Temporary Employment Services (TES) - Temporary Assistant Director of Financial Aid
Are you searching for an outstanding opportunity to gain hands-on experience and develop new skills at a world-class research university? At Carnegie Mellon University, our Temporary Employment Services (TES) acts as a trusted resource for departments across the campus, providing you with the chance to showcase your expertise in a collaborative and professional environment! We take pride in offering full-time temporary positions that provide:
- Valuable on-the-job training and applied experience in financial and administrative operations.
- Comprehensive benefits packages that support your well-being.
- A clear pathway for long-term career growth within our community.
We are seeking a temporary Assistant Director of Financial Aid experienced in federal, state, and institutional programs to support peak financial aid processing.
Core Responsibilities:
- Application Processing & Verification: Review federal and institutional applications, validate tax records, and perform federal verification in compliance with Department of Education regulations and university policies.
- Professional Judgments & Case Management: Evaluate complex special circumstances appeals and handle individual undergraduate and graduate aid cases with high accuracy.
- Systems & Award Management: Set up and monitor endowed and need-based awards in PowerFAIDS, lead Return to Title IV (R2T4) procedures, and coordinate Outside Scholarship processing.
- Compliance & Operations: Maintain Title IV regulatory compliance, run Federal Community Service hiring/payroll, and partner with academic departments on departmental awards via Oracle Grants Management.
- Process Optimization: Identify and implement streamlined processes to improve efficiency and remove administrative roadblocks for students.
Adaptability, excellence, and passion are vital qualities within Carnegie Mellon University. We are in search of a team member who can effectively interact with a varied population of internal and external partners at a high level of integrity. We are looking for someone who shares our values and who will support the mission of the university through their work.
Qualifications:
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in higher education administration or a related field required; Master’s degree preferred (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
- Experience: Prior higher education experience required, with a background in financial aid file review and verification strongly preferred.
- Technical Expertise: Proficiency with PowerFAIDS and familiarity with federal databases (COD, NSLDS, CPS/SAIG) preferred.
- Skills & Knowledge: Strong understanding of Title IV regulations, FM/IM methodologies, analytical problem-solving skills, and the ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment.
Requirement:
Successful completion of a background check.
Additional information:
Sponsorship: Applicants for this position must be currently legally authorized to work for CMU in the United States. CMU will not sponsor or take over the sponsorship of an employment visa for this opportunity. Carnegie Mellon is not a qualifying employer for the STEM OPT benefit: only the 12-month OPT may be used to work at Carnegie Mellon.
Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits.
Benefits eligible employees enjoy a wide array of benefits including comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous retirement savings program with employer contributions. Unlock your potential with tuition benefits, take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off and observed holidays, and rest easy with life and accidental death and disability insurance.
Additional perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, access to our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access, and much more!
For a comprehensive overview of the benefits available, explore our Benefits page.
At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond credentials, we evaluate the role and responsibilities, your valuable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We appreciate your unique skills and the perspective you bring. Your journey with us is about more than just a job; it’s about finding the perfect fit for your professional growth and personal aspirations.
Are you interested in an exciting opportunity with an exceptional organization?! Apply today!
Location
Pittsburgh, PAJob Function
TESPosition Type
Staff – RegularFull Time/Part time
Full timePay Basis
HourlyMore Information:
Please visit “Why Carnegie Mellon” to learn more about becoming part of an institution inspiring innovations that change the world.
Click here to view a listing of employee benefits
Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran.
Statement of Assurance
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in higher education administration or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience
- Prior higher education experience
- Background in financial aid file review and verification
- Master's degree
- Proficiency with PowerFAIDS
- Familiarity with COD, NSLDS, and CPS/SAIG federal databases
- Strong understanding of Title IV regulations and FM/IM methodologies
- Analytical problem-solving skills and ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment
- Successful completion of a background check
- Current legal authorization to work in the United States without employer visa sponsorship
Carnegie Mellon University Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Carnegie Mellon University and has not been reviewed or approved by Carnegie Mellon University.
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Retirement Support — Retirement support is positioned as a standout, with automatic employer contributions to a TIAA-administered plan at 8% of base salary (and 9.78% for 9‑month academic appointments), plus optional employee deferrals. Vesting after three years is clearly specified, which helps set expectations for long-term value.
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Parental & Family Support — Parental and family support is strengthened by 100% paid parental leave for six weeks and 100% paid maternity leave for 6–8 weeks (delivery-type dependent), effective July 1, 2024. Childcare support is also referenced through a Cyert Center subsidy up to $5,000 per family, alongside no-cost EAP access.
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Wellbeing & Lifestyle Benefits — Wellbeing and lifestyle benefits include free Pittsburgh Regional Transit access and access to fitness classes and facilities, adding recurring non-cash value to the overall package. Pittsburgh’s relatively affordable cost of living can further increase the perceived adequacy of a given salary compared with higher-cost coastal hubs.
Carnegie Mellon University Insights
What We Do
Carnegie Mellon University founder Andrew Carnegie said: "My heart is in the work." No statement better captures the passion and drive of our people to make a real difference. At Carnegie Mellon, we're not afraid of the work. Our educational environment creates problem solvers, drivers of innovation and pioneers in technology and the arts. Employers in every field say our graduates are ready to hit the ground running the day they graduate. So, join us. Whether you're looking for a career or an education. Or both.
