Associate Director of Financial Aid

Job Summary:

Under the supervision of one of the Senior Associate Directors of Financial Aid, the Associate Director(s) is responsible for helping guide students and families through the financial aid process, reviewing and processing student financial aid records and performing a variety of tasks and duties required to ensure eligibility and receipt of federal, state and institutional aid programs. The individual will also have responsibility for coordinating programs that can include the following and which may rotate among Associate Director(s) as determined by the Executive Director:

• Oversee, manage and coordinate the double degree program with Jewish Theological Seminary (JTS); work with JTS and the Executive Director to develop student budgets. Determine both Barnard & JTS grant, loan and job eligibility, and communicate information to the Director of the JTS Program. Revise JTS student packages each semester as program decisions are finalized.
• Oversee, manage and coordinate the external funding source process. This includes posting of all external funding award sources (VA Benefits, community scholarships, tuition remission, etc..), adjusting aid packages, reconciling funds, and collaborating with Bursar's office to ensure timely payment of scholarship checks.
• Oversee hiring, training, performance reviews, project delegation, etc.. of Federal Work Study (FWS) workers.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Administer federal, state and institutional financial aid programs, policies and procedures
• Perform need analysis and packaging for assigned caseload of prospective and current students with an understanding of the principles of federal methodology including:
  • Evaluating and calculate awards with a thorough knowledge of and adherence to Barnard's own policies and procedures
  • Make professional judgment decisions in extenuating circumstances to determine student's eligibility and awards
  • Awarding institutional and federal grants, loans and jobs
  • Estimating federal state and outside need-based grants and loans
  • Documenting interview and information obtained from families
• Assist with other financial aid oversite areas including, but not limited to professional judgement, SAP, and R2T4
• Enforce regulatory standards in compliance with Federal, State and Institutional requirements.
• Counsel students and parents regarding individual circumstances and the office's response to those needs:
  • Exercise a comprehensive knowledge of Barnard financial aid policies, procedures and awarding guidelines
  • Possess a complete knowledge of federal and state programs in order to communicate eligibility for those program to parents and students
  • Maintain strict confidentiality of all personal and financial information submitted to the Office of Financial Aid
• Assist students and parents in understanding financing options available through the Federal Direct lending Program including Stafford and PLUS Loans. Determine eligibility for these programs and process appropriate paperwork
• Participate and represent the College at local, state and national conferences and attend selected meetings; Serve on institutional, regional, and national committees based on office needs
• Represent the Financial Aid Office at College tabling(study abroad fairs, for ex) and Admissions Open House events. Work closely with Admissions to provide information to staff, high school guidance counselors, prospective students and their parents
• Other related duties, tasks and assignments as assigned

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Ability to work effectively with students and parents with sensitivity to student needs and development
• Excellent communication and writing skills
• Proven, in-depth knowledge of federal and state financial aid programs and their requirements, including electronic payment/disbursal systems for Federal and State aid processing and strong knowledge of Title IV regulations
• Demonstrated skill in using computer based software applications for program management
• Excellent organizational and analytical skills
• High degree of professionalism and discretion in contacts with management and team members
• Ability to address multiple tasks under dynamic and changing conditions

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree with a minimum of 5 years' experience in financial aid

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of PowerFAIDS
• Knowledge of Technolutions Slate

Work Arrangement:

This job is currently a hybrid position, but may require a presence in the office up to five times a week, including for team and full staff meetings and other times as directed by the supervisor.