"Associate Director of Financial Aid, YSM"

Overview

Under the supervision of the YSM Director of Financial Aid, this position is responsible for the comprehensive administration of financial aid to graduate level students at the Yale School of Medicine (YSM). The Associate Director is involved in the continuum of aid administration through the application process, need analysis, verification, awarding of aid based on established packaging parameters, the use of professional judgment, disbursement of aid, and loan repayment counseling. Works closely with the Medical School, including the Physician Associate program, to help a talented and dynamic group of students finance an exceptional medical education.

Position Focus

Manages and develops direct reports. Oversees $15 million loan origination and disbursement process for all YSM programs. Manages and trains loan processor. Direct counseling of students, parents, and graduates on all aspects of financial aid, ensuring compliance with all institutional and federal financial aid regulations via phone, email, zoom and in-person. Responsible for being current on Title IV federal aid and student loan regulations through participation in trainings, peer group/professional association networks and professional development opportunities. Maintains financial aid database and provides data retrieval and analysis for audit, quality control, policy planning and statistical purposes. Serves as liaison to faculty, students, alumni, and staff in the Medical School including the Physician Associate and Physician Assistant online programs for all matters pertaining to financial aid. Determines eligibility for student aid based on application and documentation review, conducting needs analysis, exercising professional judgment, calculating awards based on packaging parameters, and certifying disbursements. Establishes priorities, provides instruction, and assigns work to clerical and front-line staff. Runs office in absence of Director. Active participant in the departmental leadership team; updates and advises the director as appropriate. Participates in formulating and recommending policies governing institutional aid in conjunction with higher level authorities. Interacts with internal contacts such as administrators, as well as key partner offices (i.e. Cashier, Student Financial Services, Student Employment) and external contacts (Department of Education, student loan lenders, Veterans’ Affairs, etc.) to ensure award and disbursement of student aid. Assists with other financial aid duties as assigned by the Director of Financial Aid.

Required Skills and Abilities

1. Highly developed computer and technology skills including advanced knowledge of the Microsoft Office Suite of programs with a demonstrated ability in word processing and spreadsheets. Extensive knowledge of current financial aid computer databases such as Banner, including reporting and data retrieval.
2. Demonstrated high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
3. Ability to concentrate in a busy office environment, and ability to meet deadlines.
4. Ability to manage and develop staff and contribute to building a highly effective team. Ability to build and maintain relationships with stakeholders throughout the school and university.
5. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Ability to be discreet when dealing with confidential financial and personal family information. Must be able to show sensitivity to a diverse group of students and parents during potentially difficult and sometimes emotional financial situations.

Preferred Skills and Abilities

Banner financial aid system experience desired. Graduate financial aid experience preferred.

Principal Responsibilities

1. Initiates, implements, and communicates admission, financial aid, internship, and career services strategic plans, policies, and procedures. Assesses and refines content of recruitment, admissions and career placement programs based on current trends and demographics.
2. Designs, initiates, develops and conducts programs and materials for recruitment seminars and workshops for prospective students, families, secondary schools and alumni committees. Develops and implements career fairs, panels and other programming for student career services.
3. Develops and maintains relationships with employers and internship sponsors to facilitate career opportunity development with external constituencies, including alumni.
4. Develops marketing materials and admissions publications to inform students, prospective students and families about available services, University policy and academic developments.
5. Supervises, develops, and trains a staff of exempt and non-exempt employees.
6. May perform other duties as assigned.

Required Education and Experience

Bachelor’s Degree in relevant field and six years of experience in admissions, registration, placement, financial aid, student counseling or an equivalent combination of education and experience.