Assistant Director Financial Aid Operations

General Summary

The Assistant Director of Financial Aid Operations provides data, technology, and financial systems support to the Financial Aid Office. Working directly with the Senior Associate Director of Financial Aid Operations, the incumbent assists with systems processing and reporting aspects of People Soft and supports other office technologies such as Document Imaging, Campus Logic, and Department of Education transactions. The role focuses on data integrity, system troubleshooting, operational problems, testing system upgrades, data distribution, electronic file imports/exports, new‑year set up, policy documentation, staff training, and counseling a caseload of students.

• Assist with financial aid systems set‑up, maintenance, enhancement, project management, data retrieval, query, report writing, and analysis;
• Assist the Senior Associate Director with weekly and annual packaging processes, resolving c‑flag/ISIR issues, packaging set‑up and monitoring, and awarding on an individual/population level basis;
• Document financial aid processes and create training materials for end users, including maintaining an up‑to‑date financial aid operations manual;
• Collaborate as part of the office’s operation team, adapt to competing priorities, and develop solutions to streamline office processes;
• Manage and troubleshoot the Document Imaging system, including preparing documents for daily shipment to a third‑party vendor, monitoring nightly data uploads, clearing error queues, addressing staff questions, performing intermittent manual document scanning, completing system updates, and contributing to long‑term strategic direction;
• Process documents through Image‑Now Printer for staff members on an as‑needed basis, including during peak business periods;
• Provide backup for other operational staff responsible for pre‑ and post‑packaging quality control (c‑flags, federal eligibility, ISIR suspense, grade level changes, data entry);
• Complete projects assigned by the Senior Associate Director and other senior staff on an ongoing basis;
• Counsel a caseload of students in all aspects of financial aid including application, need determination, packaging policies, disbursement, appeals, aid package changes, loan borrowing, and student employment;
• Keep abreast of new federal and state initiatives, recommend implementation, and maintain auditable records of aid awards, adjustments, appeals, and documentation in accordance with regulations;
• Collaborate with Information Technology, UITS, and other external agencies for testing, implementation, and enhancements;
• Attend and present at conferences and events on and off campus;
• Represent the Student Financial Aid Services office on university committees, recruitment events, and other assigned events;
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 3–5 years of progressive experience in an automated financial aid office, preferably in higher education. Applied knowledge of regulatory requirements governing financial aid programs is required. Knowledge of Title IV regulations surrounding federal verification, student eligibility, aid applications, and other aid requirements is required. Ability to work evenings and weekends as requested.

• Knowledge of and experience with People Soft software;
• Background and/or experience in counseling techniques;
• Experience with or willingness to learn SQL, advanced Excel formulas, queries, Oracle Business Intelligence, or similar;
• Experience with report writing applications;
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Word, Access, Excel, Outlook);
• Ability to manage high‑stress situations, plan and manage projects, communicate orally and in writing, and work interpersonal;
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize and complete simultaneous projects with minimal supervision;
• Strong commitment to student and customer service.

Grade: 31
Salary ranges available. This is an exempt union position.

UMass Boston is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, we will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations for the hiring process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact HR or 617‑287‑5150.