Senior Assistant Director for Scholarships and Programming

UNC-Chapel Hill; North Carolina; On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discounts

Benefits package

Job summary

UNC-Chapel Hill seeks a Senior Assistant Director for Scholarships and Programming to manage a large scholarship portfolio and oversee programming for scholar experiences. The role coordinates recruitment, selection, and enrollment activities while engaging faculty mentors and campus partners to promote access and student success.

The position requires strong communication, project leadership, and analytical skills, with experience in financial aid and donor-funded programs.

Qualifications

• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to independently manage complex projects and initiatives.
• Two years of full-time financial aid experience.

Responsibilities

• Oversee a large scholarship portfolio (>1,200 awards) and related programming.
• Coordinate scholar recruitment, selection, and enrollment programming.
• Lead and mentor staff; collaborate with Admissions, Dean of Students, and Academic Advising.
• Support donor relations and fiscal stewardship for scholarship funds.
• Develop and evaluate scholarship policies and program initiatives.

Skills

Communication skills

Analytical thinking

Project management

Leadership

Education

Post-Baccalaureate degree

Bachelor's degree

Tools

PeopleSoft

Slate

Job description

Senior Assistant Director for Scholarships and Programming

Working Title Senior Assistant Director for Scholarships and Programming

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.

Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit

The Office of Scholarships and Student Aid works to ensure that qualified students have the opportunity to study at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill regardless of their ability to pay. The office serves students at all levels, including graduate and professional school students and coordinates all student financial support for the campus. The office assists in the recruitment, retention and success of students while maximizing available funds, exercising good stewardship of those funds, and performing related research, analysis and program evaluation in support of long-range enrollment and campus goals. In addition, the office provides academic and co-circular support services for scholarships, provides financial literacy and educational tools, and partners with faculty and other student success areas across campus to provide excellent service to low- and middle-income students and other scholarship recipients. The work of the office is public in nature and closely scrutinized by students and their families, lawmakers, faculty and staff at the University, and by the media (local, regional, and national).

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.

Special Physical/Mental Requirements

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.

Department Contact Name and Title Shannon Ross-Lever, Associate Director of Scholarships

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.

Required Documents

• Curriculum Vitae / Resume
• Cover Letter
• List of References

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Please select the response below that describes your level of education that best or most closely satisfies the education requirements for this position.
  • Bachelor’s degree in required discipline(s) listed or related field
  • Bachelor's degree in any field/discipline
  • Master's degree or Doctorate degree in required discipline(s) listed or related field
  • Master's degree or Doctorate degree in any field/discipline
  • None of the above