Director of Financial Aid & Scholarships

The University of Virginia’s College at Wise, in partnership with the national search firm Scott Healy & Associates, invites applications and nominations for the position of Director of Financial Aid & Scholarships. The University of Virginia’s College at Wise seeks and experienced and dedicated leader to join our Enrollment Management Team. This position is an in-person, on-campus assignment located in Wise, Virginia.

Reporting to the Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management, the Director of Financial Aid & Scholarships is the chief financial aid administrator and is responsible for overall leadership of departmental operations, including management of federal, state, and institutional aid funds, as well as compliance with federal and state programs and adhering to best practices.

UVA Wise has been experiencing positive trends in student enrollment, and the College is supported by loyal alumni and friends who have helped the College to grow its endowment to $165 million at the end of June 2024. Of this, more than 70% is restricted for scholarship support generating an increasing number of scholarships. Year over year for the past few years, we are seeing increased numbers of applications for admissions to the institution.

Primary Responsibilities:

Support UVA Wise's enrollment growth initiatives.
Develop and implement strategic financial aid policies that align with the College's recruitment and retention goals.
Oversee the distribution of financial aid packages, including the management of a recent, record-breaking gift with $15.7 million total impact from The Bill Gatton Foundation gift and UVA's Bicentennial Scholarship initiative.
Ensure compliance with federal and state regulations while also creating innovative scholarship programs to attract and retain talented students.
Work closely with other departments to provide comprehensive financial counseling to students and families, helping them navigate the complexities of college financing.
Uphold UVA Wise's commitment to making college more affordable for students in the region and similar areas across the U.S.
Stay informed about the latest trends in higher education financing and continuously adapt strategies to meet the evolving needs of the student population.
Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education.
Six (6) years of progressive professional experience in financial aid.
Demonstrated successful and significant experience in financial aid including the ability to develop, implement, and manage financial aid programs and provide leadership for the college and staff.
High level knowledge of the administration and disbursement of federal and state aid programs including best practices and latest trends in student aid and active participation in state, national, and regional financial aid associations.
Experience ensuring compliance with federal and state reconciliation and reporting requirements, and other regulations pertaining to Federal Direct Loan and private loan programs.
Proven ability to lead teams and leverage resources.
Experience utilizing word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software, such as Microsoft Suite products to create, modify and format documents and presentations.
Project management, coordination and/or supervisory experience.
Demonstrated commitment to inclusion and/or experience working with students and/or co-workers from a wide range of abilities, backgrounds and experiences.
Increasingly responsible experience in office and general administrative work, including support of high-level executives in complex, large organizations.

About The University of Virginia’s College at Wise:

A division of the University of Virginia and a member of the Council for Public Liberal Arts Colleges, The University of Virginia's College at Wise (located in Wise, VA) is an inspiring place to teach, learn, work, and call home. Through personalized attention and commitment to individual growth, UVA Wise prepares students to be engaged citizens. Drawing upon its foundation as a public liberal arts institution in the Appalachian region of Southwest Virginia, the College strives to build a diverse community of learners with the drive to serve and lead in their communities, the nation, and the world. The College offers access and affordability along with challenging academic work in the liberal arts tradition. The result is well-rounded graduates who earn fulfilling positions at leading organizations and pursue graduate study at prestigious institutions. And better yet, UVA Wise is consistently ranked by U.S. News and World Report as one of the top public liberal arts colleges in the nation whose students graduate with a low average student loan debt.

About Wise, Virginia:

Wise, Virginia, a small town with a rich history. The historic downtown is a short stroll from campus and features many locally owned shops and restaurants. Local farmer’s markets, summer movies in a downtown glade, and local festivals round out the variety of offerings in Wise. Just beyond Wise, you’ll find plenty to see and do, whether you love hiking, canoeing and camping or shopping local boutiques and enjoying delicious food and drink with friends. Home to some of the most scenic stretches of the Appalachian Trail, vital natural resources, local music and culture, and flourishing new industries, Southwest Virginia is a welcoming and growing region.

Wise is located approximately an hour from the Tri-Cities region of northeastern Tennessee, which includes Bristol, Va./Tenn., home to both the Bristol Motor Speedway and the Birthplace of Country Music, the organization that hosts the internationally renowned Rhythm and Roots festival each year. The Tri-Cities region boasts an international airport, the Barter Theatre, South Holston Lake, and more amenities including a wide array of shopping, dining, arts and cultural attractions, historic sites, outdoor adventures, and more!

Application and Nomination Process:

All correspondence relating to the position of Director of Financial Aid & Scholarships at The University of Virginia’s College at Wise should be directed in confidence to the University’s executive search consultant:

Jamie Marcus, Vice President

Scott Healy & Associates

jamiemarcus@scotthealy.com

A complete application should include the following:

1. Cover Letter outlining your interest and qualifications for the position;

2. Updated CV;

3. Three (3) professional references with title, institutional affiliation, email address and direct phone numbers. (No references will be contacted without written permission from the candidate.)

Applications received by July 6, 2025 will receive priority consideration. The search will remain open until the position is filled.

Salary: $110,000 - $120,000; depending on experience.

The University of Virginia's College at Wise does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, military status (which includes active duty service members, reserve service members, and dependents), national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, pregnancy (including childbirth and related conditions), race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, and family medical or genetic information, in its programs and activities as required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, The Age Discrimination Act of 1975, the Governor’s Executive Order Number One (2018), and other applicable statutes and College policies. UVA Wise prohibits sexual and gender-based harassment, including sexual assault, and other forms of interpersonal violence.

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