Assistant Director of Financial Aid

Responsibilities

• Maintain comprehensive and knowledge of current federal and state student aid regulations, compliance requirements, and institutional policies affecting student aid programs
• Counsel students, parents and other stakeholders through in-person, phone, and on virtual Zoom meetings regarding financial aid eligibility, application procedures, awards processes, financing options, and related university policies
• Review financial aid applications and determine student eligibility for federal, state, institutional, and private financial assistance programs in accordance with established regulations and guidelines
• Perform needs analysis, award packaging, verification, professional judgment reviews, and financial aid processing for an assigned population of undergraduate students
• Utilize financial aid management systems and related technology to process student records, maintain data integrity, and support efficient service delivery
• Administers and reconciles at least one designated financial aid program, including but not limited to Federal Work-Study, Federal Pell Grant, Federal Direct Loans, Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP), Connecticut state grants, athletic scholarships, institutional endowed scholarships, and private education loans
• Process and evaluate special circumstance requests, including residency appeals, cost of attendance adjustment, dependency overrides, and other professional judgment determinations
• Collaborate with colleagues across the university to support student success and provide exceptional customer service to all constituents
• Serve as a resource for developing and maintaining departmental procedures, ensuring consistency with regulatory requirements and best practices
• Represent the Office of Financial Aid at University events, including Open Houses, Admitted Student Programs, and other outreach initiatives
• Perform other duties as assigned. Evening and weekend hours as required

Qualifications

• Minimum 2-3 years of experience
• An aptitude for using electronic systems along with excellent customer service skills is essential
• Experience with Colleague preferred
• Demonstrated ability to exhibit sensitivity while working with a diverse group of students and parents during difficult and at times emotional financial discussions
• Knowledge of federal and state aid programs and regulations
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and proactively as a member of a team
• High level of personal responsibility along with a positive and cooperative attitude
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks and handle time sensitive competing priorities
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook
• Occasional evening and weekend work is required

Education Requirements

• Bachelor's degree required