Program Manager for Financial Aid & Strategic Initiatives

Winston-Salem State University•Winston-Salem, NC

About The Position

Under general supervision of the Director, Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid, the incumbent will assist with the overall operation of the Office of Financial Aid, monitoring compliance issues as they pertain to various financial aid programs including: Title IV, State and institutional financial aid. This position is mission critical for Financial Aid to continue to provide exemplary customer service to special populations – including health sciences, athletic, and scholars. Additionally, the incumbent will assist ensuring that policies and procedures are reviewed, updated, and followed to ensure departmental compliance with financial aid guidelines and objectives. Demonstrate thorough understanding of laws and regulations regarding student financial aid information, including FERPA. Evaluate professional judgment, Satisfactory Academic Progress appeals, requests for reconsideration, dependency overrides, return of title IV and cost of attendance adjustments. Work with other appropriate institutional departments and offices to coordinate programs. Counsel and advise students and parents on the financial assistance process. The Associate Director for Financial Aid & Strategic Initiatives provides senior-level leadership in the administration and strategic alignment of financial aid services for Project Kitty Hawk programs, transfer students, and adult learners. This position plays a critical role in advancing the institution’s commitment to access, affordability, and student success by supporting innovative, flexible education pathways, including online, hybrid, accelerated, and modular program models. This position is ideal for a collaborative, forward-thinking financial aid professional who thrives in a dynamic environment and is motivated to shape scalable financial aid solutions that support institutional innovation and workforce-aligned education. Outreach and engagement is very critical. Students have an ever-widening variety of choices. Improvements processed in the practice of points of contact: postal mailings, electronic campaigns, call campaigns, and in-person assist in providing services that lead to a better student/parent experience.

Requirements

Demonstrate thorough understanding of laws and regulations regarding student financial aid information, including FERPA.
In-depth knowledge of Title IV Financial Aid regulations.
Understanding of financial aid awarding philosophies.
Experience applying Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards, including evaluation, notification, and appeals.
Experience working with non-traditional, online, or distance education students.
Demonstrated ability to advise students in a virtual environment using phone, email, and video conferencing.
Strong interpersonal skills (including collegiality).
Strong oral and written communications.
Knowledge of higher education best practices as they relate to financial aid – including general admissions, registrar, advising, financial and administration.
High analytical ability (including review, investigation, and problem solving).
Ability to perform complex tasks and prioritize multiple projects.
Adaptability in a dynamic, evolving environment.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree
Prior financial aid or related management within higher education
1 to 2 years of experience at the director or associate director level

Responsibilities

Assist with the overall operation of the Office of Financial Aid.
Monitor compliance issues as they pertain to various financial aid programs including: Title IV, State and institutional financial aid.
Ensure policies and procedures are reviewed, updated, and followed to ensure departmental compliance with financial aid guidelines and objectives.
Evaluate professional judgment, Satisfactory Academic Progress appeals, requests for reconsideration, dependency overrides, return of title IV and cost of attendance adjustments.
Work with other appropriate institutional departments and offices to coordinate programs.
Counsel and advise students and parents on the financial assistance process.
Provide senior-level leadership in the administration and strategic alignment of financial aid services for Project Kitty Hawk programs, transfer students, and adult learners.
Support innovative, flexible education pathways, including online, hybrid, accelerated, and modular program models.
Shape scalable financial aid solutions that support institutional innovation and workforce-aligned education.
Engage in outreach and engagement activities.