Associate Director of Financial Aid

If you love the puzzle of federal compliance, the reward of balancing a budget, and—most importantly—helping students clear the financial hurdles between them and their college dreams, we have the perfect leadership position for you. The University of Maine at Farmington (UMF) is looking for an analytical, empathetic, and system‑savvy Associate Director of Financial Aid to run the day‑to‑day operations of our financial aid ecosystem.

As the operational backbone of our financial aid office, you will directly impact UMF’s core mission: keeping a high‑quality liberal arts education accessible and affordable for everyone.

Based on the qualifications and experience of the successful applicant, the anticipated annual salary for this position is up to $55,000 plus a 10% employer contribution to the UMS retirement plan. Additional benefits include medical, dental, vision, and tuition waiver programs for employees and dependents.

• Systems & Processing Leadership: Drive the technical engine of UMF’s financial aid ecosystem by mastering the daily flow of data. In this role, you will manage everything from downloading and importing daily FAFSA, Direct Loan, and Pell files into People Soft (Maine Street) to leading the flawless packaging and timely delivery of Financial Aid Notifications. By collaborating closely with the UMaine SFS Data team, you will continually optimize system setups, clear student checklists, and seamlessly administer vital institutional initiatives like the Farmington Forward program.

• Compliance & Accountability: Act as our resident regulatory guardian, ensuring absolute precision across all federal, state, and institutional aid channels. You will safeguard the integrity of UMF's funding by overseeing Federal Direct Loans, TEACH grants, alternative private loans, and Pell Grant reconciliations aligned with strict federal COD requirements. Your meticulous eye for detail will be critical as you manage the Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) appeal process and take full ownership of high‑stakes Return of Title IV (R2T4) withdrawal calculations.

• Student Advocacy & Leadership: Lead with both empathy and strategic vision as you directly supervise, coach, and mentor our financial aid professional staff. You will serve as the ultimate compass for families navigating complex financial hardships, utilizing your federal authority to thoughtfully evaluate and adjudicate Professional Judgment (PJ) appeals. Beyond the campus borders, you will strengthen our institutional reach by acting as the primary liaison managing the vital multi‑campus partnership outlined in our system Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

• Empathetic Customer Support & Teamwork: You bring a naturally collaborative work style and a deep, unshakeable commitment to student‑centered service delivery. You are dedicated to providing clear, compassionate guidance to students and families when they need it most.
• Regulatory Mastery & Problem Solving: You possess a sharp analytical mind and the ability to interpret complex, shifting regulations to make sound, ethical decisions with meticulous attention to detail.
• Flawless Planning & Organization: High‑stakes deadlines and competing priorities don't phase you. You have strong organizational skills to effectively manage the office's tight financial aid cycles without breaking a sweat.
• Demonstrated Leadership: You know how to effectively lead, support, and supervise a professional staff, using mentorship to build a positive, growth‑oriented team environment.
• Dynamic Communication: Your interpersonal, written, verbal, and customer service skills are top‑tier, allowing you to articulate complex financial concepts clearly to students, parents, and campus partners alike.
• Tech‑Forward Mindset: You are highly proficient with People Soft (Maine Street), specialized financial aid databases, Microsoft Office Suite, and Google Workspace, and you quickly adapt to new software updates.
• Adaptability & Total Discretion: You pivot positively and effectively when structural or regulatory changes come your way, and you hold yourself to…