Financial Aid and Admissions Officer

Job Summary

Independently perform a variety of financial aid activities including reviewing and evaluating financial information submitted by applicants to determine aid award in accordance with established federal and university standards and guidelines.

• Serve as a member of the College Financial Aid and Admissions Committees, primarily counseling students and their families regarding financial aid issues.
• Evaluate financial aid applications for both returning and newly admitted students using federal and institutional guidelines.
• Provide high‑level customer service to students and families as part of the Officer of the Day team, answering general phone and email correspondence at least once per week.
• Participate in the Financial Aid Committee, responding to requests for reconsiderations of aid awards; serve as the assigned students’ representative.
• Assist in the formulation of policy and procedures, as well as a variety of projects and programs.

• Read and evaluate admissions applications from assigned geographical regions (approximately 850).
• Apply discretion and independent judgment in deciding which qualified students should be presented to the Admissions Committee for possible admission.
• Provide information about Harvard College and its admissions process through information sessions or other events on campus or virtually.
• Handle communications with prospective students, applicants, parents, secondary school administrators, and the public.
• Conduct interviews of prospective and current applicants.
• Develop and nurture relationships with alumni and interviewers.
• May chair an admissions subcommittee and/or serve as a liaison to an athletics team.

• Must be able to work nights, weekends, and travel as needed.
• Work is typically performed in an office setting but may be hybrid, as directed by FAS.
• Admissions committee members are expected to have reliable internet access.
• The position will be based in Cambridge, MA. Remote work must be performed in a Harvard‑registered state.

• Work will require sitting, reading, and computer use for extended periods of time.

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience.
• Minimum of 3 years of relevant work experience.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to present to large groups.
• Demonstrated commitment to high‑level customer service.
• Ability to work well under pressure, strong time management and organizational skills, demonstrated initiative, strong attention to detail, and ability to keep information confidential.
• Problem‑solving skills, including ability to develop and analyze options objectively.
• Demonstrated ability to foster and engage in meaningful collaboration and share knowledge effectively.
• Proficiency with office productivity and collaboration tools; familiarity with PowerFAIDS preferred.

• Standard hours: 35 hours per week.
• Salary grade level 056; see Harvard’s salary ranges for corresponding range and related information.
• Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes generous paid time off (including parental leave), medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one, retirement plans with university contributions, wellbeing and mental health resources, support for families and caregivers, professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement, and commuter benefits, discounts, and campus perks.

Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.

This role may be performed at a non‑Harvard location depending on operational needs; employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard‑registered state in compliance with university policy.

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non‑discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard’s academic purposes. Harvard’s equal employment opportunity policy and non‑discrimination policy prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.

All community members are encouraged to participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.