UG Assistant Director of Financial Aid/Athletic Liaison for Financial Aid

American International College - Springfield, MA

Full-time - Mid Level

Springfield, MA

1,001-5,000 employees

Educational Services

About the position

The Undergraduate Financial Aid Assistant Director/Athletic Liaison for Financial Aid at American International College is a pivotal role responsible for the comprehensive management of financial aid processes for undergraduate students, particularly those involved in athletics and endowed scholarships. This position entails the accurate processing of financial aid applications, determining eligibility, awarding, and verifying both institutional and federal/state financial aid. The Assistant Director will provide essential counseling and guidance to students and their families regarding available financial aid programs, policies, and payment options, ensuring that they are well-informed and supported throughout the financial aid process. In addition to managing a caseload of student files, the Assistant Director will monitor the progress and status of award applicants, executing follow-up procedures as necessary. A key aspect of this role is serving as a liaison between the athletics department and the financial aid office, ensuring that student-athletes understand the financial requirements necessary for their participation in athletics while maintaining their eligibility for financial aid. This includes reviewing and adjusting student aid awards in response to changes in enrollment credits and housing, as well as addressing any concerns or questions from students and the college community regarding financial aid. The Assistant Director will also be responsible for assisting with the annual financial aid audit, awarding and tracking endowed scholarships, and maintaining accurate fund balance information. This role requires a commitment to professional development, participation in required meetings, and the ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends during peak times. The successful candidate will demonstrate a strong service-oriented attitude, a high level of organization, and the ability to work effectively under pressure while maintaining confidentiality and adhering to college policies.

Responsibilities

• Provide counseling to students/families on available financial aid programs, policies and procedures along with payment options
• Maintain current knowledge of federal and state regulatory changes and institutional policies and procedures
• Determine student need and eligibility for federal, state and institutional funds
• Manage an undergraduate caseload as well as all students with athletic scholarships for financial aid packaging and verification
• Act as the liaison between the Financial Aid office and the Athletic Department
• Review and adjust student aid awards due to enrollment credit changes and housing changes
• Review students flagged by the Department of Education for nearing their federal student loan limits utilizing the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS)
• Work with students on a personal basis regarding documentation and application deadlines in person, email, phone or via TEAMS
• Respond and resolve financial aid questions and concerns from students and the college community
• Manage all student communications
• Assist with annual financial aid audit
• Award and track endowed scholarships including the review of award requirements, assessment of possible recipients, awarding of funds, maintaining accurate fund balance information and supporting Institutional Advancement relating to reporting and stewardship
• Attend various trainings as required
• Perform any other duties or tasks as assigned by the Director of Financial Aid
• Develop professional contacts with counterparts at other local institutions
• Actively seek continued professional self-development on an annual basis
• Attend and participate in required meetings

Requirements

• High level of organization and analytical ability
• 1-3 years' experience in the Higher Education industry
• Ability to perform detailed work with minimal errors
• Demonstrated service and team oriented attitude
• Knowledge of PowerFAIDS and Jenzabar systems
• Ability to work across multiple systems with accuracy and attention to detail
• Able to work with and maintain confidential material and convey a positive, professional image
• Able to perform work with frequent deadlines and external pressure to complete assignments
• Proficient computer skills including Microsoft Office and Excel
• Excellent accounting, written, oral and interpersonal skills
• Willingness to work flexible and extended schedule including evenings or weekends when necessary
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and within FERPA
• Ability to adhere to college policies and procedures
• Should be committed to a culture of diversity and respect and inclusion; demonstrated ability to build working relationships with people having a wide variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences different from one's own
• General knowledge of the college's mission, purpose and goals and the role of a Financial Aid Counselor in achieving those goals