Washington and Lee University

The Assistant Director plays a key role in the Financial Aid Office coordinating institutional packages for both returning and first-year students. The position works independently in identifying award eligibility, validating required documentation, and oversees package completion for all aspects of the financial aid process. Other responsibilities include the oversight of the federal and state processes- including verification, performing institutional aid reconciliation, packaging outside scholarships, awarding self-help packages and requesting documentation for financial aid applications. The position is also responsible for counseling students and parents regarding financial aid.

The Assistant Director works collaboratively with the financial aid policy team to implement institutional policies for both undergraduate and law students. This role requires strong analytical skills and a commitment to helping current and prospective students and families navigate the financial aid process with clarity and care.

W&L is located in Lexington, Virginia, a charming and historic town nestled in the Shenandoah Valley. The university offers employees professional development opportunities, excellent benefits, and a strong sense of community. Lexington’s picturesque setting provides easy access to outdoor adventures such as hiking, kayaking, and cycling, while cities like Roanoke, Charlottesville, and Harrisonburg are just a short drive away. Visit jobs.wlu.edu to learn more about working at W&L, our benefits, community, and living in the area.

Washington and Lee University actively promotes a dynamic and welcoming environment that allows students and employees of multiple backgrounds and perspectives to learn, work, and thrive together. Successful candidates will contribute to that environment and exhibit potential for excellence in their areas of expertise.

Essential Functions:

• Serves with the Financial Aid team to evaluate institutional policy and methodology, evaluate award packaging processes, develop best practices for implementing aid awards, and provide complete and accurate aid packages for both undergraduate and law students.
• As part of the Financial Aid Office Team, collaborates and sets objectives and goals for the Financial Aid Office; seeking to improve current processes to effectively serve students in meeting their educational goals.
• Works as a team with the Director to determine need-based awards for first-year and returning students.
• Keeps current on all financial aid regulations and policies by reading all financial aid regulations, policies, and procedures that are distributed by federal, state, and institutional sources, networking with other financial aid officers, and attending workshops, conferences, and seminars.
• Serve as the financial aid representative for admissions presentations and events. Conducts financial aid appointments and presentations, assist students with financial aid applications, counsel and advise students and parents regarding available financial aid programs. Participates in weekend and evening web-hosted events.
• Serves as the QuestBridge program coordinator. Packaging all awards, managing all communications, and coordinating and leading QB presentations.
• Process all Federal Pell and SEOG grants, and federal loans. Verify eligibility, report funds to COD, and balance funds with COD.
• Responsible for all aspects of the Federal Application: perform verification, correct and reconcile Federal applications (FAFSA) as required, adjust Federal awards, and identify and remove or update invalid Federal awards.
• Maintain all updates and links to the federal systems for the purpose of SAIG transmittals and FAFSA updates.
• Coordinator for all withdraws and LOA. Identify students who have taken an LOA or who have withdrawn and adjust institutional and federal aid according to Federal and Institutional policies. Perform Return to Title Four calculations and adjustments and maintain accurate records. Ensure compliant notification to NSLDS, Clearing House and students regarding loans.
• State Grant Coordinator. Identify, award and process all Virginia Tuition Assistance Grants. Complete and submit all reports for VTAG. Award and report for all other VA and non-VA state grants including but not limited to PHEAA and RIHEAA.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree.
• Proven leadership and excellent written and oral communication skills are required.
• Ability to work independently and be able to set goals and successfully complete these goals without oversight.
• Strong customer service focus required.

Minimum Pay:

$59,038- Pay Commensurate with Experience

Application Instructions:

Review of applications will begin May 9 and continue until the position is filled. Required materials include:

• Cover letter
• Resume
• Names and contact information for three professional references

Application instructions for internal and external candidates can be found at https://www.wlu.edu/employment-opportunities/jobs-at-w-l.

Physical Requirements:

• Fingering: Picking, pinching, typing or otherwise working, primarily with fingers rather than with whole hand or arm as in handling.
• Grasping: Applying pressure to an object with the fingers and palm.
• Repetitive motions: Making substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.

Working Conditions: The worker is not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions.

Types of Work: Sedentary work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met.

Position Type:

Exempt, Full Time, Benefit Eligible

Washington and Lee is an Equal Opportunity Employer seeking candidates committed to high standards of scholarship, performance, professionalism, and to a welcoming campus community. Job description requirements are representative, but not all‐inclusive of the knowledge, skill, and abilities needed to successfully perform this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.