Assistant Director of Financial Assistance

Assistant Director of Financial Assistance

Position Summary

The Assistant Director of Financial Assistance is primarily responsible for counseling services to be provided to a portion of current as well as prospective students, and their parents, and participates in the process of file review, verification, and awarding of financial assistance to undergraduate students, and graduate students if necessary (excluding law and prospective transfer students). The Assistant Director co-administers all activities related to the PA State Grant and Special Programs as well as all other state grants received by our students. This role serves as the liaison to the Center for Access, Success & Achievement (CASA), serves as primary financial aid counselor for customer service-related issues, and partners with the Associate Director of Financial Aid, to streamline and enhance email, phone, and online correspondence. In addition, this role participates in ongoing professional development and training, representing the University and the OFA through participation in on and off-campus presentations to prospective and current students.

Villanova is a Catholic university sponsored by the Augustinian Order. The University is an equal opportunity employer and seeks candidates who understand, respect and can contribute to the University's mission and values.

Duties and Responsibilities

• File Review, Verification and Counseling
  Participate in the process of file review, verification, and awarding of financial assistance to undergraduate students, and graduate students if necessary (excluding law and prospective transfer students). Provide counseling services to prospective and current students and parents through scheduled as well as walk-in appointments.
• State Grant and PHEAA Program Administration
  Administration of all aspects related to the PA (PHEAA) and non/PA State Grant programs, as well as the PHEAA Special Programs and Institutional Assistance Grant program (IAG). Included in this responsibility is the coordination of all communications between the University and the State Grant Agencies related to the issuance of awards to Villanova students, compliance with regulatory requirements, oversight of state grant credits, and reconciliation of these funds throughout the year, and a final reconciliation at the end of each academic year. Responsible for training the staff on all matters related to state grant eligibility and use of the PHEAA Grant system.
• Financial Aid Support
  Serve as the primary financial aid counselor for all customer service-related inquiries, providing accurate information, problem resolution, and timely support to students and families. Assist the Associate Director with enhancing service to students and families, maintaining externally facing communications, and streamlined messaging.
• CASA Liaison and Financial Literacy Programming
  Serve as a liaison to the Center for Access, Success & Achievement (CASA) and as the primary counselor on all matters related to financial assistance. Develop and implement individual and group programs on financial literacy to strengthen and support the recruitment and retention of these students in concert with the diversity initiatives set forth in the University Strategic Plan.
• Website Content Review
  Perform a regular review (at least 2 times a year) of the content of the OFA website and provide input for change to such.
• Provide financial aid presentations to prospective and current students on- and off- campus.
• Perform additional duties and assist with special projects as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree required. (Master's degree preferred)

Minimum of three years of direct experience in Financial Aid, in addition to the experience requirement listed below, may substitute for the degree requirement.

Experience with all aspects of:

• Federal Title IV aid administration and regulations
• Office of Financial Assistance Policies and Procedures
• PHEAA remote access system and state grant program administration and regulations
• Banner/Ellucian experience preferred
• Experience with College Board IDOC, PROFILE, preferred
• Federal Student Aid Systems: NSLDS, COD, FPS

Minimum of two years' experience in a financial aid office, working directly with students and parents. Experience in counseling, review and verification required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills are essential Time management
• Attention to detail

Salary Posting Information

This position falls within salaried grade 13 and the range for this position is $51,000-63,800. The final salary will be determined with consideration of several factors including the selected candidate's qualifications, department budget availability, market data, and internal equity.

Salary Grade

13