Assistant Director, Financial Aid

JOB SUMMARY:

Responsible for processing Student Financial Aid Awards and for directing various loan, grant, and state scholarship programs, including, but not limited to Federal Direct, PLUS, Pell. Consults/Advises applicants, students & families on financial aid program details, availability, eligibility and required applications/documents. Serves as a liaison between RISD and external agencies & lenders to ensure accurate reporting, processing, verification, and reconciliation of data.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/DUTIES:

• Direct the activities of the Federal Direct, PLUS, and alternative loan programs. Determine the financial eligibility of parents and students for loans and supervise the collection of all documentation for loan processing. Ensure all loan recipients complete the required entrance and exit interview and act as the liaison between RISD and outside state and guarantee agencies as well as lending institutions. Direct all of the accompanying reporting information including applications, processing, enrollment verifications, withdrawal information, default rosters, etc. Conduct biennial RFI for alternative loan lender list.
  
  
• Counsel applicants, students and families regarding financial aid availability/eligibility and higher education funding options (state, federal, external and institutional) as well as student account details, application procedures, award processing, expenditures and money management on the college, state and federal levels. Work with students and families to resolve financial aid and student account issues. Communicate Student Financial Services policies and procedures to all constituents, internal and external, in a clear, timely and customer friendly manner.
  
  
• Audit student awards and manage daily, weekly, term and annual federal aid reporting related to federal Direct, PLUS & Pell, and alternative loans. Experience with federal student aid management platforms preferred (ex. NSLDS, Common Origination and Disbursement etc.).
  
  
• Communicate with state scholarship agencies with the processing and verification of state scholarships (State Student Incentive Grants) as well as maintain accompanying reporting information and reconcile payments.
  
  
• Lead the process of the completion of federal and institutional financial aid verification ensuring federal, state and institutional compliance.
  
  
• Assist with the preparation of written information for student aid programs, including but not limited to updating and rewriting policies, procedures, forms, and workflow.
  
  
• Provide RISD financial aid information to applicants, students, families and alumni as part of the SFS financial wellness team. Participate in Student Financial Services programs to contribute and distribute communication materials including, but not limited to, financial literacy sessions, loan exit counseling and graduation, orientation & recruitment events.
  
  
• Maintain knowledge of current federal, state and institutional guidelines and regulations related to student financial services. Attend state and regional training, on-line learning courses, and professional network groups.
  
  
• Evaluate and apply learnings as appropriate to RISD Student Financial Services processes and services.
  
  

JOB QUALIFICATIONS/SPECIFICATIONS
KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

• Bachelor's degree required or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  
  
• Five years experience in a related field, for example Student Affairs, Residential Education, Student Advising, Student Employment, etc. with at least one year in a Financial Aid office (or equivalent experience)
  
  
• Demonstrated knowledge in federal and state programs and the regulations pertaining to the administration of financial aid: Federal Direct Loan Program, PLUS loans, alternative loan programs (ALPS), Federal Work Study, Pell Grant Program, Supplementary Educational Opportunity Grant, State Scholarship Incentive Grants, Veterans' Benefits, Bureau of Indian Affairs and Vocational Rehabilitation.
  
  
• Excellent verbal and written communication, organization, math, and interpersonal skills.
  
  
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships with multiple diverse populations and to manage their demands and requests.
  
  
• Must be able to continue professional development and training sessions with state agencies such as RIHEAA, professional organizations such as RIASFAA, the Department of Education, and local lenders.
  
  
• Ability to work in a fast paced and dynamic environment; maintain confidentiality; and troubleshoot and solve problems.
  
  
• Must possess strong computer and MS Office, Google Products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and SIS skills..
  
  
• Advanced presentation and counseling skills with the ability to communicate financial information to diverse audiences.
  
  

PREFERRED:

• Experience with Workday Student preferred
  
  

Union

No

Work Modality

Hybrid

Schedule

12 months/year

Employment Status

Full-Time; Exempt

Grade

535EX

Documents Needed to Apply

Resume (required)

Cover Letter (required)

Salary Grade Structure

Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please upload all required documents.

The successful candidate will be required to meet our pre-employment background screening requirements.

RISD recognizes diversity and inclusivity as fundamental to its learning community and integral to an art and design education. We welcome candidates whose experience has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to diversity and excellence. RISD is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, or any other protected characteristic as established by law.

For internal use only - Job Family:

Student Financial Services