Assistant Director, Financial Aid

Fairfield University is a co-educational, comprehensive Jesuit university with a 200-acre campus located along the scenic shoreline community of Fairfield, CT. The University is comprised of approximately 3,500 undergraduate and 1,200 graduate students pursuing degrees within 5 schools: The College of Arts and Sciences, The Charles F. Dolan School of Business, The School of Engineering, The Marion Peckham Egan School of Nursing and Health Studies, and School of Education and Human Development. As an expression of our Jesuit, Catholic mission and identity, Fairfield embraces a liberal humanistic approach to education, encouraging critical thinking, cultivating free and open inquiry, and fostering ethical and religious values.

Job Description:

DIVISION: Enrollment Management

DEPARTMENT: Office of Financial Aid

BASIC FUNCTION: Advises and counsels students, parents and other interested parties regarding financial aid programs; Verifies student files in accordance with federal and institutional requirements; Processes financial aid appeals; Manages a project or set of projects directly related to the management of financial aid programs and collaboration with other offices on campus; Conducts on and off campus financial aid and financial literacy presentations; Participates in the growth and development of the department; Promotes safe and secure working conditions. Nights and weekends may be required during peak enrollment season and to support events being hosted by campus partners.

UNUSUAL WORK CONDITIONS: Exposure to highly confidential information

EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree required

EXPERIENCE: 3-5 years of related financial aid experience; demonstrated record of responsible and successful work in financial aid;

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL NEEDED: Comprehensive knowledge of federal and state aid programs, processes and regulations; demonstrated knowledge and comfort utilizing various computer technologies and federal electronic programs; experience with PowerFaids and Ellucian Banner preferred; excellent written and oral communications skills, including public speaking skills; possesses an administrative style that emphasizes collaboration and service with faculty, staff and students; ability to work in a team environment as well as the ability to work independently; keen attention to detail; ability to exercise independent judgement in the interpretation of office policies and procedure.

REPORTS TO: Director, Financial Aid

​ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Advises and counsels students, parents and other interested parties regarding financial aid programs, eligibility criteria, application procedures and the aid awarding process. This includes:

• Reviewing student aid applications to determine eligibility for financial aid in accordance with federal and university guidelines,
  
  
• Utilizing PowerFaids in conjunction with Ellucian Banner, as well as federal and state computer programs to track financial aid applicants and administer aid programs,
  
  
• Educating students and parents about financial aid options,
  
  
• Identifying and referring students to alternative funding sources as needed,
  
  
• Maintaining current knowledge of changing federal aid regulations and processes through reading, conference attendance and/or engagement within the financial aid professional community,
  
  
• Adhering to FERPA and confidentiality regulations,
  
  
• Serving as Counselor of the Day on a rotating schedule.
  
  
• Reviewing and adjusting financial aid awards due to Overawards, Verification, Change of Enrollment status, etc.
  
  

Verifies student files in accordance with federal and institutional requirements. This involves:

• Comparing federal tax returns or tax transcripts to applicant-reported data on the FAFSA and CSS/Profile aid applications
  
  
• Communicating with applicants to obtain additional documentation as needed to complete the verification
  
  
• Adjusting aid awards according to federal and institutional methodology to reflect verification results
  
  
• Collaborating with other FA staff to ensure documents are reviewed in a timely manner
  
  
• Maintaining records, including confidentiality, of submitted documents
  
  
• Review and process financial aid appeals.
  
  

Manages a project or set of projects directly related to the management of financial aid programs and collaboration with other offices on campus. -Financial Aid Program-TBA

• Works in collaboration with the University Bursar on areas of payment and payment processing of special student populations;
  
  
• Works in collaboration with the University Registrar on projects related to registration and its impact on financial aid and special populations;
  
  
• Works in collaboration with the Office of Enrollment
  
  
• Provides support at enrollment events for special populations which may require evening and weekend work.
  
  

• Conducts on and off campus financial aid and financial literacy presentations. Format may be in person, via zoom or a webinar.
  
  

• Participating in university recruitment events, open houses, guidance counselor programs and similar activities as needed,
  
  
• Serving as a resource to other campus offices or student organizations with financial aid information and related presentations as needed.
  
  

Participates in the growth and development of the department. This includes:

• Communicating effectively with supervisor concerning pertinent departmental and University matters,
  
  
• Promoting an image of efficiency and courtesy throughout the University community and consistent with the Office of Financial Aid,
  
  
• Participating in departmental staff meetings as needed.
  
  
• Performs other related duties as requested.
  
  

Duties may be changed and/or be added at any time.

Category:

Enrollment Management - Admin

Performs such other duties, responsibilities, and activities as required by supervisor and as departmental/University needs indicate.

*Disclaimer

The above information indicates the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain and should not be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, activities, and/or qualifications required or expected of employees assigned to this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change and new ones may be assigned at any time, with or without notice.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a satisfactory background check.

Fairfield University provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Load a resume or CV first, then upload supporting documents including a cover letter at the bottom of the third page under the "My Experience" section where it says to upload a Resume/CV. You will be able to upload up to 5 other documents in this section. You will be unable to edit your application, so please have all documents available before applying. Faculty Positions : If you need to upload more than 5 documents, please either combine them to upload or email the additional documents to the applicable contact in the job description. Staff positions : If you need to upload more than 5 documents, please either combine them to upload or email them to hr@fairfield.edu