What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant/Associate Director of Financial Aid position at Chatham University?
Assistant/Associate Director of Financial Aid
Chatham University seeks a detail-oriented and experienced Assistant/Associate Director of
Financial Aid to support the effective administration of federal, state, and institutional aid
programs. This role requires in-depth knowledge of financial aid regulations, strong
technical and analytical skills, and the ability to support students with personalized
financial aid counseling. The Assistant Director will work closely with the Director of
Financial Aid and other campus departments to ensure timely, accurate, and compliant
financial aid processing.
This position will be filled as an Assistant Director. However, the title of Associate Director and compensation may be considered commensurate with experience and prior responsibility including scope of programs managed, supervision experience, decision making authority.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Aid Processing & Compliance
- Package and process financial aid for undergraduate and graduate students, including summer sessions.
- Perform daily federal loan processing, Pell and Direct Loan reconciliation, and G5 reporting.
- Complete Return to Title IV (R2T4) calculations and communicate with affected students.
- In collaboration with Director, monitor Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) and Financial Aid Progress; notify and counsel students accordingly.
- Manage tuition remission processing and approve Title IV and non-Title IV refunds.
- Manage Borrower-Based Academic Year (BBAY) processing for eligible programs, including monitoring loan eligibility, ensuring correct loan period setup, and coordinating disbursement schedules in compliance with federal regulations.
Systems & Reporting
- Set up annual budgets and loan disbursement schedules within Student Information System.
- Maintain documentation for audits, compliance, and internal controls.
- In collaboration with Director, prepare ad hoc and routine reports; assist in federal and state reporting.
- Support data integrity and process improvement in collaboration with IT and other departments.
Student & Family Counseling
- Provide individualized financial counseling to students and families on aid eligibility, loan options, and repayment.
- Deliver group presentations and support admissions events.
- Administer and counsel students on private loans, VA benefits, Yellow Ribbon, and Tuition Assistance (TA) programs.
- Ensure timely completion of entrance and exit loan counseling.
Scholarship & Special Program Administration
- In collaboration with Director of Financial Aid and Office of Advancement, assist in the administration of endowed and expendable scholarships.
- Evaluate eligibility and set up new awards in coordination with the Business Office.
- Manage state grant and special program rosters through AES, including updates to enrollment, cost of attendance, and grant returns to ensure compliance with
- PHEAA regulations. Submit rosters and update student records to meet deadlines and compliance requirements.
Financial Literacy & Outreach
- Conduct one-on-one and group financial literacy sessions.
- Assist in the implementation of the university's financial wellness programming.
- Collaborate with campus partners (Academic Advising, Student Accounts, Registrar) to enhance student support and compliance.
Leadership & Training
- Assist in training of new staff and work-study students.
- Contribute to policy development and documentation of office procedures.
- Participate in professional development, trainings, and conferences.
Other Duties
- Support campus-wide compliance efforts.
- Participate in some weekend events in support of prospective student enrollment and financial aid counseling.
- Perform other duties as assigned to support the mission and operations of the Financial Aid Office and University.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree required; master's degree preferred.
- Three to five years of progressive experience in financial aid administration.
- Strong understanding of Title IV regulations and state grant (PHEAA) aid policies.
- Familiarity with financial aid leveraging and packaging strategies preferred.
- Familiarity with Borrower Based Academic Year (BBAY) federal loan management preferred.
- Experience with financial aid management systems (CampusVue/Anthology/WorkDay preferred).
- Strong interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment and maintain confidentiality.
Work Location & Schedule:
This is a full-time, on-campus position based in Pittsburgh, PA. Occasional remote
work or flexible arrangements may be considered based on institutional needs.
Salary Range:
40-hour work week.
Assistant Director will be filled within the range of $55,000 - $65,000.
Associate Director will be filled within the range of $65,000 - $75,000.
Exact compensation based on candidate skills and experience.
How to Apply:
Applications accepted only via www.chatham.edu/careers (direct link is https://chatham.applicantpro.com/jobs/3726079) and follow the instructions to complete the application process. To ensure full consideration, please include:
- Cover Letter outlining your qualifications for the position
- Curriculum Vitae or Resume
- Contact information for three professional references
All application materials should be uploaded at the same time at the time of application. The system will not allow applicants to make edits to their applications after submission.
Chatham University is an Equal Opportunity Employer with a strong commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equity. Persons of color, women, veterans, individuals with disabilities, and members of other underrepresented groups are highly encouraged to apply. Chatham University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, or national origin.
Salary : $55,000 - $65,000