Program Manager for Financial Aid & Strategic Initiatives

Winston-Salem State University

Winston-Salem, NC

JOB DETAILS
SKILLS
Administrative Management, Administrative Skills, Analysis Skills, Best Practices, CDL Driver's License, Campaigns, Customer Support/Service, Establish Priorities, Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), Financial Administration, Financial Aid, Financial Regulations, Financial Services, Financial Systems, Health Science, Healthcare, Higher Education, Interpersonal Skills, Leadership, Maintain Compliance, Medical Tests, Multitasking, Peoplesoft, Presentation/Verbal Skills, Problem Solving Skills, Project/Program Coordination, Project/Program Management, Publications, Registrar, Retirement Plan, Scholarship, Sports Science, Strategic Planning, Student Financial Services, Team Player, Training/Teaching, Videoconferencing, Writing Skills
LOCATION
Winston-Salem, NC
POSTED
10 days ago

Position Details

Classification Information

Position Classification Title Student Financial Aid Professional, Assoc. Director FLSA Exempt Position Class 89618

Position Overview

Join the Ramily!

Join the Ramily!

Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) is a distinguished institution that combines academic excellence, community engagement, and a commitment to fostering student success. We are proud to be North Carolina's only university to earn the distinguished designation of Opportunity College by the Carnegie Classifications of Higher Education and the American Council on Education (ACE). WSSU is dedicated to preparing students for leadership roles through rigorous programs in health sciences, business, education, and the humanities. Known for its supportive environment, the university fosters a close-knit community that nurtures both professional and academic excellence.

Situated in Winston-Salem, North Carolina-known as the city of Arts and innovation, WSSU provides students with opportunities to engage in a dynamic mix of professional, social, and cultural experiences. Winston-Salem is home to thriving arts, healthcare, and technology sectors, offering both students and faculty unique collaboration opportunities and professional development pathways.

With its beautiful campus, strong sense of community, and dedication to fostering personal and professional growth, Winston-Salem State University is an ideal place to teach, work, and learn.

Find information about our current benefits and retirement options, our holiday schedule, and other discounts and perks at the links below:

UNC System Employee Benefits Central

UNC System Retirement Benefits

WSSU Holiday Schedule

WSSU Discounts and Perks

Position Summary

Under general supervision of the Director, Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid the incumbent will assist with the overall operation of the Office of Financial Aid monitoring compliance issues as they pertain to various financial aid programs including: Title IV, State and institutional financial aid. This position is mission critical for Financial Aid to continue to provide exemplary customer service to special populations - including health sciences, athletic, and scholars.

Additionally, the incumbent will assist ensuring that policies and procedures are reviewed, updated, and followed to ensure departmental compliance with financial aid guidelines and objectives (this is primarily within the areas of the scope of the position's responsibilities).

Demonstrate thorough understanding of laws and regulations regarding student financial aid information, including FERPA. Evaluate professional judgment, Satisfactory Academic Progress appeals, requests for reconsideration, dependency overrides, return of title IV and cost of attendance adjustments. Work with other appropriate institutional departments and offices to coordinate programs. Counsel and advise students and parents on the financial assistance process.

The Associate Director for Financial Aid & Strategic Initiatives provides senior‑level leadership in the administration and strategic alignment of financial aid services for Project Kitty Hawk programs, transfer students, and adult learners. This position plays a critical role in advancing the institution's commitment to access, affordability, and student success by supporting innovative, flexible education pathways, including online, hybrid, accelerated, and modular program models.

This position is ideal for a collaborative, forward‑thinking financial aid professional who thrives in a dynamic environment and is motivated to shape scalable financial aid solutions that support institutional innovation and workforce‑aligned education.

Outreach and engagement is very critical. Students have an ever-widening variety of choices. Improvements processed in the practice of points of contact: postal mailings, electronic campaigns, call campaigns, and in-person assist in providing services that lead to a better student/parent experience.

Position Information

Position Number 143411 Working Position Title Program Manager for Financial Aid & Strategic Initiatives Building and Room No.

CF Thompson Center, Room 201

Appointment Type Permanent Full-Time If Time Limited. No Appointment Length. 12

Requirements and Preferences

Position required to work during periods of adverse weather or other emergencies Not Mandatory Normal Work Schedule

8:00 am - 5:00pm with flexibility schedule 8:00 am-6:00pm

Monday - Friday with scheduled evening and weekend hours

Department Required Skills

  • Bachelor's degree in a relevant field

  • Seven years of administrative/management experience in student financial aid or related field

  • or equivalent combination of education and experience

  • Five years of experience with Banner Financial Aid (or comparable financial aid/university software)

  • Proficiency with:

  • A financial aid management system (e.g., Banner, PowerFAIDS, PeopleSoft, Workday Student, or similar)

  • Federal systems such as FAFSA Partner Portal, COD, and NSLDS

Preferred Years Experience, Skills, Training, Education

  • Master's degree
  • Prior financial aid or related management within higher education
  • 1 to 2 years of experience at the director or associate director level
  • In-depth knowledge of Title IV Financial Aid regulations, and understanding of financial aid awarding philosophies
  • Experience applying Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards, including evaluation, notification, and appeals.
  • Experience working with non‑traditional, online, or distance education students
  • Demonstrated ability to advise students in a virtual environment using phone, email, and video conferencing.
  • Strong interpersonal skills (including collegiality) as well as strong oral and written communications;
  • Knowledge of higher education best practices as they relate to financial aid - including general admissions, registrar, advising, financial and administration
  • High analytical ability (including review, investigation, and problem solving);
  • Ability to perform complex tasks and prioritize multiple projects;
  • Adaptability in a dynamic, evolving environment

Required License or Certification Valid US Driver's License No Commercial Driver's License Required No Physical Required No List any other medical/drug tests required

Posting Details

Posting Details

Internal Posting Only No Time Limited Position No Appointment Length Salary Commensurate with education and experience Open Date 06/23/2026 Close Date Open Until Filled Yes Special Instructions Summary

Our agency supports second-chance employment for individuals who were previously incarcerated, or justice-involved. We invite all potential applicants to apply for positions for Which they may be qualified.

Please Note:

  • A criminal background check will be conducted on the candidate finalist prior to the offer of employment.
  • If it is determined that no applicants meet the minimum competency, education, and experience requirements, then management may consider other applicants.
  • Salary will be determined based on competencies, equity, budget, and market considerations.
  • Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing an electronic application. The application must be completed in full detail (including work history) for your qualifications to be considered.
  • Failure to complete the application completely may result in you not being considered for the vacant position.
  • Your application for the position will not be completed until you receive an online confirmation number at the end of the process of applying for a position.
  • If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at OHR@wssu.edu. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodation in the application and interview process, please call 336-750-2834.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

  • How did you hear about this employment opportunity?
  • Public Job Posting
  • Internal Job Posting
  • Agency Referral
  • Advertisement/Publication
  • Personal Referral
  • Website
  • Other

Applicant Document

Required Documents

  • Resume
  • Cover Letter
  • Letter of Recommendation 1
  • References List

Optional Documents

About the Company

W

Winston-Salem State University