Financial Aid and Scholarships Assistant Director

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Responds to inquiries from students, parents, and campus staff regarding admission status, financial aid programs, requirements, eligibility, application procedures, form completion, award status, and deadlines
• Counsels and advises students and families regarding financial aid eligibility, application procedures, aid programs, costs, indebtedness, money management and financial planning
• Verifies and analyzes financial data to determine aid eligibility and make awards within federal, state, donor and/or institutional guidelines for new, continuing, transfer, and re-entry students
• Facilitates financial aid workshops, orientations, and outreach/admissions events to educate students and families about financial aid options and responsibilities
• Performs applicable tuition calculations and adjustments. Determines any required fund returns
• Conducts audits to ensure accurate awards, valid supporting documents, and compliance with applicable policies, laws, and regulations
• Other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of financial aid programs, including scholarships, emergency loans, and eligibility requirements
• Skill in multi-tasking, project management, prioritization, and organization
• Ability to work accurately and efficiently with financial aid technologies and computerized systems to collect, document, synthesize, and process information
• Ability to handle sensitive situations with empathy, cultural awareness, and confidentiality

Minimum Education & Experience

Bachelor's degree in related field
4 years of relevant experience
Equivalent combination of experience and education may be considered

Job Level Overview

Specialized Contributor Level 2 - A fully functional role requiring established knowledge of the profession or field of work. Responsible for completing substantive assignments and projects. Problems are varied and non-routine, and resolution requires exercising judgment, analysis, advisement, creativity, and understanding broader sets of issues. May provide assistance to entry level staff.

Additional Details

• Under the direction of the Associate Director, the Assistant Director is responsible for administering financial aid in compliance with federal and state regulations and institutional policy, while supporting enrollment goals.
• This role requires a strong understanding of compliance requirements and the ability to independently execute critical departmental and divisional work.
• The position supports student success through strategic use of funds, sound professional judgment, and high-quality service to students, families, and institutional partners.
• Key Responsibilities
• Apply professional judgment and ensure adherence to compliance requirements; guide on compliance-related matters.
• Independently execute projects and critical work; make informed recommendations to leadership.
• Support Enrollment Management goals related to student recruitment and retention.
• Represent and advise the university in interactions with internal and external stakeholders, including federal/state agencies, schools, scholarship organizations, and students/families.
• Collaborate regularly with campus partners (e.g., Admissions, SFS, Registrar, Study Abroad, Co-op, Housing, ROTC, CRP, ISS, academic departments, UE).
• Promote accessibility of the financial aid application process.
• Analyze and evaluate financial aid data to determine eligibility and make adjustments as needed.
• Communicate with students and families with professionalism, discretion, and respect for privacy and confidentiality.
• Maintain a comprehensive understanding of federal, state, and institutional regulations to ensure compliant aid administration.
• Programmatic Responsibilities (as Assigned)
• Determine eligibility, administer aid, and complete reporting for specialized programs (e.g., Say Yes, Rochester City Scholars, HEOP, CRP, ROTC, NTID, BS/MS, VA).
• Support development of compliant procedures and training, including Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP).
• Partner with Study Abroad staff to ensure program compliance.
• Perform Return to Title IV (R2T4) calculations in accordance with federal regulations for withdrawals and leaves of absence.
• Collaborate with campus offices on compliance related to withdrawal and leave processes.
• Contribute to development, testing, and implementation of tools such as the Net Price Calculator.
• Maintain compliance of website content and chatbot information.
• Ensure compliance with federal aid programs (e.g., Direct Loans, Pell Grants).
• Develop and deliver presentations to students, families, colleagues, and external audiences.
• Other duties as assigned.

FLSA Category

Exempt

Work Location

On Campus

Compensation

$60,000 to $65,000 per year