Assistant Director of Financial Aid

Department: Financial Aid EV
Salary/Grade: EXS/5

*The expected salary for this position is between $56,000 - $60,000 per year, in alignment with departmental equity and market data.

Job Summary:

Provide a brief description of the general nature of the position; an overview of why the job exists; and what the job is to accomplish.

Reporting to the Senior Associate Director of Financial Aid, the Assistant Director for Client Services serves as a key resource for prospective and current undergraduate students and their families, providing comprehensive guidance on financial aid programs, regulations, and financing options. This role is responsible for evaluating financial aid eligibility and developing award packages in accordance with federal methodology and University policies, while advising students and parents on the financial aid application process, eligibility requirements, and available aid programs. The Assistant Director supports applicants through professional judgment, adjustment, and appeal processes, and delivers high-quality customer service through phone, email, and in-person counseling. In addition, this position manages an assigned financial aid project area, oversees a large portfolio of endowed funds administered by the Undergraduate Office of Financial Aid, and serves as a financial aid representative and liaison with campus partners, including Alumni Relations and Development. Some evening and weekend work is required.

*Note: Not all aspects of the job are covered by this job description.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Provides detailed information and professional advice to parents, students, and staff regarding financial aid eligibility, including University policies and federal and state regulations. Considers requests for adjustments and additional aid on a case-by-case basis and provides advice via e-mail, phone, and in person. Guides students through the application process, including the intricacies of the verification of information submitted on the FAFSA and College Board PROFILE forms.
• Supports the administration of undergraduate endowed funding programs by monitoring fund balances, tracking and reconciling expenditures, and ensuring compliance with donor intent as well as institutional policies and applicable regulations.
• Coordinates with university accounting and advancement partners on annual reporting and fund stewardship, helping to ensure financial accuracy and appropriate utilization of endowed resources.
• Maintains current knowledge of financial aid policies and institutional guidelines, advises students on how funding parameters may impact their eligibility and awards, and reviews and processes allowable adjustments to financial aid packages, including enrollment changes, while helping students understand and navigate updates to their aid.
• Stays abreast of federal and state regulations and institutional policies and procedures in order to provide excellent customer service.
• Responsible for managing a specific financial aid project area, to be assigned. Project areas may include federal eligibility assessment, federal verification, federal/state grant programs, federal/private loans, institutional scholarships, study abroad financial aid, athletic assistance, and additional federal regulations and institutional programs, as developed.
• Responsible for presenting at high school financial aid nights and student information sessions.

Miscellaneous

Performed other duties

Minimum qualifications (education, experience, certifications, skills)

• Bachelor's Degree, or appropriate combination of education and experience.
• 2-3 years' experience in financial aid
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral
• Ability to work as a leader in the office and member of the team
• Experience in explaining, processing, and reviewing federal financial aid regulations

Preferred qualifications (education, experience, certifications, skills)

• Experience in an office that uses PeopleSoft student information system
• Experience in a highly selective, complex, institution of higher education
• Experience in packaging financial aid
• Experience with Microsoft Office suite
• Ability to work with nationally known need analysis methodology.

Benefits:
At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern's non-discrimination statement. Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process.

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