Associate Director of Financial Aid

The Associate Director of Financial Aid is responsible for managing the daily operations of the Financial Aid Office. This position also oversees administration of the federal Direct loan and Pell Grant programs as well as the administration of PowerFAIDS. The Associate Director also manages the Administrative Assistant and Financial Aid Specialist. This position requires a high level of accuracy, attention to detail, communications skills, and ability to understand and enforce Federal regulation. This position reports to the Director of Financial Aid and must have demonstrated ability to work independently and harmoniously in a team environment. Attention to complex regulations, financial details, and customer service skills are required. This position requires a high degree of independence and efficiency.

• Administer the federal Direct Loan and Pell Grant programs, including file management with the Department of Education, origination, and disbursement in coordination with the Finance Office.
• Routinely process data file communication between PowerFAIDS and CAMS databases to transmit and disburse aid to students' accounts
• Administer PowerFAIDS, including managing data, setting up each award year, and automating processes.
• Supervise the Financial Aid Specialist and the Administrative Assistant
• Oversee update of financial aid web pages and social media.
• Advise students about financial aid eligibility, application procedures, indebtedness, and packaging. Serve as a financial aid advisor in person as well as via email and phone.
• Inform students and parents regarding financial aid programs and procedures and assist with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application process.
• Participate in professional development opportunities, and remain current on changes and updates in Federal Title IV financial aid regulations.
• Perform other duties as assigned which support the purpose and initiatives of the Financial Aid Office and the University

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's degree in a related field required
• Dedication to student service and success
• Demonstrated ability to work well with students, parents, faculty, and staff
• Willingness and ability to perform occasional evening and weekend work during peak enrollment periods or as needed based on volume of student transactions.

COMPETENCIES:

• Ability to interact with students and parents calmly and graciously, often under difficult personal situations with sensitive financial information, and be capable of explaining University and Federal policies to students and parents.
• Experience with CAMS student information system, PowerFAIDS financial aid software, or comparable databases.
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office suite

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Familiarity with universities offering both undergraduate and graduate level programs
• Experience in financial aid in a college or university setting
• Familiarity with the role of regulations in delivery of services and financial support

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