Financial Aid Program Lead | Assistant Director

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

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.