Associate Director of Student Financial Aid & Services Onsite

Associate Director of Student Financial Aid and Services

As a key member of the financial aid and student financial services teams, the Associate Director will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on student access, affordability, and success. This role is in the Enrollment Management division and offers the chance to contribute strategically to institutional goals while helping students and families navigate the college financing process.

The Director of Student Financial Aid and Services is seeking a student-centered and collaborative professional to serve as the Associate Director of Student Financial Aid and Services. The Associate Director provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for financial aid and student financial services programs while ensuring compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations.

Working with the Director and the team, this position plays a critical role in overseeing financial aid administration, student account services, system optimization, and staff supervision. The Associate Director works closely with students, families, staff, and external agencies to deliver exceptional service and effective financial support throughout the student lifecycle.

The successful candidate will be a knowledgeable financial aid professional with strong analytical, technical, and leadership skills who is committed to fostering a student-centered environment and advancing institutional enrollment and retention goals.

Primary Responsibilities

• Assist the Director in the management of all Student Financial Aid and Services operations, including financial aid awarding, disbursement, billing, and customer service functions.
• Maintain expert knowledge of federal and state financial aid programs and regulations, including FAFSA, Pell Grants, Direct Loans, and Pennsylvania State Grant programs.
• Assist in preparing for audits, program reviews, and required federal and institutional reporting, including FISAP and IPEDS.
• Develop, maintain, and implement policies and procedures to ensure operational effectiveness and regulatory compliance.
• Supervise and support departmental staff while promoting professional development and continuous improvement.
• Provide comprehensive financial aid counseling to students and families regarding eligibility, application procedures, financing options, and financial planning.
• Foster a welcoming and inclusive environment that promotes access and affordability for a diverse student population.

Systems and Operational Management

• Manage and optimize financial aid and student financial services processes within institutional student information systems.
• In collaboration with the Director, conduct annual setup, testing, and implementation of the Ellucian Colleague financial aid module.
• Serve as a functional lead and primary liaison to Information Technology regarding financial aid, student finance, and communication modules within Colleague.
• Collaborate with the Slate CRM Manager to support data integration and workflow between Slate and Colleague.
• Oversee system updates, testing, enhancements, and process improvements.
• Process federal Direct Loan documentation, originate loans, and resolve loan issues through the Common Origination and Disbursement (COD) system.
• Process private education loans and coordinate required documentation for external funding programs.
• Assist with financial aid disbursement processes and review student credit balance refunds for accuracy.
• Coordinate Return of Title IV (R2T4) calculations for students who withdraw and communicate resulting in aid adjustments and post-withdrawal disbursement eligibility.

Competencies

• Financial Aid & Regulatory Knowledge:
  Comprehensive knowledge of federal Title IV financial aid programs, regulations, and compliance requirements, with the ability to interpret and apply complex federal, state, and institutional policies.
• Student-Centered Service:
  Demonstrated commitment to providing responsive, accurate, and supportive service to students and families while helping them navigate financial aid, student accounts, and college financing.
• Leadership & Staff Development:
  Ability to supervise, support, and develop staff while fostering accountability, collaboration, professional growth, and continuous improvement.
• Systems & Technical Proficiency:
  Strong ability to utilize and optimize financial aid and student information systems, including system configuration, testing, troubleshooting, and process improvement.
• Analytical & Problem-Solving
  
  Skills:
  
  Ability to analyze complex financial aid and student account issues, identify discrepancies, evaluate available information, and develop appropriate solutions.
• Communication:
  Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to clearly explain complex financial aid regulations and financial information to students, families, and campus partners.
• Organization & Attention to Detail:
  Ability to manage multiple priorities and time-sensitive processes…