Associate Director of Financial Aid GSEC & LAW

Position: Associate Director of Financial Aid for GSEC & LAW
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Working at Lewis & Clark College The campus is located on 137 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds in Portland’s southwest hills. Our strong commitment to sustainability is reinforced through recycling programs, energy conservation, alternative transportation options, and farm to fork initiatives. For benefit-eligible positions, we offer a competitive benefits package that includes options for health, dental, vision, tuition, life insurance, retirement and more.

Lewis & Clark College is committed to achieving a diverse workforce. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to status as a protected veteran or a qualified individual with a disability, or other protected status, such as race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status or age.

PRIMARY PURPOSE The Associate Director of Financial Aid for GSEC & LAW within the Office of Financial Aid reports directly to the AVP for Financial Aid. This role is primarily responsible for managing relationships with the Graduate School of Education and Counseling (GSEC) and Lewis & Clark Law School including administrative staff, program directors, and students, reviewing financial aid applications, performing needs analysis, and determining eligibility for various aid programs.

The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical skills, a deep understanding of federal and institutional financial aid policies, and the ability to counsel students effectively. To be successful in this position, the individual must excel at managing relationships across campus, managing complex financial aid cases, maintaining compliance with federal regulations, and communicating financial aid information clearly to students from diverse backgrounds.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES Financial Aid Management and Analysis Review financial aid applications for Graduate School of Education and Counseling (GSEC) and Law School students, performing needs analysis to determine eligibility for federal, state, and institutional aid.

Recalculate financial aid eligibility based on updated information, ensuring compliance with federal and institutional policies.

Use professional judgment to adjust the cost of attendance on a case-by-case basis for students with unique circumstances.

Maintain relationships with and regularly connect with GSEC and Law School administrative staff and program directors to ensure aid awarded is aligned with the student program and meets federal compliance requirements.

Award Preparation and Disbursement Prepare and issue financial aid awards for a caseload of GSEC and Law School students, incorporating federal, state, and institutional funding sources.

Consult with the Assistant Vice President (AVP) as needed for complex cases and adjustments based on changes in student eligibility.

Monitor changes in student eligibility and revise awards accordingly, ensuring compliance with all applicable regulations.

Student Counseling and Communication Counsel students individually and in groups regarding the financial aid process, explaining eligibility, loan repayment strategies, and budgeting.

Advise students on financial aid over the course of their academic programs, helping them understand how aid works and how to manage their financial obligations.

Support students in navigating complex or confidential financial aid situations, providing clear guidance on documentation requirements and professional judgment requests.

Program and Compliance Management Manage federal and institutional programs, including Ameri Corps, VA/Yellow Ribbon, and consortium agreements, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations.

Track, report, and reconcile financial data for designated programs, ensuring all reporting requirements are met.

Verification and Flag Resolution Resolve federal application flags by working with students to gather and verify necessary documentation for awarding federal aid.

Perform federally required verification of financial aid applications, reviewing tax documents and other materials to ensure accuracy and compliance.

Clear flags and update financial aid data based on verified information, recalculating aid eligibility as necessary.

Other Duties as Assigned KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, & BEHAVIORS Proficient in federal and institutional financial aid policies and procedures, including knowledge of programs such as Federal Direct Loans, VA/Yellow Ribbon, and consortium agreements.

Extremely knowledgeable in financial aid systems and software, including Ellucian Colleague, Perceptive Content, Informer, and MS Office (Word, Excel) for data management and reporting.

Excellent analytical skills, with the ability to interpret complex financial information and federal regulations to determine aid eligibility.

Superior…