Assistant Director of Student Financial Aid - Enrollment Management
Carnegie Mellon is a global research university with more than 12,000 students, 80,000 alumni, and 5,000 faculty and staff. Recognized for its world-class arts and technology programs, collaboration across disciplines, and innovative leadership in education, Carnegie Mellon is consistently ranked among the top 25 universities in the United States.
About the role
Carnegie Mellon University’s Student Financial Aid Office is searching for an Assistant Director. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who thrives in an interesting and challenging work environment. You will contribute to the department by maintaining the group’s service-oriented focus, providing clear and concise responses to inquiries from students, staff, academic departments, and external service providers. You will also oversee critical daily processes, prepare routine status reports for management, and participate in process changes to ensure timely awarding and disbursement of financial aid.
Responsibilities
- Investigate, analyze, and resolve individual student financial aid cases at both the undergraduate and graduate level, ensuring accuracy and compliance with all federal and institutional regulations and policies.
- Manage office operations, functions, and system processes; provide status update reports and statistical analysis, as appropriate.
- Oversee Federal Community Service hiring, payroll re-distributions, off-campus employer invoicing, and time card processing.
- Interface with undergraduate and graduate departments to process departmental-based awards, sponsored project expense allocations through Oracle Grants Management, and establish department-specific processes with the various admissions offices.
- Establish new endowed and need-based expendable awards in the financial aid application (PowerFAIDS) and endowed matching system. Review and maintain eligibility restrictions. Perform manual recipient selections for specific funds and routinely audit automated selections to ensure accuracy and control within the process.
- Oversee Return to Title IV process for federal, state, and institutional aid.
- Monitor and oversee the Outside Scholarship program(s) with respect to receiving, posting, crediting of awards, and adjusting financial aid packaging.
- Review eligibility for federal and state grants, coordinate communications with various governing bodies, and process grants on behalf of students.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in business, higher education administration, or related field required; Master’s degree highly desired. Equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
- Minimum three years of experience in accounting, enrollment, financial aid, or related field required; experience in a selective private, research university highly desired.
- A combination of education and relevant experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered.
Skills
- Strong attention to detail
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to maintain composure
- Ability to work independently with little direct supervision
- Adaptability, ability to prioritize, reasoning, and problem-solving skills
Benefits
- Comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance
- Generous retirement savings program with employer contributions
- Tuition benefits
- Ample paid time off and observed holidays
- Life and accidental death and disability insurance
- Free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass
- Access to Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs
- Fitness center access
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. The university is not a qualifying employer for the STEM OPT benefit: only the 12-month OPT may be used to work at Carnegie Mellon.
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Schedule: Full time
Pay Basis: Salary