Assistant Director of Financial Aid

Southern Connecticut State University is a diverse and student-centered university dedicated to academic excellence, access, and service for the public good. Southern provides a supportive and welcoming environment for all members of its community through a campus wide commitment to social justice. Founded as a teacher’s college in 1893, Southern has evolved over the past century into a comprehensive public university of more than 8,500 students, offering graduate and undergraduate programs in the liberal arts and professional disciplines. It is one of four universities in the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities System. The University is located in New Haven, a city rich with arts and culture, and less than 90 miles from New York City and 140 miles from Boston.

Under the supervision of the Associate Director of Financial Aid, the Assistant Director will work collaboratively within the Financial Aid team to administer all aspects of the financial aid process, including but not limited to administration and interpretation of financial aid policies and procedures in accordance with established federal, state and institutional regulations, policies and guidelines. Additionally, the Assistant Director will advise students through the financial aid process and ensure they are properly informed, funded, packaged and prepared to start each semester; support Enrollment Management goals to recruit and retain students; and provide excellent student service while maintaining compliant, timely, accurate, effective and efficient operation of the Financial Aid department.

Essential Functions

• Maintains current knowledge of financial aid regulations, policies, and procedures in order to effectively and efficiently award and support an assigned group of student aid applicants.
• Administers state, federal, university, and other financial aid resources in compliance with all relevant regulations and university policies, while maintaining excellence and timeliness in service, effectiveness, and efficiency of operations.
• Assists the Director/Associate Director with coordination of financial aid administrative activities, including but not limited to: generating and following up on quality assurance reports; fund awarding and packaging; fund reconciliation; student eligibility review; scholarship administration; loan processing; student employment administration and other financial program management; verification; external fund processing and reconciliation; regulatory and policy compliance; and professional judgment.
• Provides accurate and helpful information while advising students, family members, and in addressing campus stakeholders and external groups.
• May supervise student employees.
• May occasionally be required to work evenings or weekends.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Three (3) years of experience in financial aid or higher education enrollment management or student services.
• Knowledge of or ability to learn federal Title IV needs analysis.
• Excellent communication and service skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities, working under pressure and time constraints.
• Cultural awareness, competency, and an ability to contribute to a campus committed to diversity, inclusion, and social justice.
• Experience learning and becoming proficient with a variety of computer applications.

Preferred Qualification

• Experience with the Ellucian Banner financial aid or similar student information system and financial aid administration software.

These qualifications may be waived for individuals with appropriate alternative experience and/or training.

Application

For full consideration, please submit a letter of interest, resume and contact information for three professional references to Heather Walters at barnash1@southernct.edu. The position will remain open until filled.