Financial Aid Officer

Harvard University • Cambridge, MA

4d • Hybrid

About The Position

Independently perform a variety of financial aid activities including reviewing and evaluating financial information submitted by applicants to determine aid award in accordance with established federal and university standards and guidelines.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required
• Minimum of 3 years’ relevant work experience

Nice To Haves

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (both written and verbal).
• Demonstrated commitment to high level of customer service.
• Ability to work well under pressure, strong time management and organizational skills, demonstrated initiative, strong attention to detail, and ability to keep information confidential.
• Problem solving skills, including ability to develop and analyze options/hypotheses objectively.
• Demonstrated ability to foster and engage in meaningful collaboration, as well as share knowledge effectively.
• Proficiency with office productivity and collaboration tools; access to the Internet for remote work needed.
• Familiarity with PowerFAIDS preferred.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a member of the College Financial Aid Committee, with primary responsibility for counseling students (typically, about 450) and their families regarding financial aid issues.
• Calculate financial aid awards for entering and returning students; evaluate financial need using federal and institutional guidelines and methodologies.
• Provide a high level of customer service to students and families as part of the Officer of the Day team.
• Participate in the Financial Aid Committee, which responds to requests for reconsiderations of aid awards; serve as assigned students’ representative to the Committee.
• Facilitate the external scholarships and grants process (outside awards), including eligibility and payments; provide guidance and training to colleagues on how to manage these in the context of financial aid awarding, especially in peak times.
• Assess and improve related processes and training to expand office knowledge and provide more efficient customer service.
• Assist in the formulation of policy and procedures, as well as a variety of projects and programs.

Benefits

• Generous paid time off including parental leave
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one
• Retirement plans with university contributions
• Wellbeing and mental health resources
• Support for families and caregivers
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree