Assistant/Associate Director of Financial Aid

Pay Range

USD $23.07 - USD $27.17 /Hr.

Overview

This position works closely with the Director of Financial Aid and the entire financial aid team in all areas of the financial aid assistance to develop and implement financial aid policies, procedures, and initiatives, which support the goals and objectives of the University and ensure compliance with federal, state, and university regulations. In addition to student caseload and supervisory responsibilities, this position has special emphasis on the overall management of all federal loan programs, federal loan awarding and compliance in the graduate school, and all elements of financial literacy, entrance and exit counseling, and default management.

Responsibilities

Student Caseload Management

• Responsible for the overall financial aid management of a caseload of undergraduate and graduate students as determined by the Director of Financial Aid. Financial aid management includes independent decision-making beginning with the receipt of the ISIR to initial packaging and follow-up as required in order to meet departmental goals and ensure compliance. The entire aid application process includes ISIR review, verification, resolution of c-flags and conflicting information, special circumstances and appeals processing (professional judgment), need analysis, packaging, PLUS loan processing, TAP eligibility determination, review of suspended and subsequent ISIRs, aid revisions, and exit counseling. A general understanding of financial aid satisfactory academic progress policies and procedures is also required
• Interact daily with and counsel students and parents regarding financial aid issues
• Plan and conduct presentations for various graduate and undergraduate students and families in collaboration with other financial aid staff, train staff as needed
• Act as a liaison with other departments regarding financial aid regulations, awarding, and student concerns

Supervision (Associate Director)

• Direct supervision, training, and evaluation of the graduate Financial Aid Advisor
• Provide training, evaluation, and mentoring on an on-going basis in all areas of federal financial aid administration to financial aid staff
• Oversee the awarding of student loans with the institutional aid awarded by the graduate schools to ensure students are not over awarded
• Establish a system of controls to ensure compliance in all areas of the award processing of graduate federal loans
• Provides oversight of the reconciliation of accounts

Federal Direct Loan Program, Alternative Loans, and Technical

• Provides leadership, supervision, and management in the administration of the Federal Direct Loan Program. This includes the awarding, origination, and disbursement totaling in excess of $30,000,000 annually
• Oversight of the FA term and budget build process in PeopleSoft
• Conduct testing of new bundles/images in PeopleSoft
• Oversee graduate alternative loan process and manage ELM file process

Clarkson Loan Administration

• Responsible for the overall administration of the Clarkson Loan Program

Graduate Programs (Associate Director)

• Serve as liaison to the graduate programs
• Serve as departmental point of contact for graduate and professional students regarding federal student aid

Financial Literacy, Entrance and Exit Loan Counseling, Default Management Monitoring

• Serve as financial literacy contact for members of the University community requesting personalize assistance
• Manage exit counseling process
• Update loan information on website
• Serve as main contact with ECMC and manage default loan process

Reconciliation Manager

• Responsible for overseeing the reconciliation of direct loans and private loans
• Additional Duties
• Assist the Director of Financial Aid in ensuring compliance with all university policies and state and federal financial aid regulations as well as developing policies and procedures
• Actively pursue training and knowledge regarding changes in federal and state laws and regulations.
• Serve as the Financial Aid Office representative on institutional committees as deemed appropriate by Director.
• Perform other related duties including special projects and research as needed.

Qualifications

Education

Minimal Qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree

Preferred Qualifications: Master’s Degree

Experience

Minimal Qualifications:

Associate Director

• 3-5 years of progressive financial aid experience
• In-depth knowledge of federal financial aid programs and regulations

Assistant Director
• 2+ years professional experience, preferably in financial aid or related field

Preferred Experience:
• Experience in PeopleSoft, ELM, EDconnect, NSLDS, COD, FPP
• Account Reconciliation
• Supervisory Experience

Other Requirement: Not in default on a federal student loan

Essential Skills

• Perform various financial aid functions and processes utilizing an in-depth knowledge and understanding of federal, state, and institutional regulations pertaining to student eligibility, verification, awarding, disbursement, cost of attendance, administrative capability, and compliance
• Independent judgment, analytical and problem-solving skills
• Proficient computer skills including Microsoft Suite and Google
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a diverse, integrated, and dynamic team of professionals
• Maintain an in-depth knowledge and understanding of federal and state regulations pertaining to all aspects of financial aid administration
• Excellent oral and written communication, organizational and interpersonal skills are required
• Ability to speak in front of groups
• Ability to meet deadlines and handle a variety of tasks and sensitive issues while maintaining a professional, collaborative, responsible, cooperative, and polite demeanor
• Occasional evening and weekend hours required