Associate Director of Financial Aid Berkeley Law

Apply for Job Job ID 81168

Location Main Campus-Berkeley

Full / Part Time Full Time

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About Berkeley

At the University of California, Berkeley, we are dedicated to fostering a community where everyone feels welcome and can thrive. Our culture of openness, freedom and belonging make it a special place for students, faculty and staff.

As a world-leading institution, Berkeley is known for its academic and research excellence, public mission, diverse student body, and commitment to equity and social justice. Since our founding in 1868, we have driven innovation, creating global intellectual, economic and social value.

We are looking for applicants who reflect California's diversity and want to be part of an inclusive, equity-focused community that views education as a matter of social justice. Please consider whether your values align with our Guiding Values and Principles, Principles of Community, and Strategic Plan.

At UC Berkeley, we believe that learning is a fundamental part of working, and provide space for supportive colleague communities via numerous employee resource groups (staff organizations). Our goal is for everyone on the Berkeley campus to feel supported and equipped to realize their full potential. We actively support this by providing all of our full-time staff employees with at least 80 hours (10 days) of paid time per year to engage in professional development activities. Find out more about how you can grow your career at UC Berkeley.

Departmental Overview

Berkeley Law is committed to providing one of the best suites of financial aid programs of any top law school in the country. The Financial Aid Office helps a diverse array of students obtain grants, fellowships, and scholarships based on need and / or merit, as well as an array of federal, private, and institutional student loans.

Position Summary

The Associate Director of Financial Aid oversees the Financial Literacy program, Need-Based Aid Eligibility Appeal application, and Loan Modification Requests process. This position works closely with other stakeholders to post awards for the J.S.D. and LL.M. programs, Edley Grants, and student group awards in a timely manner, and is responsible for sending financial aid monthly newsletters and other financial aid communications.

This position provides excellent financial aid counseling and customer service by resolving student questions and issues surrounding institutional, private, state and federal student aid. The incumbent is expected to interpret financial aid regulations, analyze student data, and implement procedures to ensure regulatory compliance and timely delivery of financial aid. This position reports to the Director of Financial Aid.

Application Review Date

The First Review Date for this job is : 10 / 09 / 2025.

Responsibilities

FINANCIAL AID PROCESSING :

• Manages the Financial Literacy program independently by identifying useful resources to share with current and graduated students, updating the website, preparing materials for financial literacy presentations, and hosting info sessions.
• Processes federal loan modification requests for reduction, addition, and return of federal student loans.
• Analyzes reports to resolve financial aid eligibility and award issues.
• Oversees the need-based aid eligibility appeal and makes recommendations to the Director of Financial Aid for an annual budget for the need-based aid appeal.
• Uses professional judgment and problem-solving skills to determine student financial aid eligibility in accordance with federal, state, and institutional rules and regulations.
• Collaborates with other stakeholders to post departmental awards in Campus Solution (CS) Student Information System, such as LL.M., Career Development Office, and student group awards.
• Launches the Continuing Student Scholarship (CSS) application, sends the CSS award letters out to students, posts the awards in CS, and updates the award information to the historical spreadsheets.
• Navigates institutional databases to identify issues affecting an individual student's aid processing.
• Analyzes reports and works with campus Financial Aid, Billing & Payment Services, Graduate Division, and the law school's Business Services office to troubleshoot payment of financial aid and other systems issues.
• Advocates on behalf of students to ensure fair, thorough, and timely processing.
• Recommends and implements decisions on administrative and operational issues affecting students' financial aid.
• Identifies reports and queries that would be helpful for improving the quality of our service and creates the reports using resources and tools available.
• Collaborates with the Director of Financial Aid and other partners on campus to pinpoint the available resources and tools.
• Maintains and updates the Financial Aid Operational Calendar at least annually.
• Identifies and resolves mismatches and errors.
• Reconciles large volumes of student data from multiple sources.
• Serves as a backup to process the Cost of Attendance Adjustment Requests (COAAR) using professional judgment.
• Performs special projects and other duties as assigned.

FINANCIAL AID ADVISING :

FINANCIAL AID PRESENTATION & COMMUNICATION

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND COLLABORATION

Required Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications

Salary & Benefits

For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University, please visit the University of California's Compensation & Benefits website.

Under California law, the University of California, Berkeley is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.

The budgeted annual salary range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $80,200.00 - $94,300.00.

How to Apply

Other Information

This position will be governed by the terms and conditions in the agreement for the Student Services Advising Professionals, represented by the UAW.

Conviction History Background

This is a designated position requiring fingerprinting and a background check due to the nature of the job responsibilities. Berkeley does hire people with conviction histories and reviews information received in the context of the job responsibilities. The University reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check.

Misconduct

SB 791 and AB 810 Misconduct Disclosure Requirement : As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

"Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct :

UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy

UC Anti-Discrimination Policy

Abusive Conduct in the Workplace

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.