Student Financial Assistance - Assistant Director for Student Financial Assistance (Retention)

Position Summary Assists in the counseling needs of the prospective first year, as well as shared responsibility for full-time undergraduates student financial assistance that seeks to complete higher education at Sacred Heart University. Principal Duties & Responsibilities The Assistant Director is part of an enrollment management team responsible for the recruitment and retention of Sacred Heart University students.  In collaboration with senior SFA staff, they will have specific responsibilities for a group of students that includes but is not limited to a growing population of full-time undergraduates (FT UG). Responsibility for upper-class FT UG student aid processing and retention across campus requires the Assistant Director to be an active user of PioConnect and support freshmen and sophomore students.  This assistant will also support the processes associated with the attrition of students with respect to federal R2T4 and Exit Loan Counseling. This individual will work in cooperation with the SFA team to maintain the highest levels of communications and technology to support the fast-paced, student-centered financial assistance program. The main management system for financial assistance is CSS Powerfaids.  Additionally, the office operates U.S. Depart. of Ed EDE systems, integrates data with Slate (Undergraduate Admissions) and Ellucian (University mainframe system), Perceptive Content documenting system, as well as maintaining a high profile on the world wide web and social networking systems. The Assistant Director must project a positive public relations image and be responsive to the goals and objectives of the University. General student financial aid counseling - application processing, need analysis, verification, awarding, tracking, and reporting.  Provide counseling for alternative financing and scholarship searches. Responsible for data entry and tracking of student information on a database, with emphasis on document imaging through Perceptive Content. Assists in student research, mailings, and reports. Assists in the planning and execution of student loan entrance interviews. Understanding of the registration process and detailed verification of enrollment status.  Check awarded student account information with the Office of Student Accounts. Follow up on its students’ loan/work study proceeds. Participate in all SFA Office and Divisional activities, including but not limited to University Open Houses, Admitted Student Days, Orientation, Welcome Weekends, Information Sessions, etc. All other duties as required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Other Attributes  Bachelor's degree required. Previous higher education financial aid experience is preferred. Excellent customer service skills. Bilingual English/Spanish is preferred but not required. Excellent computer skills. Experience with CSS Powerfaids and/or U.S. Department EDE systems is strongly preferred. Unusual Working Conditions Fast-paced office with very heavy interpersonal communication. Weekend and evening office hours are required.  During holidays staff are considered essential and are often required to be on campus or work remotely.