Assistant Director of Financial Aid (Financial Aid Manager I)

The University of Arizona • Tucson, AZ

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The James E. Rogers College of Law seeks an Assistant Director of Financial Aid to lead and oversee financial aid student services for a population of approximately 500 law students. Reporting to the Senior Director of Student Resources, this role interprets institutional, state, and federal financial aid regulations and implements procedures to ensure regulatory and fiduciary compliance and timely aid delivery. The Assistant Director manages financial aid administration, including awarding policies, student need and eligibility determinations, strategic fund allocation, institutional reporting, scholarship postings, and support for students from pre-enrollment through post-graduation loan repayment. The role requires professionalism, independent judgment, initiative, self-direction, and accountability for continued development in law financial aid.

The position leads financial aid operations, services, programming, compliance, reporting, and continuous improvement. It provides complex-case support to students and stakeholders; oversees aid awarding and packaging; coordinates with university offices and external agencies; and supervises and trains a program coordinator. The role also maintains expertise in student loan developments and federal policies, uses university financial aid systems, and serves as liaison for PeopleSoft (UAccess) changes and related system testing and quality control. This is a full-time, benefits-eligible position based at the University of Arizona’s Tucson Campus. Visa sponsorship is not available.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through professional-level experience.
• At least three years of related work experience, or an equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• Extensive knowledge and application of principles, theories, and concepts.
• Complete knowledge of job functions and broad industry best practices, techniques, and standards.
• Skill in identifying and implementing process improvements.
• Ability to resolve complex financial aid issues.
• Ability to work with student and faculty populations.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
• Ability to exercise independent professional judgment to evaluate and resolve financial aid discrepancies.
• Ability to lead and support staff effectively.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working in law school financial aid.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee the College of Law financial aid office and serve as the primary escalation point for complex matters, guiding students, prospective students, applicants, and stakeholders through resolution.
• Plan, administer, and continuously evaluate financial aid operations; identify process improvements, develop operational strategies, and implement solutions.
• Plan and deliver financial aid services and programs, and present information about financing a legal education to applicants, students, and other interested parties.
• Develop financial aid programming, operational policies, and initiatives that improve departmental performance and student experience while ensuring compliance.
• Develop educational programming, resources, and outreach about financing a legal education.
• Analyze student financial data and determine aid eligibility under federal need analysis; process reevaluation requests in accordance with federal regulations and university policies.
• Oversee financial aid awarding and packaging, including scholarships and limited loan programs for students in College of Law post-graduate programs, and conduct quality assurance for accuracy, consistency, equity, and compliance.
• Ensure compliance with federal regulations, accreditation requirements, and university policies; identify potential risks and resolve complex discrepancies such as overawards and underawards.
• Conduct required entrance and exit counseling and ongoing debt-management sessions in accordance with accreditation requirements.
• Assist students with federal work-study eligibility and processes in collaboration with university partners.
• Represent the College at internal and external financial aid meetings and advocate for student and program needs.
• Partner with the University Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid and the Bursar to resolve complex student matters and support effective administration.
• Supervise, guide, and mentor a program coordinator responsible for named student scholarships and summer support, including funding for public-interest and rural-area internships; train the coordinator in financial aid functions and peak-season coverage.
• Build and deliver training.
• Plan, process, award, reevaluate, and report financial aid for College of Law students.
• Collaborate with College offices to prepare comprehensive reports, including reports addressing novel issues or problem-solving.
• Develop improved processes and methods through collaboration with students, faculty, staff, and university partners.
• Provide data to the Dean and Associate Dean for Administration for academic accreditation reporting and US News statistical surveys, and to the Assistant Dean for Finance for budgeting and financial planning.
• Review disbursement and federal student aid reports and compile indebtedness data for accreditation reporting or other requests from the Dean’s Office.
• Stay current on student loan developments and federal policies, and provide regular updates to College leadership.
• Use university systems and financial aid tools proficiently; liaise with university and college personnel and external agencies, including lenders, servicers, guarantee agencies, and military services, to resolve student issues and facilitate program objectives.
• Serve as liaison for PeopleSoft (UAccess) system changes, issues, and updates for the College of Law Office of Student Financial Aid; assist with system procedure and report quality control and testing.

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision insurance plans
• Life insurance and disability programs
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• University of Arizona, Arizona State University, and Northern Arizona University tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members
• Retirement plans
• Access to University of Arizona recreation and cultural activities
• Other University of Arizona benefits
• Innovative work-life programs

What This Job Offers

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