Associate Director, Admissions and Financial Aid

Harvard University

Associate Director, Admissions and Financial Aid
Harvard Kennedy School
59535BR

Position Description

The Associate Director, Admissions and Financial Aid serves as a resource to assist a team of assistant directors of admissions and financial aid in assessing and resolving complex admissions and financial aid issues. The Associate Director independently performs and manages a variety of duties related to the integrated delivery of admissions and financial aid functions for Harvard Kennedy School master's degree programs, with a particular emphasis on the administration of financial aid and compliance reporting. The Associate Director also provides admission and financial aid counseling throughout the enrollment lifecycle for prospective applicants and current students. The Associate Director should be service-oriented and is expected to incorporate the principles of Inclusive Excellence and Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging best practices to ensure a counseling approach that reflects cultural competency.

Position Responsibilities:

• Serve as a key thought partner to the Senior Director of Admissions and Financial Aid on the development and execution of the admissions and financial strategy to attract a diverse and talented applicant pool
• Counsel and advise prospective students regarding application processes, financial planning and financial assistance, and other inquiries
• Review applications for financial aid, evaluate, and make recommendations on the selection of candidates for financial aid awarding
• Conduct needs analysis and prepare financial aid award packages for admitted and current students, keeping within federal, institutional, university, and school policies and procedures
• Processes non-federal loans, stipends, and refunds
• Verify and assess student eligibility for financial aid
• Monitor satisfactory academic progress of students for financial aid purposes in assigned caseload
• Member of Loan Repayment Assistance Program Committee
• Review, evaluate, and make recommendations on financial aid appeals
• Serve as a senior colleague to assist Assistant Directors of Admissions and Financial Aid in resolving complex financial aid issues
• Ensure compliance with federal, state and institutional financial aid requirements and auditing standards
• Ensure compliance with university admissions policies and procedures and applicable legal rules and regulations with respect to students' rights to privacy
• Assist with delivering dynamic and engaging presentations designed to promote the institution and attract a diverse and talented applicant pool
• Provide data and analysis to assist leadership with setting the strategic direction of the admissions and financial aid functions
• Interpret and administer financial aid policies for internal and external audiences
• Provide financial literacy programming, including entrance and exit counseling to reduce bad debt and student loan default to students in assigned caseload
• Develop and maintain effective, collaborative working relationships with internal and external colleagues and constituents
• Represent the university at international, national, and local events
• Performs other related duties as assigned

This is a hybrid position based on our campus in Cambridge, MA. As a campus-based institution, we place a high value on the in-person experience, cross-team collaboration, and strong community building in order to create a vibrant campus for our students, faculty, staff, and research fellows. The position is required to work in-person on campus a minimum of three (3) days per week during the academic year. Specific days and schedule will be determined between you and your manager.

Harvard Kennedy School's Mission and Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Anti-Racism

At Harvard Kennedy School, fostering a diverse and inclusive community where everyone feels they belong is a matter of basic fairness consistent with our core values as an institution. It is also essential to our mission of improving public policy and leadership-because recruiting the best people and creating an environment where they can thrive make us better at what we do, because we learn more from people with different perspectives, and because we work in diverse groups and serve diverse societies.

Learn more about Harvard Kennedy School's commitment to Diversity Equity, and Anti-Racism.


Additional Information:
we regret that the Harvard Kennedy School does not provide visa sponsorhip.
Harvard University requires pre-employment references and background checks.
Harvard University is committed to supporting a healthy, sustainable learning and working environment.



Job Function
Faculty & Student Services

Sub Unit
------------

Location
USA - MA - Cambridge

Department
Degree Programs and Student Affairs

Time Status
Full-time

Union
00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Pre-Employment Screening
Criminal, Education, Identity


EEO Statement
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.





Basic Qualifications (minimum required)

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience required
• Minimum of 5 years' relevant work experience

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Experience serving diverse student populations and a demonstrated commitment to racial justice, equity, and inclusion
• Advanced knowledge of all federal financial aid systems including, but not limited to, NSLDS, CPS, EDconnect and COD
• Advanced knowledge of PowerFaids, Microsoft Office Suite, advanced Excel skills
• Ability to understand the use of data analytics and predictive modeling to enhance enrollment strategies
• Ability to maintain effective, collaborative working relationships with internal and external colleagues and constituents
• Excellent organizational skills, including the ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously
• Strong customer service skills with the ability to simplify and clarify complex processes, and the ability to develop rapport to discuss sensitive and personal information
• Excellent communication skills (both written and verbal), including the ability to deliver dynamic and engaging presentations to large and diverse audiences
• Master's degree in relevant field preferred

Physical Requirements

• Sitting using near vision use for reading and computer use for extended periods of time
• Lifting (approximately 20 to 30 pounds), bending, and other physical exertion

Working Conditions

• Flexible work environment with primary work is performed in an office setting
• Travel will be required
• Will be required to occasionally work nights and weekends during peak seasons

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