Senior Assistant Director for Scholarships and Programming

About the job

Be a Tar Heel!

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.

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.

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.

Office of Human Resources Contact Information

If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the Office of Human Resources at (919) 843-2300 or send an email to employment@unc.edu Please note: The Office of Human Resources will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.