Associate Director

Department

ESA College Aid

About the Department

Reporting directly to the Executive Director of Financial Aid, the Financial Aid office at the University of Chicago provides exceptional customer service to all students and families requesting assistance in financing their education. The Office of Financial Aid has a staff of 20 people, including counselors, and assistant directors. For more information visit https://financialaid.uchicago.edu/.

Job Summary

The Financial Aid Associate Director reports directly to the College Aid Director and performs an integral role in providing superior customer service to all internal and external stakeholders. The Associate Director will use new and innovative communication methods to reach current and prospective students, enhance the department website, create a renewed effort towards eliminating barriers that students may experience, and remain on the forefront of student friendly initiatives when compared to our peers.

Responsibilities

• Provides financial aid counseling to students.
• Uses best practices and knowledge of internal University issues to manage all facets of the endowed scholarship process.
• Maintains financial aid website.
• Supervises 1-2 staff members who provide financial aid counseling.
• Coordinates team to ensure timely responses to all email and telephone contacts.
• Completes the federal verification process on selected files.
• Works independently and performs professional judgment decisions on special circumstance and budget appeals.
• Packages student-based aid eligibility in compliance with federal guidelines.
• Works with the Bursar’s Office to reconcile third party payments, and resolve refund discrepancies
• Assists in the management of aid to undergraduate, graduate, international and study abroad students.
• Assists in the creation and maintenance of federal, state and institutional financial aid policies and procedures.
• Ensures timely and accurate disbursement of student aid throughout the academic year.
• Represents the Office of Financial Aid at various on and off-campus events as needed, including occasional evening and weekend hours.
• Assists students with a range of complex enrollment and billing problems by analyzing possible solutions using standard procedures.
• Coordinates the financial aid award process for a designated group of students by coordinating the cycle of awards and reviewing and revising aid application materials. Has full authority in reviewing and packaging financial aid awards.
• Analyzes the maximum aid needed to students yet remain within government guidelines and overall budget limitations for aid distribution.
• Communicates financial aid policies and programs to currently enrolled students with moderate guidance.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree.
• Advanced degree.

Experience:

• A minimum of 5 years of experience in a financial aid office setting.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Proficient in Microsoft Office.
• Exemplary knowledge of Oracle’s Peoplesoft software.
• Skilled with processing in Common Origination and Disbursement Web Site (COD) and National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS).
• Knowledge of federal and state financial aid programs and regulations.
• Extensive knowledge of need analysis.
• Familiarity with Education Department systems.

Preferred Competencies

• Superb written and verbal communication skills.
• Provide superior customer service to a wide variety of constituents in a fast-paced environment.
• Exceptional analytical, verbal, and written communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Handle several projects simultaneously and work well under pressure.
• Work independently and as part of a team.
• Maintain confidentiality.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter (required)
• References Contact Information (3)(required)

Job Family

Student Affairs & Services

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly Hours

37.5

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Pay Rate Type

Salary

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FLSA Status

Exempt

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Pay Range

$70,000.00 - $90,000.00

The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Eligible

Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.