Assistant Director, Financial Aid

Description

Summary : The Assistant Director of Financial Aid assists with the development of policies and procedures governing the comprehensive financial aid program of the Washington College of Law and is responsible for assisting with implementing these policies and procedures.

The position is primarily responsible for oversight of financial aid counseling of all WCL students and applicants. The Assistant Director assists with processing and making award determinations.

The position assists in processing over $80 million in federal and institutional financial aid, and manages student workers.

Essential Functions : Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Provides financial aid counseling and counseling oversight for all WCL students and applicants, including full- and part-time JD, LLM, SJD, and MLS students, as well as alumni.

Counseling is performed in person, through information sessions, via email, telephone and video conferencing.

Counseling will be done in accordance with federal regulations and institutional / University policies, and will provide applicants with determinations of financial aid eligibility.

The position is responsible for providing accurate and timely information to a cohort of approximately 2,000 students and applicants.

Proactive outreach is also required to specific student populations throughout the academic year.

Supports and assists in managing student workers and staff, in the absence of the Director.

Counsels students and applicants with extenuating circumstances. Reviews and responds to escalated concerns with the Director of Financial Aid.

MLS students require separate communications, processing, counseling, and system setup / rollover due to being on a non-traditional 4-term calendar.

Supports the Director in the management, planning and administration of the total financial aid program at WCL, including development of policies and procedures to ensure delivery of financial aid to students and applicants in compliance with federal, institutional and program regulations.

Works with the Director to review and implement processes to support both the AU and WCL strategic plans.

Responsible for ensuring students and applicants receive high-level customer service.

Cultivates and supervises student worker part-time staff, including hiring, onboarding, and training.

Provides coaching and feedback and evaluates performance.

Oversight of Service Now including implementation.

Responsible for processing student-level internal and external financial aid awards including but not limited to federal and private loans, grants / scholarships, sponsored billing, Yellow Ribbon Program, and tuition remission.

Responsible for reviewing all track and verification documents to ensure compliance with federal regulations.

Processes and coordinates FWS program including summer FWS public interest program.

Represents AUWCL Financial Aid at FWS working group meetings.

Primary point of contact for graduates and alumni and works closely with partner organizations to provide loan repayment and exit counseling.

Responsible for processing and assisting with making award determinations for all PILRAP applications within the confines of the budget.

Ensures compliance with institutional, federal, state and other regulations which impact the administration of financial aid by reviewing applicable materials and attending scheduled training and other meetings with AU main campus financial aid and professional organizations.

Conducts audits, reviews, and reconciliation as necessary to ensure that all federal, University, and WCL requirements are met.

Represents AUWCL Financial Aid at both in-person and virtual financial aid information sessions, admissions and recruitment events, admitted students events, panels and presentations both on-campus and off-campus, as needed.

Represents AUWCL Financial Aid at campus partner and external partner meetings, as needed.

Assists with testing database upgrades and student-user systems with Director and other members of the AUWCL Financial Aid staff.

Member of WCL Financial Aid Committees on Appeals, Emergency Funds, Need-based Grants, and Scholarship review committee.

Other duties and special projects as assigned.

Competencies :

Championing Customer Needs.

Acquiring and Analyzing Information.

Making Accurate Judgments and Decisions.

Collaborative Leadership.

Acting Strategically.

Driving Continuous Improvement.

Managing Talent.

Developing Plans.

Salary Range :

$70,000 - $80,000 annually.

Position Type / Expected Hours of Work :

35 hours per week.

Supervisory Responsibility :

Cultivates and supervises student worker and any part-time staff, including hiring, onboarding, and training. Provides coaching and feedback and evaluates performance.

Required Education and Experience :

Bachelor's degree.

3-5 years of relevant experience.

Experience in financial aid administration in multi-program environment at a comparable institution is required.

Familiarity with automated financial aid data systems.

Demonstrated interest in student problems, debt management and skill in personal counseling; and program experience are required.

Travel Required :

Attend off-campus meetings, trainings, admissions and recruitment events, panels and presentations, as needed.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications :

Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Strong attention to detail with an ability to manage multiple projects concurrently.

Prior supervisory experience is preferred.

Benefits AU offers a competitive benefits package including a 200% matching retirement plan, tuition benefits for full-time staff and their families, several leadership development certificates, and has been recognized by the American Heart Association as a fit-friendly worksite. . Other Details

Hiring offers for this position are contingent on successful completion of a background check.

Employees in staff positions at American University must deliver their services to the university from either the District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia, or perform work on-site at the university.

Please note this job announcement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job.

Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

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