Assistant Director of Awards and Funding

Position Summary
Assistant Director of Awards and Funding is a member of the School of Social Works Office of Academic and Student Affairs department and serves as an integral part of the Recruitment Admissions and Financial Aid ( RAFA ) team supporting Masters of Social Work ( MSW ) graduate students across online and on-the-ground programs. This role reports to the Assistant Dean of Recruitment Admissions and Financial Aid. The position plays an essential part in advancing the Schools 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 Schools 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 will also oversee the nomination process for UNC Graduate School awards. As the Schools primary liaison to the Universitys Office of Scholarships & Student Aid the Assistant Director ensures compliance with federal state and institutional regulations while advocating for the unique financial needs of Social Work students. The role also leads the administration of the Schools student emergency fund overseeing intake eligibility review distribution tracking and timely referrals to campus and community resources for students experiencing financial hardship. The role collaborates with the Schools 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 Schools mission and values. Using a student-centered high-touch approach the Assistant Director provides individualized financial aid advising and proactive outreach to social work graduate students upon admission. By helping students anticipate financial barriers connecting them with resources and offering support that facilitates informed educational planning the Assistant Director plays a critical role in supporting yield strengthening retention reducing financial stress and promoting timely degree progress. 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. Through collaboration with faculty RAFA colleagues and campus partners the Assistant Director helps ensure that students receive coordinated support and a positive well-supported academic experience.

Required Qualifications Competencies And Experience
Relevant post baccalaureate degree; or bachelors degree with at least 1 year of relevant experience supporting student services/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 experience in areas such as scholarships financial aid advising or student services. Previous experience with 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/awards or financial aid in a higher education setting with strong attention to compliance and documentation.