What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Director of Financial Aid position at Iona University?
The Assistant Director of Financial Aid under direction of the Senior Director collaborates with Student Financial Services staff to create a student-service centered office. They maintain cohesive operations, oversee direct reports, and develop materials and training to ensure proper understanding and processing of institutional, federal, and private financial aid programs. They serve as an office resource for technical and operational issues associated with PeopleSoft and Department of Education compliance. Additionally, the Assistant Director advises students and families on financial aid matters and participates in university recruitment and retention events and programs.
- Oversees the daily operations of the Universitys federal direct and private student loan portfolio, including managing loan applications, entrance and exit counseling, credit checks, originations, adjustments, and the import/export of data to external systems such as COD and Scholarnet. Additionally, the position manages the Federal Pell Grant Program, including grant management and reconciliation. The Assistant Director is also responsible for recommending process improvements and collaborating with Information Technology on the implementation of systems related to student loans and Pell grants.
- Produce and monitor reports to ensure data integrity and accurate fund transmittals.
- Implement and oversee alternative loan programs, coordinating and meeting with loan providers as needed.
- Troubleshoot technical issues related to the student loan and Pell Grant programs, and communicate with students regarding their loan/Pell status and any related problems.
- Provide information and training to staff on accessing and managing student loan accounts through various platforms, including COD, lender websites, and the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS). Document all processes and procedures to ensure consistency and compliance. Serve as a resource for the office on technical and compliance issues related to these programs.
- Train and develop staff by ensuring direct reports are well-versed in financial aid policies, procedures, and software. Provide ongoing professional development opportunities to enhance their skills.
- Monitor performance through formal evaluations and informal check-ins, offering constructive feedback and setting clear performance goals. Provide support and guidance by being available to answer questions, assist with complex cases, and help with problem-solving.
- Foster a supportive and collaborative work environment. Ensure compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations. Facilitate open and effective communication within the team and with other departments, keeping direct reports informed about policy or procedural changes.
- Resolve conflicts promptly and fairly, mediating disputes and fostering a positive work atmosphere. Motivate staff by recognizing and rewarding achievements, encouraging high standards of performance and customer service.
- Serves as a financial aid counselor, advising students and families on eligibility, alternative funding options, and resolving application conflicts and financial gaps.
- Provides guidance on billing and payment plans. Verifies and awards financial aid, including Federal, State, and Institutional funds, to both graduate and undergraduate students.
- Ensures that financial aid awards and packages comply with relevant Federal, State, and Institutional guidelines.
- Demonstrates strong research and problem-solving skills.
- Generates, reviews, prints, and mails financial aid communications, such as award notifications, incomplete records alerts, FAFSA reminders, and MPN/EC follow-ups, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
- In collaboration with the Senior Director of Financial Aid, participate in PeopleSoft testing and the new year setup. This includes creating Item Types and Checklists, as well as all associated setup. Additionally, update settings and indicators annually and as needed.
- Participate in recruitment and retention activities, including new student orientations, registration nights, Admitted Student Days, Open Houses, Move-In Day, and other related events. Represent the University by delivering financial aid presentations at off-site locations.
About Iona University/EEO language
Founded in 1940, Iona University is a master's-granting private, Catholic, coeducational institution of learning in the tradition of the Edmund Rice Christian Brothers. Iona's 45-acre New Rochelle campus and 28-acre Bronxville campus are just 20 miles north of Midtown Manhattan. With a total enrollment of nearly 4,000 students and an alumni base of more than 50,000 around the world, Iona is a diverse community of learners and scholars dedicated to academic excellence and the values of justice, peace and service. Iona is highly accredited, offering undergraduate degrees in liberal arts, science, nursing, and business administration, as well as Master of Arts, Master of Science, and Master of Business Administration degrees and numerous advanced certificate programs. Iona students enjoy small class sizes, engaged professors and a wide array of academic programs across the School of Arts & Science; LaPenta School of Business; NewYork-Presbyterian Iona School of Health Sciences; and Hynes Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation. Iona is widely recognized in prestigious rankings, including The Princeton Reviews 2024 national list of The Best 389 Colleges and The Wall Street Journal/College Pulses 2024 Best Colleges in America, which ranked Iona at #66 in the nation overall and #8 in the nation among Catholic schools. Iona's LaPenta School of Business is also accredited AACSB International, a recognition awarded to just 6 percent of business schools worldwide.
Iona offers a comprehensive benefits package to all full-time employees that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts; retirement plans; life insurance; short and long-term disability; employee assistance program (EAP); tuition remission; and generous time off. For more information on our benefits and working at Iona visit the Human Resources section of our website.
Iona University values and celebrates diversity and is committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for all of our employees and does not tolerate discrimination based on any legally protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local laws. As an equal opportunity employer, Iona University encourages applications from qualified candidates who reflect the wider world in which we live, and in particular from historically underrepresented groups.