Assistant Director of Financial Aid

Wesleyan Assurance Society

115d • $52,400 - $61,300

About The Position

The Financial Aid Office at Wesleyan University is dedicated to assisting both returning and first-time applicants in their financial aid journey. With a $90 million need-based financial aid program, Wesleyan is committed to meeting 100% of the demonstrated financial need for all undergraduate students, offering aid without the use of loans. Reporting to the Associate Director of Financial Aid, the Assistant Director will join a service-oriented team and will be responsible for counseling students and parents in the areas of financial aid.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of two years financial aid experience or an equivalent combination of education, training, and related experience in the profession.
• Strong interpersonal communication and problem-solving skills.
• Attention to detail and a sense of humor.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and take initiative.
• Demonstrated ability to work as a member of a team and collaborate with others.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze and synthesize information.
• Demonstrated empathetic customer service skills and experience advising others.
• Proven ability to set work priorities and manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment while meeting deadlines.
• Ability to handle confidential matters with discretion.
• Proven ability to use multiple software systems including but not limited to Word and Excel.
• Demonstrated commitment to work within a diverse environment and interact openly with individuals of different backgrounds.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and occasional holidays as needed.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with PowerFAIDS financial aid software.
• Experience with institutional methodology and need analysis.
• Counseling experience in a higher education setting.
• Knowledge of Federal Title IV programs, federal compliance and state regulations.
• Proficiency in a second language.

Responsibilities

• Provide top-level customer service, advice, and counseling to students and families as they make decisions about college planning and financing.
• Perform federal and institutional need analysis and award aid to a caseload of approximately 300 first-year applicants and assume responsibility for a class of approximately 300 students after May 1 commitment date.
• Work independently to read and award financial aid to applicants under a tight timeline.
• Maintain knowledge of federal and institutional financial aid regulations and requirements to ensure legal, fair, and consistent administration of federal, state, and institutional financial aid funds.
• Work as a team to innovate and coordinate outreach activities to current and prospective students to improve file completion rates.
• Develop, coordinate, and participate in outreach activities with various on and off-campus partnerships such as the Admission Office, Career Center, high schools, and community service organizations.
• Co-manage various financial aid publications and communications in conjunction with others on campus.
• Provide back-up support in various office functions.
• Aid other staff in the back-office operations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Comprehensive group insurance plans.
• Wellness programs and incentives.
• Generous paid time off.
• Retirement plans.
• Flexible work schedules.
• Employee and dependent tuition programs for those who qualify.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree