Financial Aid Officer

Job Summary

Independently perform a variety of financial aid activities including reviewing and evaluating financial information submitted by applicants to determine aid award in accordance with established federal and university standards and guidelines.

Job-Specific Responsibilities

• Serve as a member of the College Financial Aid Committee, with primary responsibility for counseling students (typically, about 450) and their families regarding financial aid issues.
• Calculate financial aid awards for entering and returning students; evaluate financial need using federal and institutional guidelines and methodologies.
• Provide a high level of customer service to students and families as part of the Officer of the Day team.
• Participate in the Financial Aid Committee, which responds to requests for reconsiderations of aid awards; serve as assigned students' representative to the Committee.
• Facilitate the external scholarships and grants process (outside awards), including eligibility and payments; provide guidance and training to colleagues on how to manage these in the context of financial aid awarding, especially in peak times.
• Assess and improve related processes and training to expand office knowledge and provide more efficient customer service.
• Assist in the formulation of policy and procedures, as well as a variety of projects and programs.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience required
• Minimum of 3 years' relevant work experience

Preferred Qualifications and Skills

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (both written and verbal).
• Demonstrated commitment to high level of customer service.
• Ability to work well under pressure, strong time management and organizational skills, demonstrated initiative, strong attention to detail, and ability to keep information confidential.
• Problem solving skills, including ability to develop and analyze options/hypotheses objectively.
• Demonstrated ability to foster and engage in meaningful collaboration, as well as share knowledge effectively.
• Proficiency with office productivity and collaboration tools; access to the Internet for remote work needed.
• Familiarity with PowerFAIDS preferred.

Working Conditions

• Night/weekend work and travel may be required.
• Work is typically performed in an office setting, but may be hybrid, as directed by FAS.
• This position will be based in Cambridge, MA.
• All remote work must be performed in a state in which Harvard is registered to do business (CA, CT, MA, MD, ME, NH, NY, RI, and VT).

Additional Information

• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
• Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education, Criminal, and Reference checks required.
• Applicants MUST submit a cover letter in addition to their resume in order for their application to be reviewed.
• This position has a 6-month orientation and review period.
• This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University's Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Benefits

• Generous paid time off including parental leave
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one
• Retirement plans with university contributions
• Wellbeing and mental health resources
• Support for families and caregivers
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks

This response is AI-generated, for reference only.