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
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.
• 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.
• Maintain various financial aid publications in conjunction with others on campus.
• Serve as Security Liaison for the Financial Aid Office.
• Assist with system processes and functions including full utilization of PowerFAIDS to ensure compliance and enhance efficiency.
• Assist with the disbursement process, including managing weekly disbursements to student accounts.
• Perform weekly ISIR corrections.
• 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.

Effective 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 is May 30, 2022
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 requires all employees to be vaccinated against Covid 19 unless they meet the criteria for a medical or religious exemption. New employees must be vaccinated prior to their start date. If an employee needs an exemption for medical or religious reasons, they must submit a request to Wesleyan and be approved before their start date.

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.