Assistant Director of Financial Aid

Maria is a Catholic college sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy and animated by the Mercy charism. It provides career-relevant, opportunity education in the context of the Catholic Intellectual Tradition to all who can benefit from it. Maria is committed to outstanding and holistic student support services, financial sustainability and the purposive use of evidence to drive institutional renewal and student success. Maria seeks to foster graduates who recognize and respect the dignity of every human person and who will transform their knowledge and skill into caring and compassionate service to others.

Position Summary:

We are seeking an energetic and innovative Assistant Director of Financial Aid to work closely with prospective and current students, and their families, to help them understand federal, state, private and institutional financial aid and other funding sources that can help them achieve a Maria College education. In this process, ensure compliance with federal and state regulations as well as private borrowing and scholarships requirements. The Assistant Director will be responsible for packaging and counseling students while maintaining a deep understanding of the regulations governing the accurate administration of Title IV funds. This is an in-person position with occasional nights and weekends required.

Major Duties & Responsibilities:

• Communicate with perspective and current students in person, through phone calls and via email promptly and professionally.
• Explain various forms of financial assistance available to students and provide counseling regarding payment options.
• Conduct financial needs analysis, perform verification, certify federal loan eligibility, review SAP status, and make judgment decisions regarding individual student eligibility.
• Council and assist students with scholarship opportunities and manage scholarship applications.
• Review and process Parent PLUS, Grad PLUS, and Alternative loans.
• Follow up with students to ensure all required documentation is on file and maintain accurate record-keeping.
• Process student aid through the College’s financial aid software (Jenzabar) and other financial aid systems.
• Generate and process reports required for enrollment, awarding and reconciliation.
• Serve as an information resource for all incoming and transfer students, as well as staff.
• Inform students on loan repayment procedures.
• Assist with monthly loan and grant reconciliation.
• Assist with processing withdrawals – Generating withdrawal reports and updating student accounts accordingly while reporting to the National Student Clearinghouse.
• Ensure compliance with all regulations and develop and maintain policies and procedures.
• Collaborate with the Business Office on a daily basis regarding aid distribution, determinations concerning payments, etc.
• Remain up-to-date with financial aid regulations by attending webinars and other trainings.
• Assist in the preparation of files for audits
• Achieve SCO status and award VA benefits to VA population and submit billing for VR&E.
• Work closely with the Advancement Office on Scholarship approvals and disbursements.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Provide awareness of Financial Aid services offered by presenting at student recruitment events, orientation programs and other large-scale campus events. Presentations may also be provided in the community or at high schools to assist in the College's recruitment efforts. Smaller group presentations may be provided to special student populations.
• This job description is not designed to be a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Job holder must be able to interpret and apply financial aid regulations, must have a financial aptitude and strong communication skills, as well as exceptional interpersonal skills to interact with students and College stakeholders.
• Job requires a high degree of organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Incumbent must maintain confidentiality of student records, including financial records, and be able to responsibly influence students of diverse backgrounds.
• Advanced competency in Windows operating environment using MS Office applications (particularly Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook), e-mail and internet programs and have the aptitude to learn and efficiently utilize the College’s and other data base system(s).
• Competency in COD, NSLDS, and HESC and experience with Jenzabar and Edconnect is preferred.
• Must not be in default on any Title IV loans.

Essential Functions:

This job description is not designed to contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Education and Experience:

A Bachelor’s degree is required in business, accounting, communications, psychology or other related field, plus three years of college financial aid experience.

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is not exposed to adverse environmental conditions.

Salary: $60,405.80/year

Interested candidates must submit a cover letter and resume’ to: resumes@mariacollege.edu with “Assistant Director of Financial Aid” in the subject line.

Maria College is a nonprofit, independent, coeducational institution which does not discriminate in its enrollment or employment practices for any reason including race, sex, color, national origin, creed, sexual orientation, mental or physical disability, or any other characteristic protected by state, federal or local laws and ordinances. Information about the services, activities and facilities accessible to students or prospective students with disabilities regarding Title 504 may be obtained in Accessibility Services in Mercy Hall at (518) 861-2508; information about the services, activities and facilities accessible to employees or prospective employees with disabilities regarding the Americans with Disabilities Act may be obtained from Rosa Lyn Vazquez, Human Resources Manager at (518) 861-2580.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: Up to $60,405.80 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Ability to Commute:

• Albany, NY 12208 (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $60,406