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.
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.
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.
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.
