Assistant Director, Financial Aid

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Job description

Job Description:

Under the direct supervision of the Director of Student Aid Awarding, the Assistant Director is responsible for reviewing and assessing student financial aid application data and determining their eligibility for appropriate federal, state and institutional financial aid. Assistant Directors are responsible for verifying the accuracy of application data in accordance with federal regulations and institutional policy and making adjustments to packages where warranted based on such reviews, changes in enrollment status, receipt of additional aid from any source, and other factors necessitating changes. Assistant Directors also counsel and provide information about financial aid and financing options to students and their families, particularly concerning issues that cannot be resolved by Student Service Representatives. This position serves as Veterans Affairs Certifying Official and Military Tuition Assistance advisor for students enrolled in our campus programs. The role will provide assistance with military inquiries related to benefits, payment status, tuition discounts, and other military related student requests.

Capabilities Required (Experience, Education, Know-How, Skills)

* Bachelor's degree
* 1+ year of financial aid experience
* Strong knowledge of federal and state financial aid statute and regulations, as well as institutional financial aid policy
* Excellent verbal communication and counseling skills
* Strong written communication skills
* Demonstrated organizational skills
* Ability to meet deadlines, prioritize and work on multiple projects simultaneously with great efficiency and attention to detail
* Problem solving skills
* Experience and expertise with commonly used financial aid/student information system software
* Must be a self-starter who works well with others in a team-oriented environment.
* Ability to work independently
* Demonstrated analytical decision making

Use of Capabilities (Illustrated by Typical Activities)

* Reviews, processes, and awards funds, including all applicable institutional, federal, state, external and veterans funding.
* Determines changes in student eligibility upon receipt of additional information, including subsequent ISIRs, receipt of additional aid, and changes made through verification, professional judgement, or receipt of additional information.
* Work meets compliance standards for federal and state financial aid programs; ensures conformance to federal, state, and institutional policies, procedures and regulations.
* Responsible for maintaining a working knowledge of frequently used systems, especially PowerFAIDS, Colleague, and CampusLogic, through regular review of relevant sections of user guides
* Serves on applicable financial aid committees
* Counsel "at risk" students on financing options to help with retention.
* Makes adjustments to authorized aid throughout the enrollment cycles for all campuses including credit cuts and canceling aid for non-enrolled students.
* Process Dept. of Transitional Assistance verification forms.
* Represents Student Financial Service at open houses and other events
* One to two years of experience working as a Veterans Affairs Certifying Official preferred
* Knowledge of financial aid awarding, financial aid processing, and Veterans Affairs/Tuition Assistance benefits preferred

The above information on this position description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by individuals within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. Requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate qualified individuals with disabilities. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will" employment relationship.

External and internal applicants, as well as position incumbents who become disabled as defined under the Americans With Disabilities Act, must be able to perform the essential job functions (as listed) either unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation to be determined by management on a case-by-case basis.

Incomplete applications will not be considered. The position will remain open for applications until filled.

Berklee is committed to increasing the diversity of the college community and the curriculum. Candidates who can contribute to that goal are encouraged to apply and to identify their strengths in this area.

* Currently enrolled Berklee students are not permitted to apply for staff or faculty positions

Employee Type:

Staff