"Assistant/Associate Director of Financial Aid"

St. Lawrence University invites applications for an Assistant/Associate Director of Financial Aid position. The individual in this position will assist in the administration of university, federal, and state financial aid programs while supporting the overall admissions and retention goals of the University. The position requires excellent oral and written communication skills and the ability to work independently with limited supervision. Exceptional customer service skills are required- this individual needs to be comfortable working with both prospective and current students, as well as parents and families. Salary range $60,405.80 - $62,000 annually.

Primary responsibilities include:

• Effectively counsel students and parents on all aspects of financial aid.
• Represent the University and the financial aid office at special events on and off campus.
• Coordinate the student employment program.
• Manage the expendable and endowed scholarship matching task.
• Award and package financial aid according to regulations and policy.
• Perform the day-to-day electronic financial aid processes in coordination with other campus departments including data transmissions to internal and external locations.
• Coordinate and implement the student information system communication plan with the Executive Director.

Essential Functions:

• Understand admissions goals; assisting with recruitment efforts as needed
• Knowledge of federal methodology, federal verification requirements, and general student eligibility criteria
• On-going training on changes/updates to federal and state aid regulations and eligibility criteria
• Ability to interpret federal tax returns (1040, Sub-Chapter S Corp tax returns, etc.) at a high level
• Ability to interpret W2 forms for federal verification
• Lead review of forms, letters and office documents suggesting changes as appropriate
• Coordinate Student Employment Program- including onboarding, assisting with payroll and audit processes, and completing employment verification requests
• Manage Community Assistant compensation processing in conjunction with Residence Life staff
• Manage the expendable and endowed scholarship matching task in coordination with Donor Relations staff
• Responsible for transmitting and receiving data via the Colleague system and SAIG Mailbox with the Department of Education
• Assist with staff training/project support as needed including complex Colleague SIS program set up and use
• Oversee award code setup and updates in Colleague
• Oversee several multistep cross-office processes with SLU Controller and Student Financial Services staff
• Establish successful relationships with colleagues in other offices (Student Financial Services, Student Life, Registrar, Business Office, Academic Advising, etc.)
• Understand the importance of confidentiality and ethics with dedication and excellent student service
• Be comfortable working independently and rely on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals
• Serves as an office lead in the absence of the Executive Director of Financial Aid
• Provide leadership, planning and direction for staff as the SIS power user
• Provide project support as needed for all other FA staff including the Executive Director
• Contribute to strategic office practices and procedures on an annual basis
• Knowledge of Word, Excel, and Colleague SIS
• Business travel as needed
• Extended work hours as required (can be extensive for this position’s duties)

Interested applicants must apply online at https://employment.stlawu.edu/postings/4206, uploading all required materials which are defined in the “special instructions to applicant” section. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Questions about the position may be directed to Tommiann Russell, Executive Director of Financial Aid, at trussell@stlawu.edu.

All offers of employment are contingent upon the finalist successfully passing a background (including criminal records) check.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required
• 1-3 years of experience in financial aid or related field
• Excellent organizational, verbal, and written communication skills
• Detail oriented, accurate with numbers and calculations
• Proven success in a fast-paced environment
• Knowledge of Word, Excel and database software
• Ability to learn and support financial aid software, with a technology focus key
• Ability to work extended hours as needed

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in financial aid or related field is highly desired.
• Knowledge of Ellucian Colleague or related financial aid software preferred.

About St. Lawrence University: Located at 23 Romoda Drive, Canton, NY, St. Lawrence University is a coeducational, private, independent liberal arts institution of about 2,000 students from more than 40 states and 40 nations. The educational opportunities at St. Lawrence inspire students and prepare them to be critical and creative thinkers, to find a compass for their lives and careers, and to pursue knowledge and understanding for the benefit of themselves, humanity and the planet. Through its focus on active engagement with ideas in and beyond the classroom, a St. Lawrence education leads students to make connections that transform lives and communities, from the local to the global. The University is committed to and seeks diversity among its faculty, staff and students. Such a commitment ensures an atmosphere that is diverse and complex in ways that are intellectually and socially enriching for the entire campus community. Applications by members of all underrepresented groups, as well as from individuals with experience teaching or working in a multicultural environment, are encouraged. St. Lawrence University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. For additional information about St. Lawrence, please visit http://www.stlawu.edu.