(Remote) Assistant Director of Student Aid Operations - Student Financial Services

Job Description:

Description

The Department of Student Financial Services at West Virginia University is currently accepting applications for an Assistant Director of Student Aid Operations.

About the Opportunity

This position will lead a team of professional staff that oversees the timely and accurate processing of federal, state, institutional and private scholarship, grant, loan, and work programs. This position will collaborate with other Assistant Directors and management to assure equitable distribution of tasks and assist with strategic and operational planning, oversight, and leadership of new and existing federal, state, and institutional financial assistance programs.

We strongly believe in work-life balance and keeping time for things we love outside our work. WVU offers generous benefits, including:

• 37.5-hour work week
• 13 paid holidays (staff holiday calendar)
• 24 annual leave (vacation) days per year
• 18 sick days per year
  (for when you’re ill, for when you need time to care for sick family, for your own, or your family’s, regularly scheduled medical appointments. Who is family for the purpose of this leave? A lot of people in your life including immediate relatives and in-laws as well as others considered to be members of your household living under the same roof)
• WVU offers a range of health insurance and other benefits (this position is a benefits-eligible non-classified staff position)
• 401(a) retirement savings with 6% employee contribution match, eligibility to continue health insurance, and other retiree perks. Looking for more retirement benefits information? Check out retirement health insurance benefits, retirement income, and FAQ’s.
• Wellness programs

What you'll do:

• Leads a team of professionals to administer and coordinate the awarding, renewal, disbursement, reconciliation, and evaluation of federal, state, and institutional programs within a multitude of rules, regulations and varying policies and procedures. Makes recommendations to the Director on changes based on data analysis and market trends to assist in recruiting and retaining a talented and diverse student body.
• Acts as a liaison and point of contact with Colleges, Campuses, and Departments to support enrollment goals.
• Leads the development and improvement of various financial assistance software used to award, notify, and deliver available financial assistance to students.
• Responsible for the development of a quality assurance process for programs assuring that WVU is adhering to applicable laws, regulations, and policies and not at risk of being non-compliant.
• Manages and administers the federal, state, and institutional portfolio of financial assistance programs ensuring complete and timely distribution of funds and maximizing assistance to support students.
• Manages professional staff. Interviews, hires, and evaluates staff. Responsible for ensuring new staff receive appropriate training to effectively perform their duties. Assigns duties and responsibilities to staff. Evaluates work functions to ensure staff are performing functions in the most efficient manner, and that quality is consistent with the goals and objectives of the department and the University.
• Serves as a member of the Team Leaders for SFS and assists in the development and implementation of short- and long- term goals of SFS.
• Trains staff and faculty across the University on areas which fall under scope of responsibility.
• Oversees the development, revision and completion of policies and procedures for functions within the unit.
• Provides expert assistance for audits including A-133, state programs, Department of Education program reviews, and WVU internal audits.
• Counsels students and parents through the financial aid/scholarship process, as needed. Manages conflicts and resolves complaints, document causes and solutions and works with appropriate staff to develop prevention strategies.
• Represents WVU in national, regional, and state activities. Serves on, and may lead, various WVU and SFS committees. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree
• A minimum of five (5) years' experience in a financial aid/scholarship/customer service operation involving:
  • Progressively responsible experience in administering financial aid/scholarship programs
  • Extensive experience with technology such as Banner, Argos, Academic Works and Excel or comparable systems
  • Experience in higher education or otherwise comprehensive, multifaceted office setting, which is highly automated, fast paced, data driven, and stressful
  • Proven experience supervising and motivating staff
  • Proven experience managing multiple, complex projects with deadlines to successful ends
  • Communicating successfully with a wide variety of constituents
• Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience will be considered.
• All qualifications must be met by the time of employment.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Extensive knowledge and understanding of federal, state, and institutional financial aid and scholarship regulations, policies/procedures, and programs
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including public speaking experience
• Demonstrated teamwork, personal initiative, and continuous improvement
• Ability to manage multiple and competing priorities
• Demonstrated experience in managing, supervising, and motivating staff
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills and commitment to working with students from diverse backgrounds
• Demonstrated commitment to, and a record of, excellence in customer service
• Demonstrated analytical and complex problem-solving skills necessary to resolve situations
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of computerized student information systems
• Ability to adapt quickly and positively to constant change

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree
• NASFAA credentials

About WVU

West Virginia University is a place of purpose and community. We take pride in our profound impact on the state of West Virginia and are committed to the personal and professional growth of our employees.

From the groundbreaking R1 research at our flagship campus in Morgantown to the career-oriented programs at WVU Potomac State in Keyser, and the technology-intensive programs at WVU Tech in Beckley, the contributions of WVU employees resonate across the state, touching lives and shaping futures.

At WVU, you will discover a supportive community that champions work-life balance and fosters a collaborative atmosphere. Our core values — service, curiosity, respect, accountability and appreciation — unite us as Mountaineers.

Join us at West Virginia University, where your work will make a lasting impact. To learn more about WVU, visit wvu.edu.

West Virginia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or Veteran status.

Job Posting

Jun 25, 2025: Posting Classification: Non-ClassifiedExemption Status: ExemptBenefits Eligible: Yes

Schedule

: Full-time