Associate Director of Financial Aid

Job description

Aurora University seeks talented staff and administrators who are passionate about supporting an inclusive community dedicated to the transformative power of learning.

Position Purpose:

The Associate Director of Financial Aid supports learning by assisting in the coordination of financial aid operations for graduate and undergraduate students within the university. Serves as the primary Certifying School Official for the Veterans Affairs Benefits. Assists the Dean of Student Financial Services with supervising the financial aid staff, working with Colleague, and administering state/federal programs.

Core Competencies:

1. Represents Aurora University in the most positive manner with prospective, former and current students, clients, suppliers and the community we serve. Interacts effectively with a diverse group of faculty, staff, students and other customers of our service, learns and uses operating practices of the department and Aurora University.

2. Upholds the Mission Statement: Aurora University an inclusive community dedicated to the transformative power of learning.

3. Handles all information with tact and discretion and recognizes the confidential nature of university business.

4. Supports learning through performance of essential job functions and performing other duties and functions as necessary or as assigned.

Essential Job Functions:

1. Provides individual counseling to prospective freshmen, transfer, adult, and graduate students; current students; and parents regarding all aspects of the financial aid process.

2. Directly responsible for the management and processing of financial aid applicants including determining aid eligibility, completing verification, and processing loans in accordance with federal and state regulations as well as university policies and procedures.

3. Assists in training new financial aid staff.

4. Responsible for the administration of scholarship/grant programs from the State of IL.

5. Responsible for the oversight of the Veteran Affairs Benefits as the Certifying School Official.

6. Assist in recruitment and admission for all programs at AU, GWC and Woodstock by participating in visit days, open houses, registration weekends, student orientations, and financial aid events as assigned by the Dean.

7. Assist in the development, publication, and maintenance of financial aid materials and the financial aid web page.

8. Assists with the annual systems set up.

9. Manages the financial aid portion of the weekly ERMS submission to Ruffalo Noel Levitz.

Essential Job Requirements:

Education: Bachelor's degree required. Master's degree preferred.

Experience: Three to five years' experience in financial aid required.

Skills:

· Excellent verbal and written communication skills

· Excellent organization skills.

· Strong customer service orientation.

· Ability to handle confidential information.

· Ability to interact with a diverse group of faculty, staff, students and parents and to develop strong working relationship with colleagues, staff, administrators, students and the general public.

· Flexibility with an evolving work situation.

· Knowledge of spreadsheet systems.

· Knowledge of Colleague desired.

Special requirements: Valid Illinois driver's license. Ability to travel when necessary to off-campus evening and weekend events, providing own vehicle.

Physical Requirements: Ability to move about campus. Ability to interact via telephone, in person and via electronic media.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Work Location: One location