Associate Director of Financial Aid

University of Maine • Farmington, ME

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The University of Maine at Farmington (UMF) is seeking an analytical, empathetic, and system-savvy Associate Director of Financial Aid to manage the daily operations of its financial aid ecosystem. This leadership position plays a crucial role in UMF’s mission to make high-quality liberal arts education accessible and affordable. The role involves managing the technical aspects of financial aid processing, ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations, and providing leadership and advocacy for students and staff.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree.
• Three (3) to five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in student financial services, financial aid, student accounts, or student records (an equivalent mix of education and experience will be considered).
• Proven, successful experience supervising professional staff.
• Proficiency with PeopleSoft (MaineStreet), specialized financial aid databases, Microsoft Office Suite, and Google Workspace.
• Adaptability to structural or regulatory changes.
• High standards of professionalism and confidentiality.

Nice To Haves

• Current knowledge of federal and state financial aid regulations.
• Prior experience within a public higher education environment.

Responsibilities

• Manage the daily flow of data, including downloading and importing FAFSA, Direct Loan, and Pell files into PeopleSoft (MaineStreet).
• Lead the packaging and delivery of Financial Aid Notifications.
• Collaborate with the UMaine SFS Data team to optimize system setups and clear student checklists.
• Administer institutional initiatives like the Farmington Forward program.
• Oversee Federal Direct Loans, TEACH grants, alternative private loans, and Pell Grant reconciliations.
• Manage the Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) appeal process.
• Calculate Return of Title IV (R2T4) withdrawal amounts.
• Supervise, coach, and mentor financial aid professional staff.
• Evaluate and adjudicate Professional Judgment (PJ) appeals.
• Serve as the primary liaison for the multi-campus partnership outlined in the system Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

Benefits

• Up to $55,000 annual salary.
• 10% employer contribution to the UMS retirement plan.
• Medical insurance.
• Dental insurance.
• Vision insurance.
• Tuition waiver programs for employees and dependents.

What This Job Offers

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