Director Of Financial Aid

POSITION SUMMARY:

Olin College, in Needham, MA, is a community dedicated to a transformational education and reducing inequity in and through engineering education. We seek team-oriented individuals interested in supporting a student-centered and innovative environment by excelling at their own immediate responsibilities and contributing to both the Office of Admission and Financial Aid (OAFA) team and the college broadly.

The Olin College Office of Admission and Financial Aid blends both traditional and innovative recruitment and enrollment strategies to bring intelligent, adventurous, and entrepreneurial students to the college. Olin recognizes the achievement inside and outside the classroom of every admitted student through the Olin Tuition Scholarship which covers half the annual tuition for eight semesters of study. In addition to the Olin Tuition Scholarship, Olin meets demonstrated need for eligible US citizens and permanent residents.

The Director of Financial Aid is a member of the management team for the Office of Admission and Financial Aid which reports through the division of Academic Life at the college. With a student-centered approach, the financial aid program supports need-blind admission, meets fully demonstrated need, and provides Financial Wellness programming to the community. Through participation in recruitment and yield events, the director communicates the value of an Olin education and supports the enrollment strategies of the College. The director is responsible for all financial aid functions of the institution and provides the leadership and strategic vision in the planning, development and administration of financial aid for both prospective and currently enrolled students. The director develops and continually fine-tunes financial aid policies and procedures for the college in accordance with institutional and applicable federal and state regulations. The director ensures the efficient processing of financial aid and the highest level of customer service for students and families.

This is an in-person/on-campus position based in Needham, MA, with possible flexible work options. Any approved remote work arrangement must be performed in the state of Massachusetts where Olin is registered to do business.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manage institutional funding (merit scholarship and need based) of $12 million annually. Collaborate with stakeholders to provide annual budget projections, key metrics which support a need-blind admission process meeting full demonstrated need.

• Manage federal grant and loan processing portfolio of approximately $1-1.5 million. Responsible for all Federal programs (Federal Pell Grant, FSEOG and Direct Loan Program) and private loan certification process. Coordinate with Student Accounts and Financial Services on authorization, disbursement and reconciliation of all federal funds. Manage outside scholarship process in accordance with institutional policy and federal regulation.

• Assess needs analysis, verification and professional judgement for all financial aid applicants. Provide financial aid offers to students in accordance with federal, state and institutional policies and regulations. Counsel students and families in financial aid offer comparison and the college choice process.

• Develop marketing and communication plan for prospective and current students (Website, Student Handbook, College Catalog) ensuring clarity of message and compliance with regulations.

• Consult with colleagues in student services and campus stakeholders to ensure student success - communicating both the needs of the college and requirements of Title IV.

• Work with the dean to significantly grow Olin's net tuition revenue over the next few years.

• Serve on campus committees, as necessary.

• Assist the Dean of Admission and Financial Aid on other duties assigned.

As Data Point Administrator (DPA):

• Data Point Administrator (DPA) for the College coordinating with the U.S. Department of Education on matters related to exchange of Personally Identifiable Information (PII) and security of financial aid information in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. Point person for College in A-133 annual audit for Student Financial Services. Implement, review and evaluate the adequacy and effectiveness of internal controls for proper aid administration. Prepare federal and state reporting documents in compliance with all HEA requirements.

• Collaborate with Information Technology regarding departmental needs for the College system or record Jenzabar CX Financial Aid Module and supporting federal systems for exchange of data with Department of Education. Develop and maintain relationships with third party vendors as necessary for financial aid compliance and processing.

As Supervisor:

Supervise the Financial Aid Counselor who assists with prospective student counseling, filing review and manages the Financial Wellness Program for currently enrolled students.

EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred. Five to seven years of relevant experience in financial aid, with progressive steps in management of staff.

Required Skills and Characteristics:

• Excellent verbal and written communication

• Strong desire to collaborate

• Approachable and open

• Discretion and professional judgment

• Strong attention to detail and the ability to multi-task

• Hardworking, flexible and adaptable

• Capability to see the big picture and reprioritize their work accordingly

• Ability to work unsupervised and take initiative on projects

• Team-orientation and willingness to assist other staff when appropriate

• Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to values of equity, access, and belonging