Financial Aid and Scholarships Assistant Director

Rochester Institute of Technology•Rochester, NY

5d•$60,000 - $65,000•Onsite

About The Position

Under the direction of the Associate Director, the Assistant Director is responsible for administering financial aid in compliance with federal and state regulations and institutional policy, while supporting enrollment goals. This role requires a strong understanding of compliance requirements and the ability to independently execute critical departmental and divisional work. The position supports student success through strategic use of funds, sound professional judgment, and high-quality service to students, families, and institutional partners.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in related field
4 years of relevant experience
Equivalent combination of experience and education may be considered
Knowledge of financial aid programs, including scholarships, emergency loans, and eligibility requirements
Skill in multi-tasking, project management, prioritization, and organization
Ability to work accurately and efficiently with financial aid technologies and computerized systems to collect, document, synthesize, and process information
Ability to handle sensitive situations with empathy, cultural awareness, and confidentiality
Strong understanding of compliance requirements
Ability to independently execute critical departmental and divisional work
Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States.

Responsibilities

Responds to inquiries from students, parents, and campus staff regarding admission status, financial aid programs, requirements, eligibility, application procedures, form completion, award status, and deadlines
Counsels and advises students and families regarding financial aid eligibility, application procedures, aid programs, costs, indebtedness, money management and financial planning
Verifies and analyzes financial data to determine aid eligibility and make awards within federal, state, donor and/or institutional guidelines for new, continuing, transfer, and re-entry students
Facilitates financial aid workshops, orientations, and outreach/admissions events to educate students and families about financial aid options and responsibilities
Performs applicable tuition calculations and adjustments. Determines any required fund returns
Conducts audits to ensure accurate awards, valid supporting document, and compliance with applicable policies, laws, and regulations
Apply professional judgment and ensure adherence to compliance requirements; guide on compliance-related matters.
Independently execute projects and critical work; make informed recommendations to leadership.
Support Enrollment Management goals related to student recruitment and retention.
Represent and advise the university in interactions with internal and external stakeholders, including federal/state agencies, schools, scholarship organizations, and students/families.
Collaborate regularly with campus partners (e.g., Admissions, SFS, Registrar, Study Abroad, Co-op, Housing, ROTC, CRP, ISS, academic departments, UE).
Promote accessibility of the financial aid application process.
Analyze and evaluate financial aid data to determine eligibility and make adjustments as needed.
Communicate with students and families with professionalism, discretion, and respect for privacy and confidentiality.
Maintain a comprehensive understanding of federal, state, and institutional regulations to ensure compliant aid administration.
Determine eligibility, administer aid, and complete reporting for specialized programs (e.g., Say Yes, Rochester City Scholars, HEOP, CRP, ROTC, NTID, BS/MS, VA).
Support development of compliant procedures and training, including Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP).
Partner with Study Abroad staff to ensure program compliance.
Perform Return to Title IV (R2T4) calculations in accordance with federal regulations for withdrawals and leaves of absence.
Collaborate with campus offices on compliance related to withdrawal and leave processes.
Contribute to development, testing, and implementation of tools such as the Net Price Calculator.
Maintain compliance of website content and chatbot information.
Ensure compliance with federal aid programs (e.g., Direct Loans, Pell Grants).
Develop and deliver presentations to students, families, colleagues, and external audiences.
Other duties as assigned