Financial Aid Director - Higher Ed. jobs in Pennsylvania

Associate Director Financial Aid – Financial Aid

Salary: Commensurate with experience
Benefits: Generous benefits include paid time off including holidays and vacation, retirement match, and tuition remission for employee and dependents.  Details at www.duq.edu/benefits
Location: Financial Aid
Position Status: Full-time                                             
Hours: Varied
Position Number: 230602/10-916            
FLSA Status: Exempt  

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Associate Director of Financial Aid serves as an integral member of the student financial aid team overseeing a case load of students throughout the entirety of their academic career at Duquesne. Duties may include, but are not limited to, awarding students in accordance with state, federal and institutional policies. This includes C Codes, Packaging, Verification, R2T4, Professional Judgements, LOA and withdrawal processing. Additional duties include enrollment reconciliation, housing adjustments, study abroad, SAP and all aspects of the student financial aid lifecycle. High caliber customer service, attention to detail and the ability to create and retain relationships with students and their families, as well as the rest of the University Community is required. Attendance at EMG Events, retention and student service events and counseling and advising students and their families is expected. This position also serves as a key lead for the FAST Program, as well as retention-based funds and activities associated with tuition holds and campus- based events.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Meets with families and students.  Counsel incoming and current students on Financial aid packages.  Provides guidance to students who are requesting re-evaluation of awards exercising Professional Judgment.  

Case management of student files, including awarding, verification, document processing, C Codes, R2T4, Study Abroad, SAP, Summer Aid applications and all other duties as required to support the financial aid lifecycle of students in the assigned caseload for the entirety of their academic career.

Serve as the Financial Aid Lead for Retention based activities, such as Tuition holds and retention funding each semester, as well as the summer FAST Program each year.

Represent financial aid at various open house events for current and incoming students.

Completes other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS:

Minimum qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.

3-5 years of financial aid experience.

Preferred qualifications:

Strong functional knowledge of FAMS system (Banner/Ellucian preferred).

Proficiency with PC, Microsoft Office tools, email and the Internet with the ability to learn a variety of new technology systems; COGNOS reporting; familiarity with Slate and Banner preferred.

Experience with COD, FAA Access, Ellucian Banner Systems and StudentAid.gov platforms preferred.

Alternately, the successful candidate may possess any equivalent combination of experience and training, which provides the knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform the essential job functions. This includes, but is not limited to, the following:

Highly developed interpersonal, analytic, problem-solving, organizational and communication skills, including the ability to listen thoughtfully and respectfully to a diverse population of constituents and stakeholders

Strong communication skills, both oral and written providing the ability to effectively communicate with multiple internal and external constituents

Knowledge and understanding of federal, states and agency-accrediting rules and regulations as they pertain to higher education admission. Very strong knowledge of federal and state regulations concerning financial aid, as well as NCAA regulations

Knowledge of fund driver for endowed administration

A broad understanding of higher education processes and procedures, including shared governance, strategic planning, resource allocation and budget management

Ensures compliance with Federal and State laws pertaining to financial aid, affirmative action and FERPA

Membership and active engagement in appropriate national student service organizations, such as NASFA and PASFA

Sensitivity to the need of each individual to be treated with dignity and respect as it relates to diversity in general and the Mission of the University specifically

Proactive, strategic, analytical and deadline-oriented in a complex organization

Ability and willingness to work outside of regular business hours and some weekends during peak enrollment periods

Ability to prepare and maintain confidential data independently in accordance with established policies and procedures and exercise consistent discretion

Considerable knowledge of the laws, regulations and policies governing the operations of the University

Ability to create and maintain complex records and files

Willingness and ability to work evenings and weekends as needed during peak enrollment periods

Sensitivity to the needs of each individual to be treated with dignity and respect as related to diversity in general and the Mission of the University specifically; and the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the University Community.

Commitment to the University’s values of diversity, equity and inclusion, and recognition of the importance of treating each individual with dignity and respect consistent with the University’s Mission.  Demonstrated experience with, and understanding of, the broad diversity of the University community (students, faculty, staff and others).

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the University Community.

Ability and willingness to contribute actively to the mission of the University and to respect the Spiritan Catholic identity of Duquesne University.  The mission is implemented through a commitment to academic excellence, a spirit of service, moral and spiritual values, sensitivity to world concerns, and an ecumenical campus community.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

Applicants are asked to submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references.

Catholic in its mission and ecumenical in spirit, Duquesne University values equality of opportunity as an educational institution and as an employer. We aspire to attract and sustain a diverse faculty and staff that reflects contemporary society, serves our academic goals and enriches our campus community. We particularly encourage applications from members of underrepresented groups and support dual-career couples through our charter membership in this region's HERC (http://www.hercjobs.org/oh-western-pa-wv/).

We invite applicants for this position to learn more about our university and its Spiritan heritage by visiting http://www.duq.edu/about/mission-and-identity/mission-statement. Those invited to campus for an interview may be asked about ways in which they see their talents contributing to the continued growth of our community and furthering its mission.

Duquesne University was founded in 1878 by its sponsoring religious community, the Congregation of the Holy Spirit.  Duquesne University is Catholic in mission and ecumenical in spirit.  Motivated by its Catholic identity, Duquesne values equality of opportunity both as an educational institution and as an employer.