The University of Lynchburg, a private, regional university in the beautiful foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Central Virginia, is seeking applicants for a full-time Assistant Director of Financial Aid in the Department of Enrollment.
Job PurposeAs the Assistant Director of Financial Aid, you will help lead the administration of undergraduate financial aid, ensuring accurate, timely, and effective delivery of financial aid programs and services. You will collaborate closely with Admissions and Student Accounts to support student recruitment, enrollment, and retention while helping students and families navigate their financial aid options. This role combines regulatory compliance, operational leadership, and student-centered service to support student success and the University’s enrollment goals. This is a fully on-site position based at the University of Lynchburg. Regular, in person presence on campus is required; this position is not eligible for remote work.
Specific Job Duties
- Support the leadership and daily operations of Financial Aid, fostering a collaborative, service-oriented team and ensuring compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations.
- Guide prospective and current students and their families through the financial aid process, explaining eligibility, award packages, scholarships, and affordability options.
- Partner with Admissions, Registrar, Student Accounts, and other campus teams to support student recruitment, enrollment, and retention.
- Assist with student financial aid packaging, scholarship administration, budgeting, and related student inquiries such as high-level counseling for students and their families, as well as presenting material at occasional weekend or evening events
- Manage Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant (VTAG) certifications and assist with reporting requirements.
- Responsible for processing Professional Judgement requests, Special Circumstances Appeals, Verifications and SAP Appeals.
- Maintain current knowledge of financial aid regulations, policies, and best practices through ongoing professional development.
- Assist with testing, troubleshooting, and process improvements related to financial aid systems, including Ellucian Colleague.
- Perform other duties as needed to support the effective delivery of financial aid services.
Required Experience/Skills/Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree
- 1-3 years of experience in financial aid administration or a related higher education function, with knowledge of federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs and regulations.
- Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills, with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to explain financial aid policies, award packages, and affordability options to students and families.
- Ability to manage competing priorities, meet deadlines, maintain confidentiality, and exercise sound judgment.
- Proficiency with standard office applications and the ability to use student information systems and financial aid software effectively.
- Ability to collaborate across departments to support student recruitment, enrollment, retention, and success.
Preferred Qualifications
- 3–5 years of experience in higher education financial aid services.
- Experience with Ellucian Colleague and Slate CRM systems
Benefits
Generous paid vacation, personal days, paid sick time and family leave, comprehensive insurance (medical, dental, vision, etc.) and retirement plans, flexible spending account, tuition remission, life and long-term disability insurance, and more. Learn more about employment benefits at the University of Lynchburg.
About the University
The University of Lynchburg embraces diversity in its broadest sense. We will cultivate an inclusive, equitable, and safe campus climate grounded in mutual respect and understanding, where all members of our diverse learning community - alumni, employees, learners, visitors, and volunteers- can thrive. The University of Lynchburg is an equal-opportunity employer
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree
- 1-3 years of experience in financial aid administration or a related higher education function
- Knowledge of federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs and regulations
- Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
- High level of accuracy and attention to detail
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to explain financial aid policies, award packages, and affordability options
- Ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment
- Proficiency with standard office applications
- Ability to use student information systems and financial aid software effectively
- Ability to collaborate across departments to support recruitment, enrollment, retention, and student success
- 3-5 years of experience in higher education financial aid services
- Experience with Ellucian Colleague and Slate CRM systems
What We Do
A small, private university in Lynchburg, Virginia offering more than 100 academic programs including master's and doctoral level degrees.
