Director, Financial Aid, Cornell SC Johnson College of Business

Cornell University•Ithaca, NY

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

Cornell SC Johnson College of Business: Leading at the intersection of people, business, and technology, the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business is one of the most comprehensive business schools in the nation and includes many areas of expertise not found in any other leading institution. The college is comprised of the university’s three accredited business schools, each of which is recognized as among the best in higher education: the Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management, the Samuel Curtis Johnson Graduate School of Management, and the Cornell Peter and Stephanie Nolan School of Hotel Administration. Our academic research; industry and community engagement; and undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs all reflect the future of business: flexible, collaborative, and cross-disciplinary. The college community includes 232 research faculty, 46,000 alumni, and nearly 3,300 undergraduate, professional, and graduate students. The SC Johnson College of Business has an unparalleled resource base from which to draw—within the college, Cornell Tech in New York City, and Cornell University broadly. Samuel Curtis Johnson Graduate School of Management: The Samuel Curtis Johnson Graduate School of Management at Cornell delivers educational programming across multiple MBA and specialized Masters’ programs with the intent of developing highly successful and ethical business leaders of the future. Relying on the pillars of performance learning, a collaborative community and Cornell’s vast connections, the Johnson faculty produce students equipped to excel in the current cross-functional, collaborative, digital economy. The Johnson School Office of Financial Aid delivers high-quality service to students in five MBA programs and the online and in-person M.S. in Business Analytics programs. Enrollment representatives within Cornell’s colleges, schools, and units regularly collaborate and partner with the Enrollment Division to accomplish the University’s enrollment goals. This Position: We seek a collaborative, detail-oriented professional who thrives in a complex university environment and values innovation, accuracy, excellent judgment, and exceptional student service. The ideal candidate can balance independent work with productive collaboration and aligns with Johnson School and Cornell University values. The Director of Financial Aid is a key member of the Johnson Graduate School of Management’s Student Services team which includes dedicated staff who support Johnson’s diverse, world-class students with specialized knowledge, insights, and guidance regarding financial aid application processes, aid offers, college financing options, and other student financial services. Members of the Johnson Financial Aid team also have an in-depth understanding of core student service lifecycle concepts such as admissions, registration and records, and student accounts. Reporting to the Director of MBA & Residential Programs, collaborating closely with other members of the Johnson Student Services team and colleagues across the university, and with accountability to leaders in the university Office of Financial Aid & Student Employment (FASE), the Director’s (Financial Aid Associate III).

Requirements

Bachelor's degree with at least 3 years of relevant experience within a student financial aid office, or equivalent combination.
Knowledge of financial aid software systems, federal aid regulations, or institutional need analysis concepts.
Knowledge of U.S. Department of Education websites such as NSLDS, COD, and FSA Partner Connect.
Strong quantitative, analytical, and advising skills.
Demonstrated ability to work independently and in a team-based environment, manage conflicting priorities and work under deadlines.
Detail-oriented with organizational and problem-solving skills and be able to manage deadline-oriented projects.
Able to work well with all levels of employees, be flexible in nature, and have sound judgment with an open and collaborative style that encourages teamwork and cooperation beyond the immediate team to the broader organization.
Passion for excellent customer service.
Able to maintain a high level of confidentiality.
Demonstrated skill in understanding cultural differences.
Proven experience connecting inclusion, belonging and wellbeing practices to business goals.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree preferred in Higher Education Administration, Business Administration, Public Administration, Finance, or a related field.
Two or more years of successful experience leading a team, major program, or complex process within a student financial aid office or related student services function.
Knowledge of federal and private loan programs is strongly preferred.
Knowledge of U.S. Veterans Affairs education benefits is strongly preferred.
Experience using PeopleSoft, Salesforce, or ImageNow.
Fluency in English and a second language.

Responsibilities

Lead strategic planning and annual goal setting for the Johnson Financial Aid Office
Serve as subject matter expert for Johnson-funded financial aid programs and policies
Advise prospective and current students on financial aid, budgeting, and debt management
Determine eligibility and prepare compliant, accurate financial aid offers
Oversee the awarding of endowed and annual scholarships
Review FAFSA data, SAP, NSLDS records, and certify private education loans
Manage financial aid communications, documentation, and website content
Conduct financial aid presentations and counseling sessions
Generate financial aid reports and represent Johnson at professional meetings
Coordinate closely with FASE and ensure regulatory compliance
Foster a culture of belonging and a healthy work environment by communicating across differences; being cooperative, collaborative, open, and welcoming; showing respect, compassion, and empathy; engaging and supporting others regardless of background or perspective; speaking up when others are being excluded or treated inappropriately; and supporting work/life integration of oneself and others.

Benefits

Comprehensive health care options
Generous retirement contributions
Access to wellness programs
Employee discounts with local and national retail brands
Three weeks of vacation
13 holidays: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and the day after, and an end of the year winter break from December 25-January 1.
Two additional floating holidays
Tuition-free Extramural Study and Employee Degree Program
Tuition aid for external education
Cornell Children's Tuition Assistance Program
Relocation assistance