Assistant Director Financial Aid (Evanston Campus)

About the Role

Reporting to the Senior Associate Director of Financial Aid, the Assistant Director for Client Services serves as a key resource for prospective and current undergraduate students and their families, providing comprehensive guidance on financial aid programs, regulations, and financing options. This role is responsible for evaluating financial aid eligibility and developing award packages in accordance with federal methodology and University policies, while advising students and parents on the financial aid application process, eligibility requirements, and available aid programs. The Assistant Director supports applicants through professional judgment, adjustment, and appeal processes, and delivers high-quality customer service through phone, email, and in-person counseling. In addition, this position manages an assigned financial aid project area, oversees a large portfolio of endowed funds administered by the Undergraduate Office of Financial Aid, and serves as a financial aid representative and liaison with campus partners, including Alumni Relations and Development. Some evening and weekend work is required. Note: Not all aspects of the job are covered by this job description.

Responsibilities

• Provides detailed information and professional advice to parents, students, and staff regarding financial aid eligibility, including University policies and federal and state regulations.
• Considers requests for adjustments and additional aid on a case-by-case basis and provides advice via e-mail, phone, and in person.
• Guides students through the application process, including the intricacies of the verification of information submitted on the FAFSA and College Board PROFILE forms.
• Supports the administration of undergraduate endowed funding programs by monitoring fund balances, tracking and reconciling expenditures, and ensuring compliance with donor intent as well as institutional policies and applicable regulations.
• Coordinates with university accounting and advancement partners on annual reporting and fund stewardship, helping to ensure financial accuracy and appropriate utilization of endowed resources.
• Maintains current knowledge of financial aid policies and institutional guidelines, advises students on how funding parameters may impact their eligibility and awards, and reviews and processes allowable adjustments to financial aid packages, including enrollment changes, while helping students understand and navigate updates to their aid.
• Stays abreast of federal and state regulations and institutional policies and procedures in order to provide excellent customer service.
• Responsible for managing a specific financial aid project area, to be assigned. Project areas may include federal eligibility assessment, federal verification, federal/state grant programs, federal/private loans, institutional scholarships, study abroad financial aid, athletic assistance, and additional federal regulations and institutional programs, as developed.
• Responsible for presenting at high school financial aid nights and student information sessions.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree, or appropriate combination of education and experience.
• 2-3 years' experience in financial aid.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral.
• Ability to work as a leader in the office and member of the team.
• Experience in explaining, processing, and reviewing federal financial aid regulations.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in an office that uses PeopleSoft student information system.
• Experience in a highly selective, complex institution of higher education.
• Experience in packaging financial aid.
• Experience with Microsoft Office suite.
• Ability to work with nationally known need analysis methodology.

Pay

The expected salary for this position is between $56,000 - $60,000 per year, in alignment with departmental equity and market data.

Benefits

Northwestern offers comprehensive benefits including health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance; paid vacation and holidays; paid medical/sick and parental leave; tuition benefits for the employee and dependents; pre-tax and flex spending accounts for commuting and dependent care; generous retirement savings options; and wellness programs. Flexible work arrangements and support for childcare and senior/adult care are also available. Professional growth and development resources are offered as well.