Director of Financial Aid

Posting Details

Posting Summary

Logo

Posting Number
STA00812PO25

Job Family
Student Administrative Services

Job Function
Financial Aid

USC Market Title
Financial Aid Director

Link to USC Market Title
https://uscjobs.sc.edu/titles/133927

Job Level
E0 - Directors and Executives

Business Title (Internal Title)
Director of Financial Aid

Campus
Upstate

Work County
Spartanburg

College/Division
USC Upstate College/Division Level

Department
UPS Financial Aid

State Pay Band
7

Approved Starting Salary
$65,539

Advertised Salary Range
$65,539 - $87,310; Salary commensurate with education and experience.

Location of Vacancy
USC Upstate, Spartanburg, SC

Part/Full Time
Full Time

Hours per Week
37.5

Work Schedule

Monday - Friday; 8:30am - 5pm; Some evenings and weekends as needed are required.

Basis
12 months

Job Search Category
Fiscal Accounting

About USC

About University of South Carolina

From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor's degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service - helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.

Veterans' Preference Statement

The University of South Carolina is committed to equal opportunity and proudly values the skills and experience military veterans bring to our workforce. Across South Carolina, we are making veterans a priority for employment and recognize their vital contributions to our state and our communities.

Benefits for FTE Positions

The University of South Carolina (USC), through the State of SC and Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA), offers employees a valuable benefits package, including health and life insurance, generous paid leave and retirement programs. To learn more about USC benefits, access the "Working at USC" section on the Applicant Portal at https://uscjobs.sc.edu. Research Grant or Time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some, or no benefits, based on the grant or project funding.

Position Description

Advertised Job Summary

Director of Financial Aid
University of South Carolina Upstate
STA00812PO25
Spartanburg, SC

The Director of Financial Aid is responsible for one of the Enrollment Services departments, providing leadership, vision, and direction. Directs administration of all Title 4 federal student aid programs, state aid programs, federal and private work-study programs, and institutional scholarships, both academic and athletic. Conducts statistical analyses, generates reports and coordinates annual financial aid audits for internal, federal, and state agencies. The Director of Financial Aid creates, implements, and evaluates all processes with problem solving skills and has complete decision making authority with minimal supervision in a very complex setting. The Director is also responsible for budget management and the development of policies and procedures which enhance the recruitment and retention of students through effective, visible, automated, and timely delivery of financial aid services.

Job Related Minimum Required Education and Experience

Requires a bachelor's degree in a job related field and at least 8 years of job related experience, including some prior management experience.

Required Certification, Licensure/Other Credentials

Valid driver's license required.

Preferred Qualifications

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

Successful background check and a good driving record . Extensive knowledge of higher education and student financial aid administration. Extensive knowledge of counseling practices and principles. Knowledge of business management and general accounting/auditing practices and principles. Ability to work independently and effectively manages a variety of simultaneous activities. Ability to supervise, train and evaluate personnel. The successful candidate should have competent computer skills both on mainframe and on PC. Strong interpersonal, written and oral communication skills; ability to build positive and effective relationships across the campus with faculty, staff, students by working in a transparent and collaborative decision- making environment. Demonstrated ability to lead, supervise and work as a part of a team, consisting of a staff from diverse backgrounds. Provide energetic, proactive, creative, and highly ethical leadership. Ability to comprehend and digest large amounts of information, and flexibility to adjust to competing priorities in work schedules.

Job Duties

Job Duty

Responsible for the administration of the Office of Financial Aid, including an annual dollar volume of over sixty million dollars in federal, state, institutional and external student and parent aid programs. Oversees the coordination of the athletic and academic scholarship programs. Serves as the primary liaison and resource person to outside constituencies concerning various tuition assistance programs. Serves as liaison between the office of financial aid and the SC Commission on Higher Education, SC Budget and Control Board, The College Board, lenders and guaranty agencies and related USC Upstate departments. Develops and implements office goals and objectives that support the mission of the University; assures compliance with federal state, NCAA, and institutional policies, by-laws and regulations.

Essential Function
Yes

Percentage of Time
30

Job Duty

Establishes standards and determines a detailed awarding philosophy for financial aid packages to all appropriate recipients. Evaluates delivery of all financial aid programs and confirming that required information is represented on a comprehensive computer data management system. Reviews various financial aid software, file layouts and technical issues related to the timely delivery of financial aid. Assists with need analysis, awards and award adjustments; counsel students and parents and acknowledges miscellaneous correspondence to keep student and parents informed of financial aid.

Essential Function
Yes

Percentage of Time
25

Job Duty

Responsible for the direct supervision of nine full-time employees and provides guidance in the areas of office personnel goals and assists in hiring/training of employees. Provides positive office environment for staff to serve needs of students.

Essential Function
Yes

Percentage of Time
10

Job Duty

Completes and submits the annual USC Upstate Fiscal Operations Report to the US Department of Education. Maintains Financial Aid Office operating budget. Directly responsible for numerous reconciliation and data reports to appropriate external agencies. Submits all annual required reports to the SC Commission of Higher Education. Currently, this represents an annual volume of over sixty million dollars. Responsible for ensuring Upstate is in compliance in all areas of financial aid disbursements.

Essential Function
Yes

Percentage of Time
10

Job Duty

Supervises the academic scholarship process; coordinates the application phase and awarding procedures to provide funding for top academic students.

Essential Function
Yes

Percentage of Time
10

Job Duty

Assists the NCAA Athletic Director and the NCAA Compliance Officer with the regulatory and compliance standards for athletes under NCAA, Title IV, and USC Upstate guidelines to ensure student athletes are in compliance for D1 athletics.

Essential Function
Yes

Percentage of Time
5

Job Duty

Supervises community outreach efforts and implements objectives that enhance the communication between all University offices involved in the delivery of institutional and non-institutional funds to students. Conducts approximately 5-7 financial aid workshops each year with area high schools to inform students of financial aid options.

Essential Function
Yes

Percentage of Time
5

Job Duty

Other duties as assigned.

Essential Function
Yes

Percentage of Time
5

Position Attributes

Employees in Safety-Sensitive or Security-Sensitive positions will be subject to pre-employment and post-employment drug testing in accordance with University policy HR 1.95 Drug and Alcohol Testing.

Safety Sensitive or Security Sensitive
No

Hazardous weather category
Non-Essential

Posting Detail Information

Number of Vacancies
1

Desired Start Date
12/01/2025

Job Open Date
10/08/2025

Job Close Date

Open Until Filled
Yes

Special Instructions to Applicant

The application must be completed including all current and previous work history and education. A resume may be attached, but not substituted for completing work history and education sections of the application.

USC Upstate offers a valuable benefits package including but not limited to:

• Health and Life Insurance
• Retirement Programs
• Paid Tuition Program
• Dependent Scholarships
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Annual Leave
• Sick Leave
• 13 Paid Holidays (including an extended December holiday)
• Paid Parental Leave
• Professional Development Opportunities

Quicklink for Posting
https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/195965

EEO Statement

The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender (including transgender), gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDs status, military status, national origin, pregnancy (false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, childbirth, recovery therefrom or related medical conditions, breastfeeding), race, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other bases under federal, state, local law, or regulations.

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