Assistant Director of Financial Aid

Wesleyan University, founded in 1831, is a diverse, energetic liberal arts community where critical thinking and practical idealism go hand in hand.

Position Details

The Office of Financial Aid at Wesleyan University is committed to ensuring that any applicant admitted to Wesleyan is able to attend, regardless of a family’s ability to pay. The financial aid team is responsible for the processing and awarding of financial aid in the form of scholarships, loans and student employment. The office awards over $60 million of need-based institutional scholarship annually to ensure that 100% of a financial aid applicant’s demonstrated financial need is met. With a focus on promoting access and diversity, the financial aid office provides a personalized, human-centered approach to financial aid. Individualized loan counseling sessions as well as financial literacy workshops are available to interested students.

Reporting to the Associate Director of Financial Aid, the Assistant Director will join a service-oriented team and will be responsible for counseling students and parents in the areas of financial aid.

Typical duties include:

Provide top level customer service, advice, and counseling to students and families as they make decisions about college planning and financing.

Perform need analysis and award aid to case load of approximately 400 first year applicants and assume responsibility for a class of approximately 400 students after May 1 commitment date.

Work independently to read and award financial aid to applicants under a tight timeline.

Maintain knowledge of federal and institutional financial aid regulations and requirements to ensure legal, fair, and consistent administration of federal, state, and institutional financial aid funds.

Counsel students on the federal and institutional work-study programs and assist with the overview of the student employment program for all students.

Work as a team to innovate and coordinate outreach activities to current and prospective students.

Develop, coordinate, and participate in outreach activities with various on and off-campus partnerships such as the Admission Office, Career Center, CT high schools, and community service organizations.

Coordinate the processing and disbursement of private loans. Responsible for oversight of the RFI private lender process.

Maintain various financial aid publications in conjunction with others on campus.

Provide assistance to other staff in the back office operations.

Assist in preparation of statistical, budget, and survey reports.

Perform other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of two years financial aid experience or an equivalent combination of education, training, and related experience in the profession.

Strong interpersonal communication and problem-solving skills.

Attention to detail and a sense of humor.

Demonstrated ability to work independently and take initiative.

Demonstrated ability to work as a member of a team and collaborate with others.

Demonstrated ability to analyze and synthesize information.

Demonstrated empathetic customer service skills and experience advising others.

Proven ability to set work priorities and manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment while meeting deadlines.

Ability to handle confidential matters with discretion.

Proven ability to use multiple software systems including but not limited to Word and Excel.

Demonstrated commitment to work within a diverse environment and interact openly with
individuals of different backgrounds.

Ability to work evenings, weekends, and occasional holidays as needed

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with PowerFAIDS financial aid software.

Experience with institutional methodology and need analysis.

Counseling experience in a higher education setting.

Knowledge of Federal Title IV programs, federal compliance and state regulations.

Proficiency in a second language.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Application close date has been extended to June 20, 2021

Additional Information

Any and all offers to external applicants are contingent on the candidate’s completion of a pre-employment background check screening to the satisfaction of Wesleyan University.

Wesleyan University, located in Middletown, Connecticut, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, age, gender, gender identity or expression, national origin, marital status, ancestry, present or past history of mental disorder, learning disability or physical disability, political belief, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information or non-position-related criminal record. We welcome applications from women and historically underrepresented minority groups. Inquiries regarding Title IX, Section 504, or any other non-discrimination policies should be directed to: Alison Williams, Vice President for Equity & Inclusion/ Title IX Officer, 860-685-3927, awilliams@wesleyan.edu.