Senior Associate Director of Student Financial Services

Vassar College•Poughkeepsie, NY

21d•$85,000 - $110,500

About The Position

Reporting to the Director of Student Financial Services, the Senior Associate Director is a member of the Student Financial Services leadership team, supervises two administrators, and coordinates the day-to-day operations of financial aid. This role supports students and families through campus partnerships, scholarship administration, and system enhancements, training, and outreach efforts. The Senior Associate Director serves as the Acting Director of Student Financial Services when the Director is absent.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in a related field.
Six years of progressively responsible experience in financial aid management.
Three years of supervisory or team leadership experience with strong team building skills and a record of success in supervising staff.
Expertise with compliance and regulatory policies.
Strong understanding of the nature and aims of a selective liberal arts college.
Significant experience with Institutional Methodology (IM).
Enthusiasm for and demonstrated commitment to supporting a student body that is broadly diverse with regard to gender, race, ethnicity, nationality, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, and religion, among other factors.
Exceptional oral and written communication skills, problem solving and strategy implementation, and the ability to communicate complex issues with clarity.
Demonstrated aptitude for counseling students and families.
Strong organizational and project management skills, and ability to multi-task in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
A willingness to work extended and weekend hours during peak periods.
Valid driver's license for at least 2 years.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree.
Eight years of experience at an institution with a robust need-based program.
Experience with PowerFAIDS, Banner, and Workday.
Knowledge of management information systems and software programs, and comfort in working with academic and financial aid databases.

Responsibilities

Execute need analysis and the packaging of need-based financial aid in accordance with Institutional (IM) and Federal Methodologies (FM) across federal, state, and institutional resources.
Manages workflows amongst the financial aid team and support staff in relation to financial aid.
Provides leadership, supervision, and training to direct reports in collaboration with the Director of Student Financial Services.
Collaborates with the International Programs and Dean of Studies Office in establishing protocol for students approved for international and domestic study away.
Manages the study away process in Student Financial Services that includes establishing financial aid budgets, preparing and maintaining consortium agreements, and the determination of the financial aid packages of all students studying internationally or domestically.
Partners with the Director of Student Financial Services in the co-review of potential QuestBridge Scholars.
Design, build, deliver, and assess training programs and tools regarding customer service.
Manage outreach and communication, including printed publications, websites, and letter templates.
Counsel parents and students regarding financial aid eligibility and family financing options.
Serve as a liaison between CIS and Student Financial Services for matters relating to student employment systems.
Assist the Director with compiling student employment related data for internal reports, FISAP report, audit, etc.
Oversee the awarding and administration of external scholarships not held by Vassar, including the B. Belle Whitney and Eva March Tappan Scholarships.
Manage the awarding of endowed scholarships, including assigning funds to students, initiating Workday EIBs, and monitor spending to ensure accuracy and compliance.
Collaborates with Director of SFS and Associate Director of SFS Systems for ongoing enhancements to current PowerFaids and NetPartner software.
Maintains current knowledge on all federal and state rules and regulations that govern such programs.
Represents the College in professional organizations and at conferences.