Assistant Director of Student Financial Aid

Carnegie Mellon is a global research university with more than 12,000 students, 80,000 alumni, and 5,000 faculty and staff. Recognized for its world-class arts and technology programs, collaboration across disciplines, and innovative leadership of education in the fields of Business Administration, Computer Science, Engineering, Fine Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, Public Policy & Information Systems, and Science, Carnegie Mellon is consistently ranked amount the top 25 universities in the United States.

Carnegie Mellon University’s Student Financial Aid Office is searching for an Assistant Director. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who thrives in an interesting and challenging work environment. You will contribute to the department by maintaining the group’s service-oriented focus by providing clear and concise responses to inquiries from students, staff, academic departments, and external service providers. You will also oversee critical daily processes and prepare routine status reports to management, as well as participate in process changes to ensure timely awarding and disbursement of financial aid.

Core responsibilities include:

• Investigate, analyze and resolve individual student financial aid cases at both the undergraduate and graduate level, ensuring accuracy and compliance with all federal and institutional regulations and policies.
• Manage office operations, functions and system processes; provide status update reports and statistical analysis, as appropriate.
• Oversee Federal Community Service hiring, payroll re-distributions, off-campus employer invoicing, and time card processing.
• Interface with undergraduate and graduate departments to process departmental-based awards, sponsored project expense allocations through Oracle Grants Management, and establish department-specific processes with the various admissions offices.
• Establish new endowed and need-based expendable awards in our financial aid application (PowerFAIDS) and endowed matching system.
• Review and maintain eligibility restrictions. Perform manual recipient selections for specific funds and routinely audit automated selections to ensure accuracy and control within the process.
• Oversee Return to Title IV process for federal, state, and institutional aid.
• Monitor and oversee the Outside Scholarship program(s) with respect to receiving, posting, crediting of awards and adjusting financial aid packaging.
• Review eligibility for federal and state grants, coordinate communications with various governing bodies, and process grants on behalf of our students.

Adaptability, excellence and passion are vital qualities at Carnegie Mellon. We are searching for a team member who can effectively interact with a varied population of internal and external partners with a high level of integrity. We seek someone who shares our values and will support the university’s mission through their work.

You should demonstrate:

• Strong attention to detail
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to maintain composure
• Ability to work independently with little direct supervision.
• Adaptability, ability to prioritize, reasoning and problem-solving skills are vital qualities within the Student Financial Aid Office.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, higher education administration, or related field required; Master’s degree highly desired. Equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
• Minimum three years of experience in accounting, enrollment, financial aid, or related field required; experience in a selective private, research university highly desired.
• A combination of education and relevant experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered.

Additional Information:

• Sponsorship: Applicants for this position must be currently legally authorized to work for CMU in the United States. CMU will not sponsor or take over the sponsorship of an employment visa for this opportunity.  The university is not a qualifying employer for the STEM OPT benefit: only the 12-month OPT may be used to work at Carnegie Mellon.

Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits.

Benefits eligible employees enjoy a wide array of benefits including comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insuranceas well as a generous retirement savings program with employer contributions. Unlock your potential with tuition benefits, take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off and observed holidays, and rest easy with life and accidental death and disability insurance. 

Additional perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, access to our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access, and much more!

For a comprehensive overview of the benefits available, explore our Benefits page.

At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond credentials, we evaluate the role and responsibilities, your valuable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We appreciate your unique skills and the perspective you bring. Your journey with us is about more than just a job; it’s about finding the perfect fit for your professional growth and personal aspirations.

Are you interested in an exciting opportunity with an exceptional organization?! Apply today!

Location

Pittsburgh, PA

Job Function

Admissions and Financial Aid

Position Type

Staff – Regular

Full Time/Part time

Full time

Pay Basis

Salary

More Information: