Strategic Initiatives & Financial Aid Program Manager

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.; Winston-Salem (NC); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc. is looking for a Program Manager for Financial Aid & Strategic Initiatives in Winston-Salem, NC. This permanent full-time position requires at least seven years of administrative experience in financial aid management, a Bachelor's degree, and proficiency in financial aid software.

The role involves advising students on financial aid processes, ensuring compliance with regulations, and leading strategic initiatives. Ideal candidates also have strong communication and analytical skills, with flexibility in schedule.

Qualifications

• Seven years of administrative or management experience in student financial aid or a related field.
• Five years of experience with Banner Financial Aid or comparable university financial aid software.
• Proficiency in a financial aid management system and federal systems.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Director of the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid.
• Review and update policies for compliance with financial aid guidelines.
• Advise students and parents on the financial-assistance process.
• Design and execute outreach campaigns to improve student experience.

Skills

Financial aid management

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field

Master’s degree

Tools

Banner Financial Aid

FAFSA Partner Portal

PeopleSoft

Workday Student

Job description

Position Details

Classification Information

Position Classification Title

Student Financial Aid Professional, Assoc. Director

FLSA

Exempt

Position Class

89618

Position Overview

Join the Ramily!

Join the Ramily!
Winston-Salem State University ( WSSU ) is a distinguishedinstitution that combines academic excellence, communityengagement, and a commitment to fostering student success. We areproud to be North Carolina’s only university to earn thedistinguished designation of Opportunity College by the CarnegieClassifications of Higher Education and the American Council onEducation ( ACE ). WSSU is dedicated to preparing students forleadership roles through rigorous programs in health sciences,business, education, and the humanities. Known for its supportiveenvironment, the university fosters a close-knit community thatnurtures both professional and academic excellence.
Situated in Winston-Salem, North Carolina—known as the city of Artsand innovation, WSSU provides students with opportunities to engagein a dynamic mix of professional, social, and cultural experiences.Winston-Salem is home to thriving arts, healthcare, and technologysectors, offering both students and faculty unique collaborationopportunities and professional development pathways.
With its beautiful campus, strong sense of community, anddedication to fostering personal and professional growth,Winston-Salem State University is an ideal place to teach, work,and learn.
Find information about our current benefits and retirement options,our holiday schedule, and other discounts and perks at the linksbelow:
UNCSystem Employee Benefits Central
UNC System Retirement Benefits
WSSU Holiday Schedule
WSSU Discounts and Perks

Position Summary

Under general supervision of the Director, Office of Scholarshipsand Financial Aid the incumbent will assist with the overalloperation of the Office of Financial Aid monitoring complianceissues as they pertain to various financial aid programs including:Title IV, State and institutional financial aid. This position ismission critical for Financial Aid to continue to provide exemplarycustomer service to special populations – including healthsciences, athletic, and scholars.

Additionally, the incumbent will assist ensuring that policies andprocedures are reviewed, updated, and followed to ensuredepartmental compliance with financial aid guidelines andobjectives (this is primarily within the areas of the scope of theposition’s responsibilities).

Demonstrate thorough understanding of laws and regulationsregarding student financial aid information, including FERPA .Evaluate professional judgment, Satisfactory Academic Progressappeals, requests for reconsideration, dependency overrides, returnof title IV and cost of attendance adjustments. Work with otherappropriate institutional departments and offices to coordinateprograms. Counsel and advise students and parents on the financialassistance process.

The Associate Director for Financial Aid & StrategicInitiatives provides senior‑level leadership in the administrationand strategic alignment of financial aid services for Project KittyHawk programs, transfer students, and adult learners. This positionplays a critical role in advancing the institution’s commitment toaccess, affordability, and student success by supportinginnovative, flexible education pathways, including online, hybrid,accelerated, and modular program models.

This position is ideal for a collaborative, forward‑thinkingfinancial aid professional who thrives in a dynamic environment andis motivated to shape scalable financial aid solutions that supportinstitutional innovation and workforce‑aligned education.

Outreach and engagement is very critical. Students have anever-widening variety of choices. Improvements processed in thepractice of points of contact: postal mailings, electroniccampaigns, call campaigns, and in-person assist in providingservices that lead to a better student/parent experience.

Position Information

Position Number

143411

Working Position Title

Program Manager for Financial Aid & Strategic Initiatives

Building and Room No.

CF Thompson Center, Room 201

Appointment Type

Permanent Full-Time

If Time Limited.

No

Appointment Length.

12

Requirements and Preferences

Position required to work during periods of adverse weather orother emergencies

Not Mandatory

Normal Work Schedule

8:00 am – 5:00pm with flexibility schedule 8:00 am-6:00pm
Monday – Friday with scheduled evening and weekend hours

Department Required Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field
• Seven years of administrative/management experience in studentfinancial aid or related field
  • or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Five years of experience with Banner Financial Aid (orcomparable financial aid/university software)
• Proficiency with:
  • A financial aid management system (e.g., Banner, PowerFAIDS,PeopleSoft, Workday Student, or similar)
  • Federal systems such as FAFSA Partner Portal, COD, andNSLDS

Preferred Years Experience, Skills, Training,Education

• Master’s degree
• Prior financial aid or related management within highereducation
• 1 to 2 years of experience at the director or associatedirector level
• In-depth knowledge of Title IV Financial Aid regulations, andunderstanding of financial aid awarding philosophies
• Experience applying Satisfactory Academic Progress ( SAP )standards, including evaluation, notification, and appeals.
• Experience working with non‑traditional, online, or distanceeducation students
• Demonstrated ability to advise students in a virtualenvironment using phone, email, and video conferencing.
• Strong interpersonal skills (including collegiality) as well asstrong oral and written communications;
• Knowledge of higher education best practices as they relate tofinancial aid – including general admissions, registrar, advising,financial and administration
• High analytical ability (including review, investigation, andproblem solving);
• Ability to perform complex tasks and prioritize multipleprojects;
• Adaptability in a dynamic, evolving environment

Required License or Certification

Valid US Driver's License

No

Commercial Driver's License Required

No

Physical Required

No

List any other medical/drug tests required

Posting Details

Posting Details

Internal Posting Only

No

Time Limited Position

No

Appointment Length

Salary

Commensurate with education and experience

Open Date

06/23/2026

Close Date

Open Until Filled

Yes

Special Instructions Summary

Our agency supports second-chance employment for individuals whowere previously incarcerated, or justice-involved. We invite allpotential applicants to apply for positions for Which they may bequalified.

Please Note:
* A criminal background check will be conducted on the candidatefinalist prior to the offer of employment.
* If it is determined that no applicants meet the minimumcompetency, education, and experience requirements, then managementmay consider other applicants.
* Salary will be determined based on competencies, equity, budget,and market considerations.
* Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing an electronicapplication. The application must be completed in full detail(including work history) for your qualifications to beconsidered.
* Failure to complete the application completely may result in younot being considered for the vacant position.
* Your application for the position will not be completed until youreceive an online confirmation number at the end of the process ofapplying for a position.
* If you have general questions about the application process, youmay contact Human Resources at [e-mail] . Individuals withdisabilities requiring disability-related accommodation in theapplication and interview process, please call 336-750-2834.
Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. How did you hear about this employment opportunity?
   • Public Job Posting
   • Internal Job Posting
   • Agency Referral
   • Advertisement/Publication
   • Personal Referral
   • Website
   • Other

Applicant Document
Required Documents

1. Resume
2. Cover Letter
3. Letter of Recommendation 1
4. References List

Optional Documents