Financial Aid Officer

Job Summary

Supervise the day-to-day financial aid activities including reviewing and evaluating financial information submitted by applicants to determine aid award in accordance with established federal and university standards and guidelines.

Job-Specific Responsibilities

Reporting to the Assistant Director of Financial Aid, counsel and advise a caseload of primarily graduate students on all aspects of financial aid, including budgeting, debt management, federal and private loan borrowing, and loan repayment. Responsible for program compliance with federal regulations. Communicate with students about federal regulations and institutional policies. Review financial aid applications and appeals; determine eligibility and need; award funds. Verify enrollment and academic standing, and disburse financial aid funds. Work with DCE program offices regarding degree requirements, satisfactory academic progress issues, and graduation.

Review federal loan information through the NSLDS and other federal websites for current and prospective financial aid applicants. Monitor Student Aid Internet Gateway (SAIG); loads ISIRs into Powerfaids and reviews NSLDS post-screenings. Communicate with outside scholarship and loan agencies, and other schools when necessary.

Collaborate on the development and editing of financial aid forms, general student correspondence, website content, office policies and procedures. Actively participate in system testing and troubleshooting changes and updates to new and existing processes, especially Powerfaids. Participate in University-wide Financial Aid Officers (FAOC) meetings, and attend outside training and workshops as needed. Perform other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions

This position will be based in Cambridge, MA. Hybrid workplace models in place at DCE with a minimum of 2 days per week on campus. DCE or department may adjust these as necessary or appropriate.

Physical Requirements

Sitting at a desk for long periods of time.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience required
• Minimum of 3 years' relevant work experience

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Familiarity with Powerfaids and NetPartner preferred
• Knowledge of Banner, Excel, Salesforce, and Federal Student Aid Systems a plus.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; strong writing and editing skills.
• Experience with non-traditional/adult students and both undergraduate and graduate programs a plus.
• Must be comfortable working collaboratively with a team of colleagues to manage a demanding workload.
• Attention to detail and accuracy critical.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills; ability to prioritize and follow through with projects.
• Must handle confidential information with discretion.

Additional Information

• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week, Monday-Friday, 9-5pm
• Compensation Range/Rate (including Shift Differential if applicable): $70,000-$80,000/annual
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education, and Criminal
• Other Information:
  • A cover letter is highly encouraged for consideration.
  • All formal offers will be made by FAS Human Resources.