"Assistant Director of Student Financial Services"

Job Details

Job no: R-0000002473

Position Title: Assistant Director of Student Financial Services

Faculty or Staff: Staff

Full Time or Part Time: Full time

In-Person, Hybrid, or Remote: Hybrid

Minimum Starting Rate of Pay: $54,425.00

Rate of pay commensurate with experience

Start Date: 09/01/2025

Job Description:

Mount Holyoke College is seeking a dedicated and experienced Assistant Director of Student Financial Services to join its team. This role is crucial in upholding the college's commitment to making education accessible and affordable for all students. You'll be the primary point of contact for students and their families, guiding them through the financial aid process and ensuring they receive the support they need to achieve their academic aspirations.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Financial Aid Counseling and Strategic Analysis (75%):
  • Provide expert guidance to students and families, ensuring they fully understand financial aid policies and processes, thereby facilitating a meaningful and successful Mount Holyoke College (MHC) educational experience.
  • Oversee an assigned caseload of students, managing their financial aid journey from initial application through final award, including verification of family data, resolving discrepancies, and ensuring compliance with federal and institutional policies.
  • Evaluate and process financial aid appeals, using professional judgment in line with College policies, to determine appropriate financial support for each student.
  • Foster a customer-centered environment by promoting high-quality service, community engagement, and strong relationship-building with students and families.
  • Take ownership of one or more financial aid/SFS programs as assigned, including regulatory compliance, operations, service and outreach, staff training, and development. Responsibilities may shift based on office needs and strategic priorities.
  • Stay at the forefront of industry developments by participating in continuous professional development, and share knowledge through the facilitation of training for direct reports, ensuring the office remains up-to-date on financial aid policies and loan servicing regulations.
• Travel & Recruitment (15%):
  • Travel up to 6-8 weeks annually, primarily in the fall, to visit high schools and present key messages about Mount Holyoke College to diverse audiences. Adapt communication strategies to effectively engage with different student populations and their families.
  • Represent Mount Holyoke College at national and, when applicable, international recruitment events, including college fairs, interviews, group information sessions (both in-person and virtual), and off-campus events, ensuring prospective students receive a comprehensive understanding of the College’s value proposition.
• Special Projects and Other Duties as Assigned (10%):
  • Contribute to special projects that align with the goals and strategic vision of the Financial Aid office and Student Financial Services, taking on additional responsibilities as needed to support the office’s initiatives and campus-wide priorities.

Required Qualifications:

• A Bachelor's degree.
• A minimum of 2 years of professional financial aid experience, including direct student counseling and file review.
• Expertise in state, federal, and institutional financial aid programs and compliance.
• The ability to thrive in a fast-paced, student-centric environment and manage deadlines effectively.
• A strong understanding of both institutional and federal methodologies.
• Excellent analytical skills.
• A demonstrated commitment to quality customer service.
• The ability to work independently and as a proven team player.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills.
• The capacity to handle confidential information with discretion and good judgment.
• Flexibility for evening/weekend work and business travel.
• A proven ability to support a diverse and inclusive community.

Preferred Qualifications:

• PowerFAIDS experience strongly preferred

Hiring Range: $54,425 - $61,229

What We Offer:

• 403(b) Retirement Plan (College contributes 10.5% of salary)
• Comprehensive medical, dental and vision insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Disability and Leave Benefits
• Life Insurance (College paid coverage 1x salary)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Tuition Benefits (to Mount Holyoke College or others)
• Generous Paid Time Off
• Access to Kendall Sports & Dance Complex

Background Checks:

Mount Holyoke College is committed to providing a safe and secure environment, supported by qualified employees that will allow all of its students, faculty, staff and those associated with them to successfully carry out the mission of the college. As a condition of employment, the College will conduct appropriate background checks for all new hires. Mount Holyoke has designated the Office of Human Resources as the office responsible for ensuring that background checks (CORI, SORI, Credit History, & Driver Credential) are completed and utilized in the hiring process and Five College Office of Compliance and Risk Management as the office responsible for facilitating background checks as articulated in this policy.

Special Instructions for Applicants:

Apply online; application materials must include:

• A cover letter summarizing interests and qualifications
• A complete resume or curriculum vitae
• For faculty positions, statements on mentoring, teaching, and research will also be required.