Assistant Director

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Assistant Director of Graduate and Professional Financial Aid

The Assistant Director of Graduate and Professional Financial Aid serves as the primary contact for several graduate programs across various colleges and schools. Additionally, this role acts as the financial aid expert within the Canes Central One Stop Shop Office and sees students in person when necessary. As an integral part of the leadership team, the Assistant Director is responsible for identifying, communicating, and resolving processing issues within the daily operations of the Office of Student Financial Assistance and Employment.

Responsibilities:
• Management and Coordination:
o Oversee, coordinate, and ensure compliance in awarding financial aid for all graduate programs and law school programs.
o Maintain high levels of performance, achieve goals, and ensure quality results.
o Collaborate directly with the Associate Director, and act as their deputy in ensuring compliance with the Federal, State, and Institutional Policies.
• Financial Aid Processing:
o Review and analysis awarding report.
o Process student financial aid applications, including federal grants, loans, and work-study programs.
o Assess student eligibility for various financial aid programs, ensuring adherence to federal, state, and institutional criteria.
o Conduct thorough verification of student eligibility by reviewing required documentation to confirm the accuracy and completeness of financial information.
o Identify and resolve discrepancies in financial information and documentation.
o Utilize all federal databases for secondary verification, when required.
• Awarding and Compliance:
o Determine and package financial aid awards based on student eligibility, financial need, and available funding.
o Process all submitted student requests for additional or adjustment to loan package, as assigned.
o Ensure federal aid is awarded accurately and in conjunction with departmental awards.
o Certify the accuracy of any external scholarships for awarding purposes.
• Liaison, Representation, and Communication:
o Meet with students in person at Canes Central when necessary to address financial aid concerns and questions.
o Advise potential and current students on aid eligibility and processes through in-person conversations, email, and telephone.
o Disseminate information regarding aid eligibility.
o Respond promptly to inquiries from students, parents, and stakeholders regarding financial aid eligibility, disbursement, and reconciliation, when applicable.
o Address and resolve issues related to financial aid processes, ensuring a positive and supportive experience for all students and families.
o Serve as a liaison with assigned Colleges and Schools and any other related University offices or departments to ensure cohesive and compliant financial aid operations.
• Professional Development:
o Complete NASFAA Credentials to ensure knowledge of the most current federal policies and best practices.
o Participate in professional training and continuing education programs to foster personal and professional growth and development.
• Other Duties:
o Perform other duties as assigned to support the mission and goals of the Office of Student Financial Assistance and Employment.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
• Independent Work and Critical Thinking:
o Demonstrated ability to work independently, set priorities, and apply critical thinking skills to solve complex problems effectively.
o Proven track record of making informed decisions and taking initiative in a dynamic work environment.
• Team Leadership:
o Exceptional team leadership skills with the ability to motivate, guide, and support team members to achieve high performance and meet organizational goals.
o Experience in leading teams through change and fostering a collaborative work environment.
• Attention to Detail:
o Strong attention to detail, ensuring accuracy in all aspects of financial aid processing and compliance.
o Meticulous in reviewing documents and reports to identify and rectify errors promptly.
• Organization and Multi-tasking:
o Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously, ensuring timely completion and adherence to deadlines.
o Skilled in prioritizing tasks to balance short-term needs with long-term goals.
• Communication Skills:
o Exceptional interpersonal skills to interact effectively with students, parents, colleagues, and other stakeholders.
o Excellent presentation skills to convey complex information clearly and engagingly to diverse audiences.
o Strong oral and written communication skills, including the ability to draft clear, concise reports and correspondence.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Educational Background:
o Bachelor’s degree in finance, business administration, higher education, or a related field is required.
o Master’s degree in a related field is preferred.

• Experience:
o Minimum of 3 years of experience in financial aid administration or a related area, with a focus on graduate and professional programs. Any relevant education, certifications and/or work experience may be considered.
o In-depth knowledge of federal financial aid regulations and guidelines.
o Experience in managing and supervising staff, with a proven ability to lead and develop a team.
• Technical Proficiency:
o Proficiency in financial aid management systems (e.g., PowerFAIDs, Peoplesoft) and office software (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite).
o Experience with federal student aid programs and systems (e.g., COD, NSLDS) is preferred.
• Professional Development:
o Commitment to ongoing professional development and staying current with changes in financial aid regulations and best practices.
o Certification in financial aid administration (e.g., NASFAA credentials) is an asset.

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