Assistant Director of Financial Aid

Widener University is currently seeking an Assistant Director of Financial Aid in Student Financial Services. Reporting to the Director of Financial Aid Services, this role provides support to Student Financial Services.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (including, but not limited to):

Essential duties:

• Manages the online graduate student population.
• Handles exit counseling and completes R2T4 calculations.
• Process financial aid applications and loans for undergraduate students.
• Counsel prospective and enrolled students and parents concerning eligibility requirements for federal, state and institutional aid and the financial aid application process.
• Resolve conflicts of information provided on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and completes the verification process.
• Certify Federal and Alternative Educational Loans.
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state and institutional regulations governing financial aid.
• Interact with various college offices and outside entities to resolve issues and expedite processing.
• Maintain in-depth knowledge of technical systems required to meet job responsibilities.
• Exercise sound judgment in applying and interpreting federal and state financial aid regulations and the proven ability to work independently and demonstrate initiative.

Secondary responsibilities:

• Serves as back up to the Associate Directors of Financial Aid as needed.
• Provides presentations about the financial aid process and financial aid eligibility requirements to a variety of constituencies.
• Perform other functions as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (education/training and experience required):

Required:

• Bachelor's degree
• Three to five years of progressive Financial Aid Office experience.
• Superior planning, problem solving and ability to manage multiple tasks and handle time sensitive competing priorities.
• Demonstrated knowledge of general financial aid theories, procedures, and federal financial aid program regulations.
• Possess exceptional organizational skills in addition to strong written, verbal, and presentation skills.
• Comfortable using Common Origination and Disbursement (COD), National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS), FAA Access to CPS Online.
• Demonstrated expertise in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Demonstrated ability to interact effectively with students, staff, faculty, and external constituents.

Preferred:

• Experience with Ellucian Colleague software.
• Experience working with graduate students.
• Experience with online program financial aid administration.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND/OR UNUSUAL HOURS:

• Ability to work evenings and weekends when needed.

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Widener University is committed to fostering an inclusive community in which faculty, staff, and students from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences are welcomed and can thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to providing equal educational and employment opportunities for all persons without regard to age, color, national origin, race, religion, disability, veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or status as a protected veteran.

Some positions may be eligible for a hybrid or remote work arrangement that may include a partially or fully remote work location, consistent with Widener's Flexible Work policy. U.S. work authorization is required.

Widener University, an independent, metropolitan, doctoral-intensive university, connects curricula to social issues through civic engagement. Dynamic teaching, active scholarship, personal attention and experiential learning are key components of the Widener Experience. Located in Chester, PA, Widener's main campus is nestled between Philadelphia, PA and Wilmington, DE, with Law Schools located in both Harrisburg and Wilmington. For more information about the university, please visit our website at www.widener.edu.

EOE M/F/V/D