Associate Director of Student Financial Aid – Enrollment Management

Core Responsibilities

• Manages daily operations of the Federal Pell Grant and Federal Loan Programs, including originations, disbursements, reconciliation, and resolution of processing errors.
• Oversees administration of Pennsylvania and out-of-state grant programs, ensuring timely awarding, portal updates, and audit readiness.
• Provides leadership in the administration of exit counseling, private and institutional loans, enrollment reporting, and disbursement operations.
• Ensures compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations and policies across all assigned program areas.

Leadership and Collaboration

• Supervises staff involved in financial aid processing and program administration, offering guidance and support to maintain high standards of service and compliance.
• Collaborates with internal departments such as Registrar, Bursar, and Admissions, as well as external agencies and partners, to ensure seamless coordination of financial aid activities.
• Serves as a resource for policy interpretation and operational decision-making.

Audit and Reporting

• Prepares for internal and external audits by maintaining accurate records and ensuring audit readiness across all assigned programs.
• Collaborates in coordinating responses to audit inquiries and facilitating the timely submission of supporting documentation.
• Provides regular updates to senior leadership regarding program performance, compliance status, and operational challenges.

Other Duties as Assigned

• Manage or lead special projects as requested by the Director of Student Financial Aid.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree required.
• 5 to 7 years of direct and progressively responsible experience in accounting or enrollment, ideally within a financial aid environment.
• A combination of education and relevant experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered.
• Preferred Qualifications: Master’s Degree in business, higher education administration, education training or similar field. More than 7 years of directly related financial aid experience, preferably at a high select private research university.

Requirements

• Successful completion of a pre-employment 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. 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.
• This position will require the ability to travel to other campus locations.
• Weekend and evening hours may be required.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance.
• A generous retirement savings program with employer contributions.
• Tuition benefits.
• Ample paid time off and observed holidays.
• Life and accidental death and disability insurance.
• A free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass.
• Access to our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs.
• Fitness center access.

Statement of Assurance

We are committed to providing equal opportunity employment and creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We strive to ensure that all candidates are evaluated based on their qualifications and merit without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.