir-Rhyne University in Hickory, North Carolina, seeks a Financial Aid Counselor to administer federal, state, private and institutional aid and to counsel students and families on eligibility and options.

The role requires strong attention to detail, confidentiality, and the ability to balance multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment, while collaborating with the Director/Associate Director of Financial Aid on process improvements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• At least three years of related experience.
• Knowledge of North Carolina state financial aid programs preferred.
• Exceptional confidentiality and communication skills.
• Proficiency with PowerFAIDS and standard enrollment procedures.

Responsibilities

• Administer federal, state, private and institutional financial aid programs daily.
• Process financial aid through PowerFAIDS and applicable systems.
• Counsel students, parents and guardians on Title IV, state and institutional aid.
• Provide operational oversight of financial aid functions for accuracy and compliance.
• Lead training for campus stakeholders on eligibility and financial literacy.
• Assist with reports, surveys and departmental policy reviews.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Confidentiality

Planning

Time management

Strategic thinking

Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

PowerFAIDS

Job description

Location

Location: Hickory, North Carolina

Position Summary

The successful candidate will demonstrate strong knowledge and understanding of federal, state and institutional financial aid policies and processes, initiative, creative problem-solving, strong analytical skills, meticulous attention to detail, positive energy and a sense of humor. The successful candidate must demonstrate the ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, deadline-oriented work environment while managing multiple responsibilities concurrently.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• None

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Administer federal, state, private and institutional financial aid programs on a daily basis.
• Manage the processing of federal, state, private and institutional financial aid through PowerFAIDS and applicable federal and state systems.
• Manage the processing, certification and reconciliation of state financial aid through North Carolina grant portals.
• Counsel students, parents and legal guardians regarding the availability of and eligibility requirements for Title IV, state and institutional financial aid.
• Counsel service members, in coordination with the VA Benefits Coordinator, regarding the availability of and eligibility requirements for Title IV, state and institutional financial aid.
• Manage projects and ongoing activities assigned by the Director or Associate Director of Financial Aid.
• Assist with short- and long-range planning to support efficient office operations and workflow.
• Respond promptly to questions and concerns from internal and external constituents, with the expectation that responses will be provided within one business day.
• Foster a positive and professional environment by ensuring all interactions reflect a commitment to exceptional customer service.
• Provide operational oversight of assigned financial aid functions to ensure accurate, timely and compliant administration of financial aid programs.
• Maintain proficiency in standard enrollment procedures as they relate to financial aid eligibility.
• Maintain current knowledge of applicable federal and state financial aid regulations and institutional policies to ensure ongoing compliance and accurate administration of financial aid programs.
• Provide leadership, training and guidance to campus stakeholders regarding financial aid eligibility, awarding and financial literacy.
• Assist with the preparation and submission of federal and state reports and surveys, as well as departmental statistical reports and projections.
• Assist with the periodic review, development and revision of departmental policies and procedures.
• Demonstrate a strong work ethic, attention to detail, and the ability to prioritize responsibilities effectively.
• Serve on university and division committees as appropriate.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Skills/Abilities

• Exceptional computer skills: PowerFAIDS experience preferred
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality
• Demonstrated planning, organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to think strategically, manage multiple priorities, and adapt to changing demands
• Excellent team-building, customer service and leadership skills.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required
• A minimum of three years of related experience.
• Knowledge of North Carolina state financial aid programs, including eligibility requirements, processing, certification, reconciliation and reporting, is preferred.

Behavioral Expectations

• Maintain high integrity, confidentiality, and ethical standards.
• Maintain a healthy and safe environment.
• Maintain and contribute to a professional, respectful, courteous, diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment
• Treat other individuals with dignity, respect, and kindness.
• Adhere to all university policies, procedures, standards, values, and comply with all federal, state, and local laws.

Position requirements in the role description outlined above indicate the minimum level of knowledge, skills, and/or abilities deemed necessary to perform the job competently. Role descriptions are an overview of the duties, responsibilities, and requirements of the position and are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list for the position. Employees may be required to perform other job-related assignments as requested and acquire new skills and responsibilities. Lenoir-Rhyne University reserves the right to modify, add, remove, or waive the responsibilities, duties, and skills required of the position.

About Lenoir-Rhyne University

Lenoir-Rhyne University is a co-educational, private, comprehensive institution founded in 1891, with its traditional campus located in Hickory, North Carolina, a city of more than 40,000. The university has additional graduate centers in Asheville, N.C., and Columbia, S.C. Situated in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Lenoir-Rhyne is less than an hour’s drive from Charlotte, and the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton Metropolitan Statistical Area has a population of about 365,000. The university now offers more than 45 undergraduate and 20 graduate degree programs to approximately 2,400 students. Lenoir-Rhyne University seeks to liberate mind and spirit, clarify personal faith, foster physical wholeness, build community, and promote responsible leadership for service to the world. Affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), Lenoir-Rhyne is open to people from all religious and non-religious backgrounds.

Non-Discrimination and Equal Opportunity Policy

Lenoir-Rhyne University is committed to providing a workplace and educational environment, as well as other benefits, programs, and activities that are free from discrimination, harassment and retaliation.

LR is committed to creating a safe campus environment for all members of the LR community, including, but not limited to, those who identify as transgender and gender non-conforming. To that end, LR does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex (including sex stereotypes and sex characteristics), ethnicity, national origin, physical or mental disability, age, marital status, pregnancy or related conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran or military status or any other characteristic or status protected by applicable law.

To ensure compliance with federal and state civil rights laws and regulations and to affirm its commitment to promoting the goals of fairness and equity in all aspects of the educational program, activity and employment, LR has developed internal policies and procedures that provide a prompt, fair and impartial process for those involved in an allegation of discrimination or harassment, and for allegations of retaliation.

LR values and upholds the equal dignity of all members of its community and strives to balance the rights of the parties in the grievance process during what is often a difficult time for all those involved.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Lenoir-Rhyne University promotes a welcoming campus environment that is integral to the university's commitment to excellence in engagement and education. We are particularly interested in candidates who have demonstrated experience nurturing a welcoming community, working with faculty, staff, and/or students from all walks of life and/or incorporating varied perspectives and traditions in their current or previous positions. This commitment is rooted in our Lutheran tradition of fostering wisdom, nurturing vocation, and preparing students for lives of purpose while serving the common good.