units to enhance scholarship opportunities, strengthen compliance, and foster long-term sustainability.
The Director position reflects SUNO’s commitment to centralizing resources, expanding affordability, and advancing equity. Through innovative leadership, collaboration, and strategic management, the Director will play a pivotal role in helping SUNO deliver on its promise of higher education as a pathway to opportunity, prosperity, and long-term student success.
*This position is funded 100% by the Title III-B, Strengthening Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) federal grant.
As such, the Director of Scholarships assists the Vice Chancellor with implementing the objectives established in the Title III Program for this federally-funded activity.
Essential functions
- Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.
- Centralize and coordinate SUNO’s scholarship portfolio, ensuring equitable access, transparency, and accountability in all award processes.
- Develop and maintain a comprehensive scholarship database for students across academic disciplines.
- Monitor and evaluate outcomes of scholarship programs, using data and student feedback to drive continuous improvement.
- Partner with Academic Affairs to identify external and grant-funded scholarships that support student tuition and success.
- Work with Student Affairs to embed scholarships and career-readiness programs into the student experience.
- Coordinate with Finance & Administration to ensure compliance with university, state, and federal financial aid regulations.
- Collaborate with Institutional Advancement & the SUNO Foundation to steward donors, cultivate new partners, and expand funding opportunities.
- Engage with the Office of Research & Strategic Initiatives to align scholarship-related grants with SUNO’s broader strategic priorities.
- Support SUNO’s efforts to secure new scholarship funding from donors, grants, and external partners.
- Represent SUNO at state, regional, and national meetings and conferences related to higher education scholarship opportunities.
- Lead data-informed planning to ensure scholarship programs support institutional goals around enrollment, retention, and workforce development.
- Other duties as assigned.
Competencies Ability to lead institution-wide initiatives and build effective partnerships across academic, administrative, and external stakeholders.
Skilled in aligning scholarship programs with SUNO’s broader enrollment, retention, and workforce development goals.
Strong understanding of federal, state, and institutional regulations governing scholarships and financial aid.
Proficient in collecting, analyzing, and applying data to improve processes, outcomes, and strategic planning.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills; ability to engage students, donors, and colleagues with clarity and transparency.
Creative approach to developing scholarship opportunities, securing funding, and addressing challenges.
Commitment to ensuring fair, inclusive, and student-centered scholarship practices.
Work environment Office setting.
Physical demands Ability to sit/stand/walk at will; Ability to climb stairs; Ability to communicate verbally and in writing; Ability to use a keyboard; and Ability to lift or carry up to 10 pounds.
Travel required 0%.
Required education and experience Bachelor’s degree in education, business, public administration, finance, or related field.
One to two years of progressively responsible experience in scholarships, financial aid, student success, fundraising, or related higher education administration.
Strong knowledge of scholarship compliance, financial aid regulations, and donor stewardship.
Demonstrated ability to develop partnerships and work collaboratively across diverse stakeholders.
Excellent organizational, communication, and analytical skills.
Preferred education and experience Master’s degree in higher education, nonprofit management, finance, or related field.
Experience in database management and scholarship/funding platforms.
Prior experience with donor relations, grant writing, or institutional advancement.
Additional eligibility requirements Not applicable.
Affirmative Action/EEO statement Southern University at New Orleans is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Other duties Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
