Assistant Director of Financial Aid, Federal Programs

** IMPORTANT APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
**** Job Description
***
* SUMMARY:

** Reporting to the Senior Associate Director of Financial Aid Compliance, the Assistant Director of Financial Aid, Federal Programs is responsible for managing the processing, reconciliation, and compliance of all federal financial aid programs, including Pell Grant, Direct Loans, FSEOG, and Federal Work-Study. This position ensures that all federal funds are administered accurately, timely, and in compliance with U.S. Department of Education regulations and institutional policies.

The role requires deep operational knowledge of Banner, Automic, and EDconnect systems, and plays a key leadership role in maintaining audit readiness, supporting federal reporting, and optimizing system workflows.
*
* PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

*** Manage daily operations related to Title IV programs, including Pell Grant, Direct Loans, FSEOG, and Federal Work-Study.
* Ensure timely origination, disbursement, and reconciliation of federal aid funds using Banner**,
** EDconnect, and related systems.
* Oversee Return of Title IV (R2T4) processing in compliance with federal regulations and institutional deadlines.
* Maintain accurate fund balances and ensure reconciliation with the Business Office and COD.
* Execute and monitor financial aid processing jobs in Automic (UC4)**,
** ensuring accurate data integration with Banner**.
*** Utilize EDconnect for downloading and uploading COD files (origination/disbursement records, acknowledgements, reconciliation files).
* Troubleshoot system and data issues across Banner, Automic, and EDconnect platforms in collaboration with IT and financial aid systems staff.
* Support configuration and optimization of Banner financial aid modules related to federal aid.
* Monitor compliance with Title IV regulations and institutional policies for all federal aid programs.
* Prepare for annual audits, Program Participation Agreements (PPA), and FISAP reporting.
* Stay up to date with federal regulatory updates and advise on necessary policy/procedure changes.
* Assist with internal and external audits by preparing documentation and responding to audit findings.
* Train and support financial aid staff on federal aid policies, system use, and file processing procedures.
* Serve as liaison to IT, Student Accounts, and other campus departments regarding federal aid workflows and system interfaces.
* Provide technical support and act as a subject matter expert on federal processing and compliance.
* Resolve escalated federal aid issues related to disbursement, over awards, loan eligibility, and reporting.
* Assist counselors with federal program-related questions or cases.
* Provide occasional support for financial aid outreach, orientations, or workshops.
* Management reserves the right to update job responsibilities at any time.
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* QUALIFICATIONS:

***
* REQUIRED:

*** Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
* Minimum five years’ experience working in operational support of financial aid processing, preferably
* with Banner or Workday.
* Experience with report generation, preferably in COGNOS.
* Knowledge of State and Federal regulations affecting financial aid.
* Experience supporting Federal grants, State grants, Private and Direct Lending process.
** PREFERRED:
*** Prior experience in handling professional judgement request or appeals
* Familiarity with institutional and third-party study abroad programs
* Proficiency in Spanish
* Experience with state grant systems
** PROCEDURE FOR CANDIDACY:
** Applicants should include a resume and cover letter describing how their background, skills and education match the needs of the University. When applying, please take a moment to carefully read and follow the steps in the application instructions.
** Salary Range**$85,000.00-$95,000.00 Annually The position may also be eligible for comprehensive benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and tuition assistance. For further details, please visit:
Montclair State University considers factors such as, but not limited to, scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate’s relevant work experience, education, skills, and internal equity, when extending an offer.

Salary offers for internal employees who are part of a collective bargaining unit (CBU) and are applying to a position that is within a CBU will be determined in accordance with contractual provisions.
** Department
* * Financial Aid
** Position Type
** Administrative
* * Contact Information:
** For questions or concerns, please contact Human Resources' Workday Recruiting Support at ** (Option
2)**, or email talent.
** Inclusion Statement
** Montclair State University values access and educational excellence. We are committed to an environment of diverse perspectives which ensures that graduates will be civically engaged, committed to democracy, and prepared to thrive as global citizens. We foster a community that promotes varied experiences and voices. We seek applicants who will…