Assistant Director-Financial Aid

About the position

Excelsior University is seeking applicants for the position of Assistant Director Financial Aid, in the Office of Student Financial Services. We are seeking a dynamic individual who thrives in a fast-paced environment, where critical thinking and creativity are valued skills in day-to-day processing. The Assistant Director of Financial Aid plays a key role in supporting the leadership team with the daily operations of the department. This position oversees and manages the execution of at least one Title IV program, ensuring that policies and procedures are aligned with current federal regulations and are both effective and student-centered. The successful candidate will be responsible for student packaging, repackaging, and counseling, while maintaining a deep understanding of the regulations governing the accurate administration of Title IV funds. Although the primary focus is on the efficient and compliant management of Title IV programs, this role also encompasses various aspects of the Financial Aid office. While it is preferred that the Assistant Director of Financial Aid be located in Albany, New York, or a nearby area, remote work options will be considered. This position is based out of the university's home office in Albany, NY with the option of considering remote candidates. Remote employees will have mandatory occasional travel for meetings, conferences, and professional development opportunities. Remote employees are expected to be available during work hours 8:30 am - 5:00 pm Eastern time. The University will supply necessary equipment to perform the essential functions of this job (e.g., Laptop, docking station). Employees are responsible for having a workspace where they can participate in virtual meetings without multiple interruptions and noise.

Responsibilities

• Administer Title IV program(s) for the university including, but not limited to; awarding, verification and assisting in reconciliation in collaboration with other units of the University and Common Origination and Disbursement (COD).
• Ensure compliance with all Federal Title IV regulations, develop and maintain policies and procedures.
• Work in collaboration with the Associate Directors and Director to prepare for and engage in the annual A-133 audit.
• Responsible for remaining up-to-date with changes in regulation as well as interpreting and implementing those regulations within assigned program(s).
• Responsible for communicating all changes, related to assigned program(s), to all stakeholders.
• Responsible for creating and maintaining process flows for assigned program(s).
• Work to promote academic success, increase retention, decrease time toward graduation, and improve the overall educational experience of students.
• Support the development of the whole student by providing excellent customer service and resolution of issues through telephone, email, virtual meetings, and preparation of written correspondence for financial aid.
• Serve as an information resource for all incoming students, transfers, and re-entering students as well as internal staff.
• Assist with developing, revising, and updating processes of financial aid related to Title IV program administration along with creating and/or editing any required forms and publications.
• Participate in professional development.
• Engage in and support the development and administration of Student Financial Services.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree and a minimum of 2 years of experience in a financial aid or related student service administration.
• Experience in student financial aid regulations, financial aid software and proficiency with Microsoft Word & Excel.
• Strong communication skills, attention to detail and strong problem solving skills.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with PowerFAIDS financial aid management system.
• Demonstrate an interest in promoting distance learning higher education to a diverse adult student population.