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,…