Assistant Director of Financial Aid

Merrimack College•North Andover, MA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Assistant Director of Financial Aid is critical to providing support, advice, and customer service to our families, students, and colleagues. This position will be responsible for the day-to-day counseling and guidance offered to a specific caseload of students and families.

Requirements

A strong commitment to customer service.
Bachelor’s degree required with two years or more of financial aid experience in a higher education setting.
Strong working knowledge of federal Title IV, Massachusetts state, and institutional regulations and procedures to ensure compliance.
Experience with federal financial aid data systems including NSLDS, FSA Partners, and COD.
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite; Experience with financial aid software systems, PowerFAIDS preferred.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
Willingness to work nights and weekends as needed at various times throughout the year.

Nice To Haves

Experience with financial aid software systems, PowerFAIDS preferred.

Responsibilities

Counsel and advise prospective and current full and part-time students/families on the availability of financial aid.
Manage a caseload of students, including adjustments of financial aid based on eligibility.
Manage a program(s) or area of additional responsibility.
Review, award, and revise federal and institutional financial aid in compliance with respective policies and procedures subject to federal, state, and institutional audit.
Perform verification procedures; request and interpret supporting documentation (i.e., tax returns, tax transcripts, government agency information); analyze accuracy of data provided.
Review/evaluate general, Professional Judgment, and Satisfactory Academic Progress appeals, make corrections when necessary, and determine eligibility for institution, state, and federal aid.
Access federal systems such as FSA Partners, FSA Partner Portal for FAFSA corrections, Common Origination and Disbursement (COD) and analyze federal financial aid history using the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS).
Work closely with other departments, such as Admissions, Registrar, Billing, Academic Success Center, etc. to streamline processes and improve the student experience.
Conduct financial aid sessions and trainings as needed, represent student financial services at Open Houses, Welcome Days and other on-campus related events.
Other responsibilities as assigned.