Temporary Employment Services (TES) - Temporary Assistant Director of Financial Aid

Carnegie Mellon University•Pittsburgh, PA

About The Position

Carnegie Mellon University’s Temporary Employment Services (TES) is seeking a temporary Assistant Director of Financial Aid to support peak financial aid processing. The role requires experience with federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs and involves financial aid processing, case management, award administration, regulatory compliance, and process improvement. The position works with internal and external partners, academic departments, and students in a collaborative university environment. The successful candidate will review applications and verification materials, evaluate complex appeals, administer awards and Return to Title IV procedures, and support related compliance and operational activities. They will also identify opportunities to streamline processes and reduce administrative obstacles for students. A bachelor’s degree in higher education administration or a related field and prior higher education experience are required. This is a full-time temporary position based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Applicants must already be legally authorized to work in the United States; Carnegie Mellon will not sponsor an employment visa for this opportunity.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in higher education administration or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Prior higher education experience.
Strong understanding of Title IV regulations and FM/IM methodologies.
Analytical problem-solving skills and ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment.
Successful completion of a background check.
Must be currently legally authorized to work in the United States; Carnegie Mellon will not sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa for this opportunity.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree.
Background in financial aid file review and verification.
Proficiency with PowerFAIDS.
Familiarity with federal databases including COD, NSLDS, and CPS/SAIG.

Responsibilities

Review federal and institutional applications, validate tax records, and perform federal verification in compliance with Department of Education regulations and university policies.
Evaluate complex special-circumstances appeals and manage individual undergraduate and graduate aid cases accurately.
Set up and monitor endowed and need-based awards in PowerFAIDS.
Lead Return to Title IV (R2T4) procedures and coordinate outside scholarship processing.
Maintain Title IV regulatory compliance.
Run Federal Community Service hiring and payroll.
Partner with academic departments on departmental awards through Oracle Grants Management.
Identify and implement streamlined processes to improve efficiency and remove administrative roadblocks for students.

Benefits

Comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance.
Retirement savings program with employer contributions.
Tuition benefits.
Paid time off and observed holidays.
Life, accidental death, and disability insurance.
Free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass.
Access to a Family Concierge Team for childcare needs.
Fitness center access.
On-the-job training and applied experience in financial and administrative operations.
Career growth opportunities within the university community.