Associate Director of Financial Aid

Saint Mary's University of Minnesota • Minneapolis, MN

67d • $50,000 - $60,000

About The Position

Saint Mary's University of Minnesota is seeking candidates who are eager to contribute to its Lasallian Catholic mission of awakening, nurturing, and empowering learners to ethical lives of service and leadership. We invite individuals to help transform lives through education, inspired by the Catholic Intellectual Tradition's quest to understand the human experience through faith and reason and its embrace of all who are dedicated to learning from one another through authentic conversations in search of the truth. We are especially interested in and give preference to candidates who demonstrate a vision to create and nurture initiatives that will advance our mission within the scope of their duties and who will foster a culture of dialogue that, with respect for all people, supports the search for meaning and purpose in pursuit of excellence. Job Summary The Associate Director of Financial Aid provides financial aid services to the undergraduate and graduate students at Saint Mary's University. The position reviews financial aid applications to determine financial aid award packages using federal methodology. This position also counsels and advises students regarding financing a Saint Mary's education, including eligibility requirements, application procedures, available programs, and student loan debt management.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree required
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively with others; take initiative to solveproblems; collect, analyze, interpret, and report data promptly; and produce accurate and detailedwork.
• Knowledge of regulations and legislation governing federal and state financial aid programs.
• Knowledge of financial aid/billing policies and processes, and financial aid application processes.
• Ability to organize, prioritize, and complete multiple work assignments in a complex workenvironment.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to provide strong customer service to students.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Experience using student information systems, Jenzabar, JFA, EdConnect, NSLDS, and CODsystems.
• Ability to relate to diverse populations.

Nice To Haves

• A minimum of 5 years of higher education administration experience, with at least 2 years offinancial aid experience, is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Review and analyze financial aid application data to determine accurate and compliant financial aid award packages. Modify financial aid packages based on changes in enrollment level, budget adjustments, additional aid, etc., and communicate changes in eligibility to students.
• Utilize knowledge of federal, state, and institutional aid programs and processes to counsel students (in person, in writing, and over the phone) about the financial aid process, award packages, billing statements, and financial planning for their educational expenses.
• Oversee the origination and disbursement of Federal Grants, Federal Direct, State Grants, Scholarships, MN SELF, and private student loans. Coordinate disbursement processes and expedite electronic return of funds, reallocations, or corrections. Ensure that the administration of all fund programs complies with federal and state regulations.
• Transmit Direct Loan data files using EDConnect and Common Origination and Disbursement (COD) systems; ensure timely and accurate data transmissions, so that federal compliance standards are met.
• Perform return to Title IV funds (R2T4s). Identify students who have officially and unofficially withdrawn/dropped from all or some classes, perform necessary calculations for federal, state, and institutional rules, execute refunds and adjustments to aid in student information systems, EDConnect, and COD systems. Notify the student of the outcome and exit counseling requirements.
• Work in conjunction with the Business Office, Registrar, Student Central, Academic Advising, and other student services areas to resolve students' issues.
• Assist in annual compliance audits, projects, and institutional initiatives throughout the year.
• Maintain current knowledge of applicable federal, state, and institutional regulations and standards to ensure compliance.
• Actively participate in the continual growth of the financial aid department: effectively managing assigned duties using a variety of technological resources; promoting a student-oriented financial aid office, etc. Perform other duties as assigned, which support the purpose and initiatives of the Financial Aid Office and the University.
• Perform semester Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) evaluation and communicate to students of the outcome and work to get a plan in place to regain compliance or the adverse outcome.
• Participate in the Professional Judgment committee as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Saint Mary's offers a comprehensive benefit package including health, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, flexible spending, retirement pension plan, and both undergraduate and graduate tuition remission plans.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Industry: Educational Services
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees