Financial Aid Staff Assistant, Divinity School

Duke University:

Duke University was created in 1924 through an indenture of trust by James Buchanan Duke. Today, Duke is regarded as one of America’s leading research universities. Located in Durham, North Carolina, Duke is positioned in the heart of the Research Triangle, which is ranked annually as one of the best places in the country to work and live. Duke has more than 15,000 students who study and conduct research in its 10 undergraduate, graduate and professional schools. With about 40,000 employees, Duke is the third largest private employer in North Carolina, and it now has international programs in more than 150 countries.

Be You.

Duke Divinity School is looking for a Financial Aid Staff Assistant to join our student-focused, mission-driven Financial Aid team. In this role, you will play a pivotal part in helping prospective and current students understand and navigate the financial aid process so they can fully engage in their theological education and vocational formation.

You will work closely with students from inquiry through enrollment and beyond—answering questions, reviewing applications, packaging aid, and helping remove financial barriers to ministry preparation. If you thrive in a service-oriented environment, enjoy building relationships, and value precision and compliance within a complex regulatory landscape, this role offers meaningful work with lasting impact.

Minimum Requirements

• Broad knowledge of clerical and accounting principles typically acquired through two years of post-secondary education in administrative support, business, or a related field


• Three years of related clerical, administrative, or office support experience, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience


• Ability to manage confidential information with discretion and professionalism

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree


• 1–2 years of experience in financial aid administration, admissions, student services, or a related function in higher education


• Familiarity with financial aid policies, funding sources, and regulatory compliance


• Experience using higher education systems such as PeopleSoft, Slate, or similar databases

Other Requirements

• Proficiency with word processing, databases, Zoom, and PowerPoint


• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including occasional evenings and weekends during recruitment or key processing periods


• This position is onsite, with work performed at Duke Divinity School in Durham, North Carolina

Be Bold.

In this role, you will:

• Counsel prospective and current students on federal financial aid processes, institutional aid, and external funding opportunities


• Review financial aid applications and documentation, determine eligibility and financial need, and package aid according to federal, University, and Divinity School policies and deadlines


• Manage student communications by responding to phone, email, and walk-in inquiries promptly and professionally


• Ensure accuracy and timeliness of financial aid awards posted to students’ bursar accounts


• Administer key programs, including federal work-study job postings, external scholarship processing, and Divinity School institutional scholarships


• Maintain and enhance online resources, including the Divinity School’s external scholarship webpage


• Coordinate with Divinity School HR, hiring departments, and Duke University Student Employment on student hiring processes


• Prepare reports and data related to financial aid programs as requested by Duke University and Duke Divinity School


• Represent the Office of Financial Aid at recruitment, yield, and admitted-student events

Choose Duke.

As the spiritual center of Duke University, Duke Divinity School embodies Duke’s motto—Eruditio et Religio (Knowledge and Faith). Founded in 1926, the Divinity School is both deeply rooted in the United Methodist tradition and broadly ecumenical in teaching, learning, and community life. Students and staff engage diverse theological perspectives while finding common ground through Scripture, Christian tradition, and faithful response to contemporary challenges.

Working at Duke Divinity School means contributing to a mission-driven academic community committed to forming faithful leaders for Christian ministry across the Church and the world. You will collaborate with colleagues who value collegiality, service, and excellence—and who care deeply about student success.

Job Code: 00000148 STAFF ASST

Job Level: 08

Anticipated Pay Range: Duke University provides an annual base salary range for this position as USD $18.92 to USD $28.09. Duke University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position; candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills; internal peer equity; as well as market and organizational considerations when extending an offer.

Your total compensation goes beyond the dollars on your paycheck. Duke provides comprehensive and competitive medical and dental care programs, generous retirement benefits, and a wide array of family-friendly and cultural programs to eligible team members. Learn more at: https://hr.duke.edu/benefits/

Equal Opportunity Employer: Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation, or military status.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.

Essential Physical Job Functions:

Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and reasonable accommodation(s) can be requested with Duke Access and Accommodations Services (email: [email protected]; phone: 919-668-1267).