Associate Director, SP2 Financial Aid

The University of Pennsylvania, a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation, is the largest private employer in Philadelphia. Consistently ranked among the top 10 universities, Penn offers a unique working environment with 12 highly-regarded schools and a beautiful urban campus. Philadelphia provides rich educational, cultural, and recreational opportunities.

About the Role

The Associate Director of Financial Aid assists the Director in managing the day-to-day operations of the Financial Aid Office, ensuring compliance with regulations, and building relationships with students, alumni, and stakeholders. This role strategically uses financial aid to support recruitment, enrollment, and SP2's impact on the Philadelphia region. The position works closely with senior staff to improve student services and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and implement the administration of the SP2 federal work-study program.
• Counsel prospective, current, and former students on financial aid, personal financial management, and debt management.
• Interpret and explain financial aid policies and financing options to applicants, students, and others.
• Provide guidance to students requesting re-evaluation of awards and manage the appeal process for scholarship funding using Slate.
• Create and disseminate financial aid information and required documentation to students from pre-admission through graduation.
• Manage work-study appointments for graduate programs (MSW, MSSP, MSSP+DA, and NPL) during internships, practicums, and field placements.
• Collaborate with the SP2 Office of Community-Engaged Professional Education to identify students requiring background checks for work-study positions.
• Manage the background check process in conjunction with Central HR, including distributing access codes, tracking progress, arranging payments, and facilitating workshops.
• Manage the distribution of all SP2 student aid to student accounts:
  • Upload student scholarship/endowed funding into Feeder App and Banner, reviewing for accuracy based on enrollment status.
  • Identify changes in enrollment and make required adjustments to student accounts.
  • Utilize exception reports to confirm charges in the student account system against financial aid awards.
• Work with the Director of Financial Aid to develop specialized reports for budgeting, forecasting, and data requests.
• Oversee special programs such as Coverdell Fellows, CWEL, and City Year at SP2, including identifying candidates, notifying recipients, and tracking awards in Banner.
• Maintain clear communication and relationships with partner organizations and SP2 stakeholders.
• Maintain website and SharePoint content for the Financial Aid Office and serve as the point of contact for SP2 webmaster and IT department.
• Create, update, and maintain the office's standard operating procedures.
• Develop financial aid presentations and coordinate financial literacy outreach and events.
• Participate in recruitment events, including information sessions, accepted student open houses, and new student orientations.
• Perform additional duties as assigned, including participation in convocation and graduation ceremonies.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required; minimum of 2–3 years of experience, with five years of professional financial aid experience preferred.
• Knowledge of financial aid regulations, student budgets, financial aid packaging, professional judgment, debt management, scholarships, and loan programs.
• Experience managing scholarship portfolios (endowed, annual, institutional, and alumni scholarship sources) and knowledge of forecasting is a plus.
• Effective public speaking and interpersonal/counseling skills.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.
• Knowledge of Banner, Microsoft Applications, and electronic reporting processes is a plus.

Benefits

• Health, Life, and Flexible Spending Accounts: Comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits. Flexible spending accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses.
• Tuition Benefits: Exceptional tuition assistance for employees, spouses, and dependent children at Penn and other institutions.
• Retirement Plans: Generous retirement plans with pre-tax or Roth options and a variety of investment choices through TIAA and Vanguard.
• Time Away from Work: Substantial paid time off for vacations, personal affairs, illness, or family needs.
• Long-Term Care Insurance: Coverage for long-term care services at home, in the community, or in nursing facilities, with no underwriting requirements if applied for at hire.
• Wellness and Work-life Resources: Programs and resources to support health, family, and work-life balance.
• Professional and Personal Development: Resources to advance personal and professional growth.
• University Resources: Access to libraries, athletic facilities, arboretum, art galleries, and cultural/recreational activities.
• Discounts and Special Services: Discounts on arts, entertainment, transportation, mortgages, cars, cellular plans, movie tickets, and theme parks.
• Flexible Work Hours: Creative approaches to work hours, locations, and job structures to promote work-life balance.
• Penn Home Ownership Services: Forgivable loans for eligible employees buying a home or residing in West Philadelphia.
• Adoption Assistance: Reimbursement for qualified adoption expenses for up to two adoptions per household.

Pay

Salary offers range from $43,919.00 to $75,000.00 annually, based on the candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, education, internal and market factors, and grade profile.

Background check required after a conditional job offer is made.