Assistant Director of Financial Aid, Funded Scholarships (AS6497)

Assistant Director of Financial Aid, Funded Scholarships

The Assistant Director of Financial Aid, Funded Scholarships supports Stetson University by strategically administering endowed and annual (current-use) scholarship funds that expand access to higher education and reduce financial barriers for students. Serving as a member of the Office of Student Financial Planning team, this position is responsible for the administration, allocation, reconciliation, and compliance of donor-funded scholarship programs while ensuring awards align with donor intent and applicable regulations. Reporting to the Assistant Vice President of Enrollment Management/Executive Director of Financial Aid and working closely with the Vice President of Enrollment Management and campus partners, the Assistant Director supports the University's goal of meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need through the effective stewardship and utilization of scholarship resources. This position serves as a key liaison among Enrollment Management, Advancement, Development, academic departments, and scholarship program administrators to ensure scholarship funding is awarded strategically, accurately, and in accordance with established guidelines. In alignment with Stetson's Strategic Priorities, the Assistant Director of Financial Aid Funded Scholarships helps create educational access and student success opportunities by leveraging donor-funded resources, supporting recruitment and retention efforts, and promoting student financial wellness.

Employment duties include, but are not limited to:

• Serve as the primary administrator for endowed and annual scholarship funds.
• Review scholarship candidate profiles for accuracy and alignment with donor specifications, eligibility criteria, and donor intent.
• Award scholarship funds in compliance with donor agreements, institutional policies, and applicable regulations.
• Ensure effective utilization of available scholarship resources to support enrollment and student success goals.
• Review and interpret scholarship agreements and funding requirements to ensure accurate award administration.

Financial Analysis, Reconciliation, and Reporting

• Reconcile and analyze scholarship funding reports to ensure all available funds are utilized strategically and responsibly.
• Conduct regular reconciliation of scholarship awards between Banner and Scholarship Manager.
• Monitor scholarship balances and spending activity to ensure compliance and maximize funding opportunities.
• Prepare and review reports related to scholarship allocations, utilization, and fund availability.

Collaboration and Partnership Management

• Serve as a liaison between Enrollment Management and university departments requesting scholarship awards, including affiliated foundations and academic units.
• Determine student eligibility and feasibility of scholarship requests within financial aid award packages.
• Collaborate with Advancement and Development to maintain the accuracy and integrity of scholarship data.
• Coordinate the implementation of new scholarship funds and ensure alignment between Scholarship Manager and Banner account structures.

Scholarship Program Support

• Partner with Stetson University's premier scholarship programs, including programs such as JOE and other institutional scholarship initiatives.
• Support the notification, awarding, and administration of scholarship recipients while ensuring program-specific requirements are met.
• Coordinate with campus stakeholders to provide consistent administration and communication regarding scholarship opportunities.

Student Outreach and Financial Literacy

• Conduct outreach initiatives and educational programs that promote scholarship awareness and financial literacy.
• Assist students in identifying and accessing scholarship resources to support educational funding.
• Participate in recruitment and retention initiatives focused on removing financial barriers to persistence and graduation.
• Serve as an active member of the University's Retention Task Force Committee.

Customer Service and Student Support

• Provide accurate and timely financial aid information to students, families, and campus constituents.
• Respond to inquiries via telephone, email, virtual meeting platforms, and in-person appointments.
• Maintain a high level of customer service while working in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.

Additional Responsibilities

• Participate in occasional evening and weekend activities as needed.
• Perform other site- and position-specific duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of federal and state financial aid programs, regulations, and compliance requirements.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret financial and enrollment data.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong customer service skills and ability to work effectively with students, families, faculty, and staff.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Ability to reconcile complex financial data and maintain accurate records.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively across departments.
• Commitment to confidentiality, sound judgment, and ethical administration of student financial aid resources.
• Support the University's Mission and Values through a commitment to student success, inclusive excellence, and collaborative service.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree.
• Minimum of three (3) years of student financial aid experience.
• Experience interpreting and applying federal and state financial aid regulations.
• Experience utilizing student information systems, databases, or financial aid management systems.
• Strong computer proficiency, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Desire to join a distinct university community committed to inclusive excellence, kindness, and collaboration, as it seeks to move Forward Together in making our community and world a better place.

Ideal Candidate Qualifications

• Master's degree.
• Experience with Banner and Slate.
• Experience with Scholarship Manager or similar scholarship administration software.
• Experience administering donor-funded, endowed, or institutional scholarship programs.
• Experience with scholarship fund reconciliation and financial reporting.
• Experience supporting student retention and enrollment management initiatives.
• Experience conducting financial literacy programming and student outreach.
• Knowledge of higher education enrollment management practices and scholarship leveraging strategies.

Work Environment

Work is primarily performed in a professional office environment. The tasks involved in this position are generally sedentary in nature and regularly performed without exposure to adverse environmental conditions. Responsibilities may require occasional walking, bending, light lifting, and travel to meetings or university events. The position may require occasional evening and weekend hours to support departmental and university initiatives.

Pay Grade: 6 Work authorization sponsorship may be available for this position. However, sponsorship is contingent upon the non-applicability of the visa petition fees outlined in the relevant Executive Order signed September 19, 2025. Due to the recent federally-mandated increased financial expense, the university is not in a position to absorb this significantly increased cost of sponsorship for new H-1B petitions at this time. International candidates are encouraged to apply, but should be aware that eligibility for sponsorship will be evaluated in accordance with current U.S. immigration regulations and institutional policies.