Senior Assistant Director, Graduate Financial Aid, Boston

Senior Assistant Director, Graduate Financial Aid

5 Days Old

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The Senior Assistant Director of Graduate Financial Aid reports to the Director, Financial Aid plays a crucial role in overseeing the financial aid processes, specifically focusing on Emerson's Graduate and Online programs. This position entails supervising the graduate financial aid team, ensuring compliance, managing the graduate file review process, and training staff on regulatory updates. The role emphasizes leadership and mentorship to empower students by providing financial aid opportunities and upholding high standards of service and support.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

Supervise the Assistant Director of Graduate Aid and Financial Aid Counselor for the Speech@Emerson program, ensuring adherence to graduate aid policies while managing these direct reports with a focus on professional development, training, effective communication, and evaluation.
Serve as the primary liaison with key departments including Graduate Admission, Finance, Graduate Studies, and other College stakeholders to share updates, coordinate on policy changes, and address potential issues proactively.
Serve as the lead point of contact for Graduate and Online student populations, ensuring they receive appropriate financial aid services. This includes providing counseling and guidance to students and families at all stages of the financial aid process, from initial inquiries and applications to crisis intervention and appeals.
Provide guidance and training to all staff members on the latest updates to relevant federal and institutional programs as required.
Proficiency in navigating federal systems such as COD and NSLDS, with in-depth knowledge of graduate financial aid packaging rules and regulations.
Oversee and manage the reporting and resolution of c-flag codes on FAFSA applications, ensuring accuracy and timeliness. This includes monitoring the progress of the team assigned to handle these codes and providing necessary guidance and support.
Ensure compliance and diligent oversight of the federal verification process, verifying that all graduate student files are complete with the necessary documentation and c-flag issues resolved.
Handle the processing and awarding of merit and non-need-based aid, adjusting student budgets and awards based on enrollment changes, and coordinating financial aid appeals.
Maintain active and responsive communication with students and staff, managing departmental email responses and phone coverage when needed.
Conduct thorough file reviews, including the federal verification process, and assist in the coordination of audit-related information gathering.
Execute additional administrative tasks and projects as assigned, maintaining flexibility and support across the department.
Perform other general administrative tasks as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS - Qualifications are deemed required or preferred and represent what is needed to effectively perform job.

Bachelor's Degree required, Master's Degree preferred
3-5 years of experience in Financial Aid or Student Accounts required
1-3 years' experience with Banner or similar financial aid management system
Experience with counseling and student programming
Experience working with diverse student populations preferred
Experience working closely with students/families in a higher education environment required

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES - May be representative, but not all-inclusive, of those knowledge, skills, and abilities commonly associated with the job.

Knowledge of admission, student accounts, or other student services preferred
Excellent customer service skills and the ability to work with students and parents in a friendly, courteous manner
Cross-training of colleagues
Ability to propose changes to current policies and procedures to increase customer service efforts
Have strong communication skills that include the ability to present information in a public manner as well as one-on-one meetings
Excellent written skills are expected
Ability to handle stressful situations in a courteous and professional manner
Inquisitive and analytical, with strong critical thinking skills. S/he will have the ability to solve problems, including the ability to help non-experts understand policies and processes
Excellent organizational skills with the ability to multi-task and successfully prioritize tasks
Commitment to and ability to work with diverse populations.

PHYSICAL ABILITIES - Activities commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job. The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Ability to sit or stand for long periods
Ability to concentrate for long periods of time
Some travel with outreach programming and professional development required.

WORK ENVIRONMENT - Environmental or atmospheric conditions commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job.

Typical office conditions.

Disclaimer: This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees may be required to follow other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties as requested, subject to all applicable state and federal laws. Certain job duties described herein may be subject to possible modification in accordance with applicable state and federal laws.

Compensation: $64,500.00 - $79,000.00 annually, commensurate with experience.

Grade of Position: 23-08E

Scheduled Weekly Hours: 36.25

Division: Division of Enrollment

In addition to a competitive salary, Emerson College is committed to the health and well-being of our employees and family members. We offer a generous benefits package to regular staff scheduled to work 20+ hours per week.

Benefits include outstanding health plans with limited out-of-pocket expenses, dental plans, generous time-off programs, and a 403(b) retirement benefit with a 9% employer contribution once eligible. Additional benefits such as life and disability coverage as well as commuter offerings are available.

Please refer to our benefits website for a full list of benefits and eligibility requirements.

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Location:: Boston

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