Assistant Director, Admissions and Financial Aid

Overview

School/Unit Harvard Graduate School of Education

Job Function Faculty & Student Services

Location Cambridge

Job Type Full-time

Salary Grade 056

FLSA Status Exempt

Union 00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Term Appointment No

Company Description

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Why join the Harvard Graduate School of Education?

The Harvard Graduate School of Education (HGSE) is a diverse community of learners, teachers, and employees who are passionate about changing the world through education and striving for maximum impact in the field of education.

Many choose to work at the Harvard Graduate School of Education because they believe in our mission and are excited by our vision for the future. We have a reputation as a great place to work, for our excellent leadership, and we are a strong community that values diversity. For more information about HGSE, its programs, research, and faculty, please visit:(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

Job Description

The Assistant Director of Admissions and Financial Aid plays a vital dual role within HGSE's Admissions & Aid team, supporting the development, delivery, and evaluation of strategies and processes that attract, enroll, and support a talented, diverse student body. This position independently manages a range of admissions and financial aid activities, with a strong focus on recruitment, application evaluation, financial counseling, awarding, and operational systems support.

Admissions (50%)

• Develop and execute a portfolio of domestic recruitment initiatives and contribute to the full-cycle admissions process — from marketing and recruitment to yield and matriculation — with a primary focus on experienced professionals across the U.S.
• Counsel and advise prospective students about application processes, degree programs, and HGSE's offerings; represent HGSE at recruitment events on-campus, off-campus, and virtually.
• Evaluate and recommend candidates for admission using discretion and sound judgment for a portfolio of degree programs.
• Propose and implement innovative recruitment events, contacts, resources, and partnerships; monitor data and trends to assess recruitment and yield efforts and recommend operational improvements.
• Support the Financial Certification process for admitted international students to ensure timely documentation and compliance.

Financial Aid (50%)

• Independently conduct institutional and federal needs analysis and award financial aid by evaluating complex financial information; manage a caseload of approximately 300 students through recruitment, awarding, enrollment, and graduation, including financial counseling and planning.
• Review appeals and requests for additional aid; communicate outcomes and provide clear guidance to students.
• Assist in developing, testing, and enhancing financial aid management systems (e.g., Power
  
  FAIDS) and integrations with other university systems; analyze and test algorithms and business processes for packaging, compliance, communications, and reporting.
• Manage multiple fellowship programs, including fund management, recruitment, application, and selection processes; develop and update related policies and workflows.
• Support annual audit reporting, compliance, quality assurance, and financial aid operations in line with federal, state, and institutional policies.
• Contribute to the development and evaluation of communications strategies and materials related to aid; support students in financial literacy, debt management, and financial planning.
• Assist in training and onboarding of seasonal staff or graduate assistants as needed.

Working Conditions:

HGSE is currently developing dynamic workplace models which will actively support a combination of on-campus and remote work (within a state in which Harvard is registered to do business) where business and operational needs allow. You and your manager will discuss the best schedule based on your role and operational need. If your role allows for remote work, please note that all remote work must be performed within a state in which Harvard is registered to do business (CA, CT, GA, IL, MA, MD, ME, NH, NJ, NY, RI, VA, VT, and WA).

Please also note that Harvard will withhold each applicable state's required tax and other with holdings from your paycheck for the time you work there.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience required
• Minimum of 3 years' relevant work experience
• Ability to work overtime including nights and weekends during peak periods
• Ability to travel both locally and nationally
• Any candidate wishing to be considered must supply a cover letter and resume. Please upload as one document.

Additional Qualifications

• Previous experience in a student services…