Associate Director

State of South Carolina; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and Life Insurance

Retirement Programs

Paid Tuition

Dependent Scholarships

Annual Leave

Sick Leave

13 Paid Holidays (including extended)

Paid Parental Leave

Professional Development Opportunities

Job summary

The University of South Carolina seeks an Associate Director to oversee the administration of Federal Direct Student and Parent Loan programs, as well as private educational loans. This role leads a team responsible for accurate processing and compliance across loan portfolios totaling hundreds of millions of dollars annually.

Ideal candidates will have a Master’s degree, supervisory experience, and solid knowledge of Direct Loan regulations, with a proven track record in student financial aid

Qualifications

• Ability to navigate a highly automated, complex organization.
• Strong written and oral communication with diverse publics.
• Proven leadership, high energy, exceptional student service and organization.
• Commitment to innovation and flexibility in changing conditions.
• Master's degree plus supervisory experience and financial aid background.
• familiarity with Direct Loan regulations and financial aid software.

Responsibilities

• Oversee administration of Federal Direct Student and Parent Loan programs and private educational loans.
• Provide leadership to staff ensuring accurate loan processing and compliance.

Skills

Automated systems

Oral & written communication

Leadership

Innovation & flexibility

Education

Master's degree

Two years supervisory experience

Student financial aid experience

Direct Loan regulations

Financial aid software experience

Job description

Associate DirectorDepartment: EM Financial Aid and ScholarshipsAdvertised Salary Range:Part/Full Time: Full TimeAbout UofSCFrom the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor's degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service — helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.Inclusive Excellence StatementAdvertised Job SummaryThe Associate Director will oversee the administration of the Federal Direct Student and Parent Loan programs, along with the administration of private educational loans. These programs total over $250,00,000 annually.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Ability to work in a highly automated, complex organization.
• Should be able to effectively communicate orally and in writing with various publics.
• Leadership capabilities, a high energy level, and a sincere dedication to outstanding student service as well as outstanding organizational skills.
• Commitment to innovation, and the ability to be flexible when situations demand also required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Masters degree and two years experience in educational loan administration and 3 or more years of supervisory experience.
• Student financial aid experience required, preferably in a medium to large sized institution.
• Thorough knowledge of Direct Loan regulations required.
• Experience with a financial aid computer system essential.
• Supervisory experience preferred.

Job Close Date

10/25/2026

Special Instructions to Applicant

Positions are advertised for a minimum of five (5) business days on our job website. After five (5) business days, positions can be closed at the discretion of the department at any time. This employment site is updated on a regular basis. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary from position to position, depending upon a variety of factors. Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted by phone or email. We are only accepting applications submitted by October 25, 2026.

Benefits

• Health and Life Insurance
• Retirement Programs
• Paid Tuition
• Dependent Scholarships
• Annual Leave
• Sick Leave
• 13 Paid Holidays (including an extended December holiday)
• Paid Parental Leave
• Professional Development Opportunities

E O O Statement

The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities on the basis of race, sex, gender, gender identity, transgender status, age, color, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, genetics, protected veteran status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions.