Senior Assistant Director for Scholarships and Programming

University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill; Elkins Hills (NC); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill seeks a Senior Assistant Director for Scholarships and Programming to manage a portfolio of over 1,200 need-based and merit scholarships and to support student access, excellence, and success.

The role coordinates scholarship recruitment, award decisions, and enrollment activities while serving as a liaison with faculty mentors, Undergraduate Admissions, and other campus partners.

Qualifications

• This position requires excellent written and oral communication skills and the ability to independently manage complex projects and initiatives.
• Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities with sound judgment and initiative.
• The role requires the ability to cultivate collaborative partnerships across campus with Undergraduate Admissions, the Dean of Students Office, Academic Advising, and the College and schools.

Responsibilities

• Oversee scholarship programming and support for the UNC Scholars Program and related initiatives.
• Support scholarship recruitment, selection, yield efforts, and enrollment programming in collaboration with campus partners.
• Post and communicate scholarship awards and manage integration of scholarships within financial aid packages.
• Oversee summer enrichment and experiential learning funding opportunities and assist with donor stewardship.

Skills

Communication

Project management

Analytical thinking

Problem-solving

Collaboration

Diversity & inclusion

Education

Post-Baccalaureate degree

Bachelor's degree

Tools

PeopleSoft

Slate

Job description

About the University

A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation's top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.

One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.

University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.

Position Summary

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill seeks an innovative and accomplished Senior Assistant Director for Scholarships and Programming. This position plays a critical role in administering and managing a complex scholarship portfolio of more than 1,200 need‑based and merit scholarships, supporting the University's commitment to access, excellence, and student success.

The Senior Assistant Director oversees scholarship programming and high‑impact experiences for the UNC Scholars Program and the Red, White, and Carolina Blue Scholars Program, fostering student engagement, identity, and community. The position serves as the primary liaison to faculty mentors and coordinates program initiatives designed to support scholar development and success.

Working closely with the Office of Undergraduate Admissions and campus partners, this role supports scholarship recruitment, selection, and yield efforts, including applicant review, recipient selection, award communication, and enrollment programming. The position maintains expertise in scholarship criteria, donor intent, and fund availability, collaborating with development and financial staff to ensure responsible stewardship and awarding of institutional funds.

The Senior Assistant Director posts scholarship awards and maintains knowledge of scholarship integration within broader financial aid packages. The role also represents the Office of Scholarships and Student Aid on university support teams addressing students of concern and serves on committees that evaluate emergency funding requests, providing guidance on financial aid implications and available resources.

Additional responsibilities include overseeing summer enrichment and experiential learning funding opportunities; supporting communications through websites, social media, and student success stories; assisting with donor stewardship; analyzing data; contributing to scholarship policies and procedures; and planning key events. The position serves as a resource to campus stakeholders and performs other duties as assigned in support of the mission and goals of the Office of Scholarships and Student Aid.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

Relevant post‑Baccalaureate degree required (or foreign degree equivalent); for candidates demonstrating comparable independent educational or instructional activities associated with the delivery and/or management of student support functions, will accept a relevant Bachelor's degree (or foreign degree equivalent) and at least 1 year of relevant experience in substitution.

Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

This position requires excellent written and oral communication skills; the ability to independently manage complex projects and initiatives; strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem‑solving abilities; and a demonstrated capacity to exercise sound judgment and initiative. The Senior Assistant Director must work effectively with a wide range of constituents and cultivate collaborative partnerships across campus, particularly with Undergraduate Admissions, the Dean of Students Office, Academic Advising, and the College and schools, to advance scholarship selection, recruitment, retention, and scholar programming efforts. The successful candidate will demonstrate a commitment to attracting and supporting an exceptionally talented and diverse student body while promoting student success through strategic scholarship and programmatic initiatives. In addition, the position requires at least two years of full‑time financial aid experience.

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

At least one year of full‑time supervisory experience and a demonstrated ability to effectively lead, mentor, and develop staff preferred. Familiarity with PeopleSoft and/or Slate is preferred but not required.

Campus Security Authority Responsibilities

This position is designated as a Campus Security Authority in accordance with the Clery Act. This position will be required to report Clery crimes to the Clery Compliance Manager and complete annual training about reporting responsibilities.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Location, Working Hours and Contract

Location: North Carolina, US. Working Hours: 40 hours per week. Contract Type: Full‑Time Permanent. Appointment Type: EHRA Non‑Faculty. Position: Permanent Staff (EHRA NF).

Application Deadline and Start Date

Application Deadline: 11/13/2026. Proposed Start Date: 12/14/2026.

Contact Information

Department Contact: Shannon Ross‑Lever, Associate Director of Scholarships. Phone/Email: [e-mail].

Human Resources Contact: [phone] or [e-mail].