"Assistant Director of Financial Aid"

Job Details

Wesleyan University, founded in 1831, is a diverse, energetic liberal arts community where critical thinking and practical idealism go hand in hand.

The Financial Aid Office at Wesleyan University is dedicated to assisting both returning and first-time applicants in their financial aid journey. With a $90 million need-based financial aid program, Wesleyan is committed to meeting 100% of the demonstrated financial need for all undergraduate students, offering aid without the use of loans.

Reporting to the Associate Director of Financial Aid, the Assistant Director will join a service-oriented team and will be responsible for counseling students and parents in the areas of financial aid. Typical duties include:

• Provide top-level customer service, advice, and counseling to students and families as they make decisions about college planning and financing.
• Perform federal and institutional need analysis and award aid to a caseload of approximately 300 first-year applicants and assume responsibility for a class of approximately 300 students after May 1 commitment date.
• Work independently to read and award financial aid to applicants under a tight timeline.
• Maintain knowledge of federal and institutional financial aid regulations and requirements to ensure legal, fair, and consistent administration of federal, state, and institutional financial aid funds.
• Work as a team to innovate and coordinate outreach activities to current and prospective students to improve file completion rates.
• Develop, coordinate, and participate in outreach activities with various on and off-campus partnerships such as the Admission Office, Career Center, high schools, and community service organizations.
• Co-manage various financial aid publications and communications in conjunction with others on campus.
• Provide back-up support in various office functions.
• Aid other staff in the back-office operations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

This position is an on-campus position with potential for a hybrid (on campus and remote) schedule in the future. All positions may require on campus meetings.

Remote work is only considered for residents of MA, VT, NH, ME, CT, RI, or NY. (Relocation assistance to CT is available for those who qualify).

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of two years financial aid experience or an equivalent combination of education, training, and related experience in the profession. Student work-study experience may be considered.

Strong interpersonal communication and problem-solving skills.

Attention to detail and a sense of humor.

Demonstrated ability to work independently and take initiative.

Demonstrated ability to work as a member of a team and collaborate with others.

Demonstrated ability to analyze and synthesize information.

Demonstrated empathetic customer service skills and experience advising others.

Proven ability to set work priorities and manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment while meeting deadlines.

Ability to handle confidential matters with discretion.

Proven ability to use multiple software systems including but not limited to Word and Excel.

Demonstrated commitment to work within a diverse environment and interact openly with individuals of different backgrounds.

Ability to work evenings, weekends, and occasional holidays as needed.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Experience with PowerFAIDS financial aid software.

Experience with institutional methodology and need analysis.

Counseling experience in a higher education setting.

Knowledge of Federal Title IV programs, federal compliance and state regulations.

Proficiency in a second language.

Additional Application Instructions:

Position is open until filled. For full consideration, please apply by October 7, 2025 when first review of applications will begin.

Applications must include a cover letter and resume.

Salary Range: $52,400.00 - $61,300.00

Work Location: On Campus

All offers to external applicants are contingent on the candidate’s completion of a pre-employment background check screening to the satisfaction of Wesleyan University.

Wesleyan University, located in Middletown, Connecticut, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, age, gender, gender identity or expression, national origin, marital status, ancestry, present or past history of mental disorder, learning disability or physical disability, political belief, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information or non-position-related criminal record. We welcome applications from women and historically underrepresented minority groups. Inquiries regarding Title IX, Section 504 or any other non-discrimination policies should be directed to Vice President for Equity and Inclusion, Title IX and ADA/504 Coordinator.

Wesleyan University complies with the Clery Act and maintains records of campus crime statistics and security policies. Copies of Wesleyan University’s Clery Act Report are available on request and online at https://www.wesleyan.edu/publicsafety/clery.html.

Experience is taken into consideration in the determination of salary offers. For more information visit https://www.wesleyan.edu/hr/handbook/compensation-practices/index.html.

Wesleyan offers a broad range of employee benefits and development opportunities, including comprehensive group insurance plans, wellness programs and incentives, generous paid time off and retirement plans, flexible work schedules, employee and dependent tuition programs for those who qualify.

Detailed information on the benefits of working at Wesleyan is located at: https://wesleyan.edu/hr/careers/prospective-resources.html.