Assistant Director of Financial Aid

Job Description

The Associate Director of Financial Aid for Student Services is a key member of the enrollment services team who works in collaboration with others within the division to provide essential student support services and with customer service excellence to prospective and current students and families.  The incumbent will participate as part of a management team overseeing departmental operations, make suggestions for business process redesign, monitor, and ensure compliance with policies and regulations; assist in preparation of financial aid and reconciliation reports for the institution, present financial aid information to prospective students and families and participate in open houses, orientation, and other campus events.  

ESSENTIAL SKILLS AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

Knowledge and understanding of best practices in financial aid management and a thorough understanding of related regulations. Perform standard and advanced administrative duties with decision-making authority within standard operating procedures, with some discretion and limited supervision. Plans, develops, evaluates, interprets, and enforces policies, procedures, goals and objectives for the program and operation in assigned area of responsibility; serves as an authoritative source of information regarding same. Demonstrated experience providing positive and proactive approaches in identifying problems, creating innovative solutions, managing projects, leading teams collaboratively, implementing efficiencies and effectively using technology. Prepares consumer information and promotional materials, forms, and presentations. Liaise with the Office of Undergraduate Admissions to provide exceptional service to students and families in support of University strategic enrollment goals. Supervises and provides expert assistance and training for financial aid staff members on financial aid processes for awarding student loans, grants, and scholarships, as well as training in federal verification, professional judgement, reporting, and data integrity. Strong interpersonal and organizational skills and the ability to work with a diverse community Represents the office throughout the campus as well as externally, and serve as a resource to faculty, staff, and students throughout the university community.  Performs other duties as assigned. 

• Maintain Policy & Procedures and How To documentation for managed program(s) and tasks completed.

• Present virtually and in-person to various constituents about financial aid.

• Serve on university committees, work groups, task forces, and professional organizations as appropriate.

• Counsels students and families regarding all aspects of financial aid and financial planning.

• Revise existing awards to reflect changes in eligibility or allowable budget adjustments. 

• Exercise professional judgment in adjusting a student's application to accommodate documented, qualifying special and unusual circumstances.

• Conducts training for Financial Aid staff and campus partners as needed

• Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines, set priorities, and manage multiple high-priority tasks simultaneously. 

• Demonstrated skill in researching issues and solving complex problems with various audiences and diverse stakeholders. 

• Knowledge of Title IV regulations 

• Strong oral and written communication, leadership, and organization skills. 

• Experience in admission and recruiting (with an emphasis on educational financing) a plus. 

• Attention to detail and the ability to maintain confidentiality are essential. 

• Strong interpersonal, analytical, and organizational skills and the ability to work collaboratively with a diverse community.

 

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree; master’s degree preferred

• four to six years of experience in a financial aid office or related office in the field of higher education. Five years of progressively responsible administrative experience working in a post-secondary financial aid office preferred.

• A minimum of four years of specialized experience in managing federal, state, and/or institutional financial aid programs. 

• Deliver excellent customer service

• Knowledge of federal database applications, including EDConnect, the FAFSA Partner Portal (FPP), Common Origination and Disbursement (COD), National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) and EDExpress.

• General knowledge in MS Office applications, including mailmerge.

• Ability to work extended hours

• Experience with CollegeBoard PowerFAIDS or a similar financial aid management system 

Department

Financial Aid Student Services

Compensation Range

In compliance with the New Jersey Wage Transparency Act, the annual base salary range for this position is $71,000.00 - $97,066.67. This range represents the University’s good faith estimate of possible compensation at the time of posting. Stevens Institute of Technology determines compensation based on factors including the position’s scope and responsibilities, the candidate’s experience, education, skills, internal equity, market data, and organizational considerations. The final salary will be set considering departmental budget, qualifications, and relevant credentials. This pay range represents base pay only and excludes additional forms of compensation, such as incentives, stipends, or other applicable pay components. For a full overview of our benefits offerings, please refer to the Stevens Institute of Technology Benefits Guidebook, available at:

Benefits Guidebook

EEO Statement:

Stevens Institute of Technology is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Accordingly, Stevens adheres to an employment policy that prohibits discriminatory practices or harassment against candidates or employees based on legally impermissible factor(s) including, but not necessarily limited to, race, color, religion, creed, sex, national origin, nationality, citizenship status, age, ancestry, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, familial status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, atypical cellular or blood trait, genetic information, pregnancy or pregnancy-related medical conditions, disability, or any protected military or veteran status. 

Stevens is building a diverse faculty, staff, and student body and strongly encourages applications from people of all backgrounds. Stevens is a federal contractor under the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as well as other federal statutes. Stevens seeks candidates who will contribute to a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students, faculty and staff.