Associate Director, Financial Aid

Job Responsibilities

• Partner with the Executive Director to support strategic planning, policy development, and operational effectiveness.
• Create and maintain office policies and procedures manual in accordance with federal, state and university policies.
• Oversee verification and satisfactory academic progress (SAP) processes, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and clear communication.
• Manage financial aid systems and technology (e.g., Net Partner), including implementation of enhancements and electronic processes.
• Support institutional reporting requirements, including FISAP, and collaborate with Institutional Research on data analysis and reporting.
• Prepare audit documents and act as liaison to auditing firm during the annual A-133 audit and/or state audit as needed.
• Manage state grant program awarding, reconciling and reporting requirements.
• Lead development and maintenance of financial aid communications, including website content, publications, and outreach materials.
• Serve as liaison to campus partners to support a coordinated, student-centered approach to service delivery.
• Aid in the administration of the appeals process and serve on the appeals committee.
• Advise and counsel students and families regarding financial aid programs, application processes, and financing options.
• Serve as liaison to the advancement and development office in support of the university endowment selection and awarding process.
• Maintain and manage the endowment selection process.
• Collaborate with the university School Certifying Official on matters related to Veteran’s Benefits and eligibility.
• Manage an assigned student caseload and perform file review and verification as needed.
• Support onboarding, training, and professional development of staff.
• Conduct performance reviews of direct reports.
• Present financial aid and financial literacy information at on- and off-campus events.
• Monitor updates from the U.S. Department of Education, NASFAA, and other professional organizations and implement changes as needed.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and institutional financial aid regulations and policies.
• Promote a collaborative, inclusive, and mission-driven work environment.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in financial aid administration.
• Demonstrated knowledge of federal, state, and institutional financial aid regulations.
• Experience with financial aid systems and data management.
• Demonstrated experience managing and overseeing members of the financial aid team.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience with PowerFAIDS, Workday Student, or similar systems.
• Experience with Federal Student Aid Systems such as NSLDS, COD, etc.
• Experience supervising staff or leading projects/initiatives.
• Experience in a mission-driven, Jesuit, Catholic, or similarly values-based institution.