Position Details:

Eastern Connecticut State University is seeking an Assistant Director of Financial Aid to assist with daily operations of the financial aid office. Reporting to the Director of Financial Aid, the Assistant Director will assist with general duties, including but not limited to:

• Delivers exemplary customer service to prospective and continuing students and families in planning and coordinating the funding of their education.
• Manage a dedicated caseload, providing students and their families with individualized counseling in all aspects of the financial aid process, including federal verification, alternative financing, and responsible debt management.
• 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.
• Determine financial aid eligibility of students based on institutional, state, and federal regulations.
• Perform regular file reviews to ensure compliance with institutional, state, and federal regulations; adjust student aid packages and adjust funds based on changes to students' enrollment statuses.
• Exercise discretion and demonstrate strong professional judgment when making decisions in special or complex circumstances; seek assistance from the Director and, when appropriate, provide recommendations to best resolve these cases.
• Assist with co-managing some of the following processes: Pell reconciliation, Satisfactory Academic Progress appeals, private scholarship processing, ECSU Foundation Scholarship processing, special program processing, and loans.
• Participate in outreach activities with various on and off-campus partnerships, including current and prospective students, the Admissions Office, Academic Success Center, high schools, and community service organizations.
• Remain current on all institutional, state, and federal regulations; participate in regular training and professional development on best practices to ensure compliance.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree and a minimum of three years of financial aid experience or an equivalent combination of education, training, and related experience in the profession.
• Strong interpersonal communication and problem-solving skills. Demonstrated ability to take initiative and possesses strong attention to detail.
• Demonstrated service aptitude and ability to work independently as well as with students and parents, and with colleagues.
• Demonstrated and thorough working knowledge of computer systems and the ability and willingness to learn new systems/processes.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze and synthesize information.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including nights and weekends as needed.
• Proven ability to set work priorities and manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment while meeting deadlines.
• Ability to handle confidential matters with discretion.
• Demonstrated commitment to work within a diverse environment and interact openly with individuals of different backgrounds.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience and proficiency with Ellucian Banner financial aid software.
• Experience with Pell reconciliation and loan processing.
• Experience with institutional methodology and need analysis.
• Counseling experience in a higher education setting.
• Knowledge of Federal Title IV, and state regulations.
• Fluency in a second language.

All applications should be submitted by November 14, 2023 for priority consideration. Please send a resume, cover letter, and three references to Jennifer Bright, Assistant Director of Financial Aid, at brightj@easternct.edu.