Assistant Director of Awards and Funding

Position Summary Assistant Director of Awards and Funding is a member of the School of Social Work’s Office of Academic and Student Affairs and serves as an integral part of the Recruitment, Admissions, and Financial Aid (RAFA) team. The role supports Master’s of Social Work (MSW) graduate students across online and on-the-ground programs and reports to the Assistant Dean of Recruitment, Admissions, and Financial Aid. The Assistant Director plays an essential part in advancing the School’s mission by overseeing school-level scholarships and financial aid, equitable awarding practices, and student financial well‑being initiatives. The Assistant Director develops, implements, and continually refines a comprehensive funding model and award matrix that aligns with institutional priorities, donor intent, and principles of fairness and transparency. The position chairs the School’s Scholarship Committee and manages the full lifecycle of the annual scholarship process, including application design, applicant communications, reviewer coordination, holistic evaluation, selection decisions, award notifications, and post‑cycle assessment. The Assistant Director also oversees the nomination process for UNC Graduate School awards and serves as the School’s primary liaison to the University’s Office of Scholarships & Student Aid, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations while advocating for the unique financial needs of Social Work students. The role leads the administration of the School’s student emergency fund, overseeing intake, eligibility review, distribution tracking, and timely referrals to campus and community resources for students experiencing financial hardship. The Assistant Director collaborates with the School’s External Affairs partners to keep financial aid‑related materials accurate, accessible, and current, such as web content and digital or print outreach pieces, while ensuring that updates reflect the School’s mission and values. Providing individualized financial aid advising and proactive outreach, the Assistant Director helps students anticipate financial barriers, connects them with resources, and offers support that facilitates informed educational planning. This work strengthens yield, retention, and timely degree progress while reducing financial stress. The role also represents the School at recruitment, admissions, and financial aid‑related events across the state, requiring occasional travel to participate in outreach efforts that support prospective student engagement and strengthen statewide partnerships. Minimum Education and Experience Requirements Master’s or Bachelor’s degree and 0‑2 years of experience; or an equivalent combination of related education and experience. Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience Relevant post‑baccalaureate degree; or bachelor’s degree with at least one year of experience supporting student services or admissions in lieu of the advanced degree. Excellent communication and advising skills; ability to handle sensitive student situations with discretion and empathy. Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience 3‑5 years of experience in areas such as scholarships, financial aid, advising, or student services. Previous experience leading committees, partnering with central campus offices, and/or supporting students across online and on‑the‑ground programs. Familiarity with UNC systems and scholarship platforms; knowledge of donor‑funded award stewardship practices. Experience administering scholarships or financial aid in a higher education setting with strong attention to compliance and documentation. Campus Security Authority Responsibilities This position is designated as a Campus Security Authority in accordance with the Clery Act. The position will be required to report Clery crimes to the Clery Compliance Manager and complete annual training about reporting responsibilities. #J-18808-Ljbffr University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill