Senior Assistant Director, Graduate Financial Aid

Join Our Community And Experience Emerson College!

The Senior Assistant Director of Graduate Financial Aid reports to the Director, Financial Aid plays a crucial role in overseeing the financial aid processes, specifically focusing on Emerson's Graduate and Online programs. This position entails supervising the graduate financial aid team, ensuring compliance, managing the graduate file review process, and training staff on regulatory updates. The role emphasizes leadership and mentorship to empower students by providing financial aid opportunities and upholding high standards of service and support.

Essential Job Duties

• Supervise the Assistant Director of Graduate Aid and Financial Aid Counselor for the Speech@Emerson program, ensuring adherence to graduate aid policies while managing these direct reports with a focus on professional development, training, effective communication, and evaluation.
• Serve as the primary liaison with key departments including Graduate Admission, Finance, Graduate Studies, and other College stakeholders to share updates, coordinate on policy changes, and address potential issues proactively.
• Serve as the lead point of contact for Graduate and Online student populations, ensuring they receive appropriate financial aid services. This includes providing counseling and guidance to students and families at all stages of the financial aid process, from initial inquiries and applications to crisis intervention and appeals.
• Provide guidance and training to all staff members on the latest updates to relevant federal and institutional programs as required.
• Proficiency in navigating federal systems such as COD and NSLDS, with in-depth knowledge of graduate financial aid packaging rules and regulations.
• Oversee and manage the reporting and resolution of c-flag codes on FAFSA applications, ensuring accuracy and timeliness. This includes monitoring the progress of the team assigned to handle these codes and providing necessary guidance and support.
• Ensure compliance and diligent oversight of the federal verification process, verifying that all graduate student files are complete with the necessary documentation and c-flag issues resolved.
• Handle the processing and awarding of merit and non-need-based aid, adjusting student budgets and awards based on enrollment changes, and coordinating financial aid appeals.
• Maintain active and responsive communication with students and staff, managing departmental email responses and phone coverage when needed.
• Conduct thorough file reviews, including the federal verification process, and assist in the coordination of audit-related information gathering.
• Execute additional administrative tasks and projects as assigned, maintaining flexibility and support across the department.
• Perform other general administrative tasks as assigned.

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Physical Abilities

Work Environment

Compensation : $64,500.00 - $79,000.00 annually, commensurate with experience. Grade of Position : 23-08E Scheduled Weekly Hours : 36.25 Division : Division of Enrollment

In addition to a competitive salary, Emerson College is committed to the health and well-being of our employees and family members. We offer a generous benefits package to regular staff scheduled to work 20+ hours per week. Benefits include outstanding health plans with limited out-of-pocket expenses, dental plans, generous time-off programs, and a 403(b) retirement benefit with a 9% employer contribution once eligible. Additional benefits such as life and disability coverage as well as commuter offerings are available.