Assistant Director of Financial Aid

American University•Washington, DC

23h•$68,000 - $73,000•Hybrid

About The Position

This is a key position in the overall management of American University’s financial aid programs portfolio. The incumbent shall be responsible for the administration of the Federal TEACH Grant Program and other federally mandated reconciliation and reporting requirements. The position is responsible for determining the financial aid eligibility of prospective and current undergraduate and graduate students and assuring compliance with federal and institutional regulations and policies. Advises and counsels university stakeholders on the administration, application, processing and awarding and reconciliation of Federal TEACH Grants. Reporting directly to this position is a Financial Aid Counselor.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree or equivalent.
3 - 5 years of relevant experience.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills required.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree or equivalent.
Working knowledge of automated systems.

Responsibilities

System Management Responsible for managing and administering all aspects of the Federal TEACH Grant. Conducts evaluation of program eligibility, student eligibility, reporting to Federal COD System, reconciliation of awards, certification of expenditures and ensures university compliance with federal and institutional regulations and policies. Serves as expert contact for questions involving the Urban Teacher’s Program.
Policy Review Determine extent, type and amount of eligibility for various types of financial aid, to include Federal TEACH Grant. Evaluates appeals for amounts and types of financial aid awards. Utilizing professional judgment, the position determines and adjusts awards, if warranted, based upon individual family circumstances incorporating existing federal and institutional guidelines.
Training, Counseling, and Supervising Train and supervise a financial aid counselor. Update FA colleagues on specifics of Urban Teacher’s Program. Recruit, train and supervise a full-time financial aid counselor. Maintains concrete knowledge of institutional and federal regulations as well as office policies and procedures.
Communication and Information Dissemination Provide financial advice and counseling to both prospective and enrolled students, parents and AU Administrators regarding the TEACH Grant process, application of payment, budgeting, and financial planning each semester. Explain federal/institutional regulations, methods of compliance and procedures and policies. Understand and inform students of all principles underlying the system of needs analysis, methods of information collection and verification. The duties are handled to facilitate the financial aid process. Work with other University departments such as School of Education (SOE), Student Accounts, Development, Payroll, Registrar and Academic Units on behalf of students.