Assistant Director of Financial Well-Being

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 candidates for the position of Assistant Director of Financial Well-Being. This position reports directly to the Director of Financial Well-Being. This position offers an opportunity to help lead the Center by advancing outreach, coordinating partnerships, developing Peer Financial Coaches, and strengthening basic needs support. Through this work, the Assistant Director will help students connect financial decisions with resources that support their financial well-being and academic success.

The Assistant Director will strengthen how students, Peer Financial Coaches, and campus and community partners engage with the Center. Using student needs and research-informed practices to guide program design and delivery, the position will coordinate resources and outreach that address financial insecurity and basic needs, including connections to mental health support through campus partners. The Assistant Director will oversee the financial coaching experience from intake through follow-up and build partnerships that expand access to support for diverse student populations

In collaboration with the Dean of Students office, Heels Hub and other campus partners, the Assistant Director will connect students with critical resources and programming, enabling them to prioritize academic progress and development.

Strategic Enrollment Management includes the Office of Scholarships and Student Aid, the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, the Office of the University Registrar, and the Carolina College Advising Corps/Advise NC.

As a leader in Financial Well-Being, the Assistant Director will support the vision and goals of the University and the Division. Specifically, the Assistant Director will:

• Lead the Coaching Process. Build and oversee the coaching process, from scheduling and intake through follow-up and referral, and oversee Peer Financial Coaches as they meet with students one-on-one. Lead coach training on the coaching process, boundaries, active listening, motivational interviewing, and strengths-based practice. Offer group and one-on-one coaching on topics such as budgeting, debt management, financial goals, saving, and resource utilization, including SNAP.
• Lead Basic Needs Support and Case Consultation. Serve as the Center’s primary contact for case referrals from the Dean of Students, the Office of Scholarships and Student Aid, and overall Student Success Division. Integrate basic needs support and crisis escalation and referral into coaching. Consult with coaches on complex situations, oversee specialty Peer Financial Coaches, and maintain resource guides on food, housing, and transportation support across campus and the Triangle.
• Lead Data, Assessment, and Reporting. Maintain the Center’s systems for tracking reach, engagement, and outcomes, including success metrics, surveys, and student testimonials. Conduct needs assessments for specialty student groups and prepare monthly, semester, and annual reports that inform strategy, staffing, and programming.
• Lead Outreach and Engagement. Plan, coordinate, and execute outreach, including tabling events, information fairs, classroom presentations, and partner programming tailored to specific schools and populations, including graduate and professional, military-connected and veteran, and student-athlete communities.
• Forge Campus and Community Partnerships. Build partnerships with student organizations, academic departments, campus offices, and community organizations, such as food banks and housing assistance programs, and embed the Center in broader student-success initiatives.
• Supervise and Develop Staff. Recruit, train, supervise, and mentor assigned staff and Peer Financial Coaches, in coordination with the Center’s other Assistant Director.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

Master’s or Bachelor’s and 0-2 years’ experience; or will accept a combination of related education and experience in substitution.

Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

• Strong knowledge of basic needs support programming, including wellness, housing, and financial topics relevant to students, such as budgeting, debt management, and student loans.
• Familiarity with campus and community resources and support services, and experience with referral, case consultation, or direct student support.
• Experience building and cultivating partnerships with internal and external constituents.
• Demonstrated experience supervising staff or leading student staff.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to engage and connect with diverse student populations.
• Experience developing and implementing program assessments and using data to inform strategy and practice.
• Availability and flexibility to work some evenings and weekends.

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

• Master’s degree in higher education, social work, public administration, finance or a related discipline.
• At least 3 years of demonstrated experience in basic needs support, financial education or counseling, community education, social work, or related areas.
• A relevant financial counseling or coaching credential, such as the Accredited Financial Counselor (AFC) or Certified Financial Education Instructor (CFEI), or demonstrated progress toward one
• Training in motivational interviewing, strengths-based practice, or trauma-informed approaches.
• Experience building data-tracking systems and preparing impact reports.
• Familiarity with relevant laws, regulations, and ethical standards related to financial education and counseling, as well as student records.
• Knowledge of student development theory and understanding of the unique financial challenges faced by college students.

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.