Senior Assistant Director Of Financial Aid

General Summary:

The Senior Assistant Director/Financial Aid Counselor is a key contributor to meeting Division of Enrollment Management and University goals for recruitment, retention and superior service by assisting students and families in navigating forms, technology and deadlines associated with applying for, receiving and maintaining financial aid eligibility. The Senior Assistant Director/Counselor is responsible for a reduced caseload of Undergraduate and Graduate students. The incumbent will communicate and disseminate financial aid information, policies and procedures to students and families via email, phone and through in-person and virtual meetings. This role requires thorough knowledge of all federal and state regulations and institutional policies governing financial aid programs. The Senior Assistant Director/Counselor is responsible for overseeing the workflow for Undergraduate and Graduate caseload management for the Assistant Director/Counselor team. The Senior Assistant Director will provide oversight and guidance to the Assistant Director/Counselor team to ensure timely completion of tasks and take action to re-distribute workload amongst Counselors as needed to foster a team approach in the completion of caseload duties. The incumbent will work alongside senior management to create and implement task management tools to monitor the progress of caseload duties and prepare reporting tools that provide relevant data on the status of caseload workflow. The incumbent will take a lead role in providing training and help disseminate information to both the Financial Aid and One Stop Student Service staff. The incumbent will manage the Financial Aid reception desk team of Financial Aid Specialists, monitor student service coverage for walk-in and phone inquiries and coordinate support from the Counseling team to ensure adequate coverage. This position reports to the Senior Associate Director of Student Financial Aid.

Examples of Duties:

• Acts independently in counseling students, determining aid eligibility, awarding aid, and adjusting aid packages based on enrollment and outside sources of assistance.

• Counsel students and their families regarding the options available to meet the student's cost of attendance.

• Manage a reduced caseload of Undergraduate and Graduate students to assist in all aspects of the student's application for financial aid, including but not limited to Professional Judgement appeals, Satisfactory Academic Progress appeals, Study Abroad, verification, resolving conflicting information and options for additional financing.

• Responsible for case load management for the Counselor team with the oversight of the Senior Associate Director of Student Services of Financial Aid.

• Monitors incomplete aid applications and proactively reaches out to students to assist with the completion of their financial aid tasks.

• Monitors barriers to aid eligibility and disbursement of financial aid funds.

• Review procedures related to caseload workflows periodically to ensure they are current and compliant with federal aid regulations.

• Review procedures with the Assistant Director team to ensure understanding and provide guidance and training toward the goal of accurately and efficiently completing caseload tasks.

• Ensure sufficient coverage is in place on a daily basis for student service walk-in and phone inquiries.

• Complete assigned duties with a high degree of accuracy to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations and institutional policies.

• Provide guidance and financial aid counseling to students identified as homeless or at risk of homelessness.

• Maintain student confidentiality in accordance with FERPA regulations.

• Remain current on federal and state regulations and best practices as well as university policies; maintain auditable records of aid awards, aid adjustments and professional judgement appeals in accordance with federal and state regulations and university policies.

• Represent Enrollment Management and the Financial Aid Services office on university committees, at recruitment events and other campus events.

• Participate in meetings, workshops and conferences to keep current on national, regional and Massachusetts state financial aid policies.

• Support Enrollment Management goals and perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree required; master's degree preferred; Knowledge of and experience with PeopleSoft or a similar Student Information System preferred; Minimum of 4 years' experience in an automated financial aid office; Applied knowledge of regulatory requirements governing the financial aid programs; Background in counseling preferred; Demonstrated ability to

work independently and to develop, manage and implement large projects; Excellent interpersonal, management, decision-making and organizational skills; Ability to supervise the work of others; Ability to multi-task and work effectively in a high-volume, fast-paced environment; Ability to work and handle confidential information and materials; Willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends.

Application Instructions:

Please apply online with your resume, cover letter and list of three professional references.

Review of candidates will begin following the application closing date.

Only Internal candidates in the Professional Staff Bargaining Unit will be considered during the first 10 business days of the posting. All other candidates will be considered after that period.

Salary Ranges for the appropriate Pay Grade can be found at the following link:

Grade: 32

Salary Ranges

This is an exempt union position.

All official salary offers must be approved by Human Resources.

UMass Boston is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, we will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations for the hiring process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact HRDirect@umb.edu or 617-287-5150.

Applications close: 02 Aug 2024 Eastern Daylight Time