What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant/Associate Director of Financial Aid position at Albright College?
Position Summary:
Albright College is seekinga highly motivated and experienced financial aid professional to serve as the Assistant/Associate Director of Financial Aid. This individual will assistin the administration of financial aid programs, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations while providing exceptional service to students and families. The level of the position (Assistant or Associate Director) will be determinedbased on the candidate’s experience and qualifications.
Key Responsibilities:
Financial Aid Administration & Compliance:
Manage and process federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs, including grants, loans, work-study, and scholarships.
Ensure compliance with all federal (Title IV), state, and institutional policies and procedures.
Assistin the administration of the verification process, including reviewing documentation, making corrections, and updating student records.
Maintain accuratefinancial aid records and reports in accordance withaudit and regulatory requirements.
Student & Family Support:
Counsel students and families on financial aid options, application procedures, and financial literacy.
Provide individualized financial aid package counseling to maximize affordability and access.
Assiststudents in understanding their financial aid awards and the impact of changes in enrollment, dependency status, or family financial circumstances.
Operational & Systems Management:
Utilize financial aid software (e.g., Ellucian Colleague, PowerFAIDS, or similar) to process aid awards and maintainrecords.
Assistwith the development and implementation of policies and procedures to improve efficiency and accuracy.
Support the Director in preparing for audits, compliance reviews, and financial aid reporting.
Outreach & Collaboration:
Represent the Financial Aid Office at recruitment events, orientations, and financial aid workshops.
Collaborate with Admissions, Student Accounts, and other campus offices to ensure seamless student support.
Stay updated on federal and state regulations and best practices through training and professional development.
Qualifications & Experience:
Required:
Bachelor’s degreein a related field (e.g., Business, Finance, Education, or Student Affairs).
Minimum of 3 years (Assistant Director) or 5 years (Associate Director) of experience in financial aidadministration.
In-depth knowledge of federal and state financial aid regulations(Title IV, FAFSA processing, verification, loan programs, etc.).
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with experience in financial aid packaging and student counseling.
Experience with financial aid management systems (e.g., Ellucian Colleague, Banner, PowerFAIDS, or similar).
Excellent communication and customer service skills, with a commitment to student success.
Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, detail-oriented environment.
Preferred:
Master’s degree in a relevant field.
Experience with institutional scholarship awarding and/or financial literacy initiatives.
Knowledge of need analysis and professional judgment adjustments.
Bilingual (Spanish/English) skills a plus.
Compensation & Benefits:
Competitive salary, commensuratewith experience.
Comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, and tuition benefits.
Professional development opportunities and a collaborative, student-focused work environment.
Application Process:
Interested candidates should submita resume, cover letter, and contact information for three professional referencesvia the Albright College employment portal. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Albright College is an equal opportunity employer.