Assistant Director, Financial Aid

Muhlenberg College • Allentown, PA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Under the general supervision of the Director of Scholarships and Financial Aid, the Senior Assistant Director provides direction for and administers the operational functions of the financial aid office. Primary emphasis includes working closely with the Director of Scholarships and Financial Aid, Admissions staff, and the Vice President for Enrollment in planning, implementing and evaluating financial aid strategies designed to recruit and retain students.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field.
• Minimum one year financial aid or related professional experience.
• Experience working effectively and supporting inclusion within a diverse community.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and verbally, with students, parents, school counselors, fellow employees, college administrators, and other College constituents.
• Strong presentation skills to comfortably and effectively speak and present before groups of students and parents.
• Demonstrated proficiency in MS Office, Google Workspace, Financial Aid software/platforms/technology required.
• Successful completion of satisfactory background checks, including but not limited to child abuse clearance, education, and criminal background required.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of PowerFAIDS and Slate preferred, but not required.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage financial aid marketing and communication strategies that will reach prospective and current students and their families.
• Develop annual budget recommendations for institutional grant awards, federal funding allocations and student employment department allocations.
• Meet with prospective students and families to answer questions relating to financial assistance available to students enrolled at Muhlenberg.
• Counsel and advise students and parents on financial aid programs and application process.
• Provide guidance to traditional and non-traditional students through the Financial Aid process; exercise independent judgment in response to inquiries regarding financial aid applications and communicate required student updates to the Federal Processor.
• Assist in government verification procedures, review grant award rosters, resolve reported financial discrepancies, and update FAFSAs. as necessary.
• Review FAFSAs and prepare financial aid offers for GCE applicants and traditional undergraduate students.
• Certify and process for traditional and GCE student Federal loans, Pell Grants, PA State Grants, and Alternative Loans.
• Perform periodic reconciliation for awarded funds.
• Evaluate student credit balances and request financial aid refunds.
• Manage PHEAA programs including Ready to Succeed Scholarship, NG EAP, Summer PA Grant, and GCE PA Grant.
• Collaborate with GCE staff regarding enrollment strategies and new scholarship options.
• Interface with other campus offices (Business Office, Registrar, etc.) as needed to effectively support office functions.
• Award restricted scholarships to eligible GCE students.
• Coordinate Military tuition benefits with School Certifying Official.
• Use federal/state web resources (NASFAA, COD, PHEAA, NSLDS) to keep up to date on evolving aid regulations and processes.
• Respond to requests for financial aid review via Element451; provide estimates of eligibility for enrollment decisions.
• Collaborate with Student Accounts to ensure accounts are current; resolve processing issues.
• Provide guidance to GCE staff regarding enrollment changes and financial aid eligibility.
• Prepare Consortium Agreements for students with dual enrollments.
• Collaborate with the Director of Scholarships and Financial Aid to develop policy, identify efficiencies, and enhancements in the delivery of student aid.
• Coordinate financial aid policies and procedures and calendar events.
• Collaborate with the Director of Scholarships and Financial Aid and Director of Financial Aid Operations to provide strategic vision and direction regarding customer service approaches, communication plans, and institutional policies and procedures.
• Determine financial aid eligibility.
• Implement Federal and State mandated regulations as well as institutional policies and procedures to prevent Federal, State, and internal audit exceptions.
• Prepare early scholarship and aid reviews for prospective students.
• Resolve matters and ensure compliance with Federal regulations.
• Ensure proper and secure handling of confidential student, parent, and/or alumni records in compliance with FERPA.
• Review IFAP and NASFAA daily to stay abreast of changes and additions to Federal Programs.
• Attend professional seminars regarding policy changes and updates.
• Administer the satisfactory academic progress policy by monitoring students’ qualitative and quantitative progress at the end of each academic year.
• Complete government verification process.
• Attend, participate in and represent the College at meetings and conferences.
• Educate students and families regarding need analysis and the determination of financial and eligibility.
• Represent Muhlenberg College by conducting Financial Aid presentations both on campus and at high schools.
• Lead, mentor, train, and supervise financial aid staff.
• May perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Generous holidays (including 3 days off for Thanksgiving and an extended winter break between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day)
• Vacation (22 days per year)
• Sick leave
• Paid parental leave
• Tuition programs at the undergraduate and graduate level
• Medical coverage
• Dental coverage
• Vision coverage
• Flexible spending plans
• College-provided short-term disability
• College-provided long-term disability
• Life insurance
• Retirement

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level