Assistant Director of Financial Aid Planning

The Assistant Director of Financial Aid Planning is a full-time position focused on educating students about the process of financing their education while supporting the mission of the institution and the overall goals of increasing enrollment, retention, and graduation rates. The Assistant Director will be involved in all aspects of financial aid administration, including compliance with state and federal regulations, with a heavy emphasis on the counseling of students and their families.

Essential Job Functions:

• Manage a dedicated caseload, providing students and their families with individualized counseling in all aspects of the financial aid process, including verification, alternative financing, and responsible debt management.
• Obtains/reviews confidential information relating to student enrollment, grades, and financial status to assess financial need and eligibility. Reviews student aid application files and determines eligibility for federal, state, and institutional financial aid. Awards aid to eligible students.
• Provide regular outreach and follow-up to students on outstanding items such as incomplete or missing loan applications, financial aid forms, and other documents required for packaging; while tracking outreach efforts and student progress.
• Perform regular file reviews to ensure compliance with institutional, state, and federal regulations; adjust student aid packages and funding based on changes to students’ enrollment statuses.
• Demonstrate strong professional judgment, and exercise discretion and independent judgment with respect to the College’s financial aid functions, and when making decisions in special or complex circumstances; seek assistance from the Director and, when appropriate, provide recommendations to best resolve these cases.
• Assist in the preparation of consumer information, applications, and other materials for current and prospective students; plan, coordinate, and administer financial aid workshops, presentations, and outreach activities.
• Maintains current knowledge of applicable state, federal, and local laws/regulations; researches new trends and advances in the profession; reads professional literature; attends meetings, workshops, and training sessions.
• Assist with the training and professional development of new and veteran Financial Aid Counselors.
• Represent the Office of Financial Aid Planning at college-wide events, including Open Houses, Accepted Students’ Days, student registration events, and orientations.
• Assist the Director with other projects as needed.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• 2-5 years’ experience and working knowledge of federal Title IV and state financial aid regulations.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to cultivate and manage relationships with students and their families; also must demonstrate strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Must be detail-oriented, with the ability to self-manage multiple projects while working under deadlines during peak times of the year.

Physical Requirements:  Sedentary work. Exerting up to 10 to 15 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. Stooping. Bending body downward and forward.

Working Conditions:  Normal office conditions. Must be available to work a flexible schedule, including evening, overnight, and weekend hours.

Travel:  Travel is primarily local during the business day, although some out-of-the-area and overnight travel may be expected. May require travel to other locations occasionally.

Job Type: Full-time, Exempt

Location:  Boston, MA

Experience: Financial aid: 2-5 years (Preferred) or experience working in a similar capacity within higher education.

Education: Bachelor’s Degree (Required)

Pre-Hire Process:

• Authorized to work in the following country: United States
• Willing to undergo a background check in accordance with local laws and regulations

How to Apply: Interested and qualified candidates should email a cover letter and current resume to the Director – Office of Financial Aid Planning, Jennifer Muldowney, jmuldowney@baystate.edu. Please include Assistant Director of Financial Aid Planning in the subject line.

No Phone Calls Please.

Bay State College is a private career-focused college founded in 1946 in the Back Bay neighborhood of Boston. With a Mission to prepare students for successful careers and global citizenship through academic rigor and individualized support, Bay State College seeks candidates who will be leaders in fulfilling that Mission.

Bay State is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status.