Associate Dean of Financial Aid

Associate Dean of Financial Aid Financial Aid

Openings
: 1

JOB SUMMARY: The Associate Dean of Financial Aid is a pivotal role within the administrative structure, responsible for managing and overseeing the daily operations of the financial aid office. Reporting to the Dean of Financial Aid, the role involves a combination of operational management, policy implementation, student support, and collaboration with various departments to fulfill the institution's enrollment and financial aid goals.

Employment Type: Full-time (1.0 FTE), Benefits-Eligible, and Exempt (Salaried)

Salary Range: $58,000-$63,000

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide personalized financial aid counseling to prospective and enrolled students and their families. Assist in explaining financial aid options, application procedures, eligibility criteria, and the implications of various funding sources.
• Manage fund requests and management for all state financial aid programs through MN OHE.
• Responsible for the monthly reconciliation of Federal and State Grant Programs.
• Develop and implement a scholarship management system at Gustavus, working in alignment with Advancement to create efficiencies with donor‑related scholarships.
• Work with the Advancement office on management and awarding of all donor‑related scholarships.
• Serve as the Veterans Affairs liaison ensuring that eligible students receive the appropriate financial aid and benefits they are entitled to under various military programs.
• Manage all Gustavus tuition exchange programs.
• Assist the Dean of Financial Aid with the financial aid student withdrawal process when students withdraw from Gustavus.
• Assist the Dean of Financial Aid with the Satisfactory Academic Progress process each semester.
• Assist in the process of reviewing and evaluating appeals from students facing unexpected financial challenges or special and unusual circumstances.
• Provide assistance on Verification as needed.
• Provide assistance in the financial aid data transmission with the Department of Education for federal processing through COD and Colleague.
• Work with the Student Accounts Office to update accounts as needed on the current year financial aid awards and providing accurate information to students and families.
• Provide assistance to ensure the Gustavus College financial aid website updates are completed in an appropriate and timely manner.
• Participate in financial aid presentations in conjunction with Admission Office visit days as well as financial aid nights.
• Participate in professional organizations and attend conferences to stay current with industry trends, regulations, and best practices in financial aid administration.
• All other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Previous experience (3-5 years) in financial aid administration or related roles.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to work effectively with a diverse student population.
• Detail‑oriented approach to ensure accurate and compliant financial aid administration.
• Proficiency in using financial aid management software and database systems.
• Ability to analyze data and generate reports to support decision‑making.
• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Ethical and empathetic approach to handling sensitive financial and personal information.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and the Google suite of products.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience in and understanding of the strategic use of financial aid in the recruitment and retention of students.
• Familiarity with Ellucian Colleague.
• Familiarity with Federal Direct Loan Programs.
• Familiarity with Minnesota State Grant Program.
• Familiarity with COD, FAAAccess, and NSLDS.

Gustavus offers competitive and comprehensive benefits which include:

• Medical insurance (which includes access to Nice Healthcare) as well as dental, vision, and life insurance.
• Workplace accommodations for physical or mental health concerns.
• Onsite health services.
• Free parking, exercise classes, and use of library and athletic facilities.
• Paid parental leave.
• Employer contribution to retirement savings plan (after one year of employment).
• Tuition benefit plan for employees and spouse.

Gustavus Adolphus College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, disability, religion, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, or veteran status in its education or employment programs or activities.