ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF GRADUATE STUDENT FINANCIAL SERVICES, School of Education, Academic Services

Boston University•Boston, MA

2d•$70,000 - $80,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Boston University Wheelock College of Education & Human Development is a top-ranked college that focuses on cross-disciplinary research, experiential learning, and community engagement. We seek to empower our students, faculty, and staff to reshape the systems that impact learning and human development, more firmly centering them in justice, diversity, and belonging. To learn more about our college, visit www.bu.edu/wheelock. BU Wheelock is one of the 17 schools and colleges that are part of Boston University, one of the leading private research and teaching institutions in the world today. With more than 37,000 students from all 50 states and 145+ countries, BU is among the largest independent universities in the United States. To learn more about Boston University, visit www.bu.edu . Reporting to the Director of Recruitment, Admissions, & Financial Aid (RAFA), the Associate Director of Graduate Student Financial Services is responsible for all aspects of financial aid, student accounts, and student financial services for new and continuing graduate students at BU Wheelock. They manage a portfolio of more than 1,000 student accounts representing over $20 million in tuition revenue, along with associated financial aid across all funding sources including institutional funds, donor funds, grant funds, and federal aid. As a core member of the RAFA team, this position plays a critical role in counseling, recruiting, and retaining graduate students by providing current and prospective students with clear cost information and guidance on funding their studies. Through individual counseling sessions and group presentations, the Associate Director advises students on cost of attendance, financial aid eligibility, and financing options. The Associate Director also processes all institutional and federal student loans, manages student account operations, and develops proactive financial support strategies to promote persistence, graduation, and strong student outcomes. This is a full-time position with access to the University’s comprehensive benefits plan. The Associate Director will maintain a 3/2 hybrid work modality and will have an office on BU’s Charles River Campus.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience.
5+ years of work experience in higher education or non-profit finance-related role.
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and database management, including experience analyzing large datasets.
Experience with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems.
Working knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)

Nice To Haves

Experience with BU systems including Campus Solutions, Slate, MicroStrategy, and SAP.
Knowledge of Title IV federal student aid programs and regulations.
Prior experience counseling students on federal loan options.

Responsibilities

Financial Aid Strategy and Resource Management (40%): Lead the development, implementation, and ongoing refinement of financial aid strategy in support of graduate enrollment goals, student retention, and broader institutional priorities. Oversee the allocation of merit aid for new and continuing students, including award strategy, policy application, and stewardship of the financial aid budget. Use data, modeling, and enrollment trends to inform decision-making and ensure aid resources are deployed effectively and sustainably.
Student Financial Operations and Stewardship (30%): Provide strategic oversight of student financial operations to ensure accurate billing, aid application, and sound administration of student-related funding. Oversee institutional processes related to student accounts, special cohort billing and award structures, restricted fund management, and loan program administration. Partner with colleagues across finance and university offices to maintain strong fiscal controls, operational integrity, and a high standard of service to students.
Student Advising, Communication, and Enrollment Support (20%): Lead student-facing financial aid communication and advising efforts in ways that support access, transparency, and student success. Ensure prospective and current students receive accurate, timely, and supportive guidance regarding educational financing, financial aid options, and related policies. Develop communication strategies, informational materials, and outreach approaches that strengthen the student experience and support recruitment, enrollment, and persistence goals.
Compliance, Policy, and Continuous Improvement (10%): Maintain broad and deep knowledge of applicable financial aid regulations, policies, and best practices, and ensure alignment with institutional and regulatory requirements. Oversee the review and refinement of policies, procedures, and business practices to strengthen compliance, improve effectiveness, and support evolving organizational needs. Contribute to cross-functional initiatives, university partnerships, and special projects that advance operational excellence across the college.