Assistant Director, Financial Aid

The Position:
Assistant Director, Financial Aid
Job Summary:

Position Overview: Under the general supervision of the Director of Scholarships and Financial Aid, the Senior Assistant Director provides direction for and administers the operational functions of the financial aid office. Primary emphasis includes working closely with the Director of Scholarships and Financial Aid, Admissions staff, and the Vice President for Enrollment in planning, implementing and evaluating financial aid strategies designed to recruit and retain students.

Characteristic Duties & Responsibilities:

• Develop and manage financial aid marketing and communication strategies that will reach prospective and current students and their families.
• Develop annual budget recommendations for institutional grant awards, federal funding allocations and student employment department allocations.
• Meet with prospective students and families to answer questions relating to financial assistance available to students enrolled at Muhlenberg.
• Counsel and advise students and parents on financial aid programs and application process.
• Provide guidance to traditional and non-traditional students through the Financial Aid process; exercise independent judgment in response to inquiries regarding financial aid applications and communicate required student updates to the Federal Processor
• Assist in government verification procedures, review grant award rosters, resolve reported financial discrepancies, and update FAFSAs. as necessary.
• Review FAFSAs and prepare financial aid offers for GCE applicants and traditional undergraduate students.
• Certify and process for traditional and GCE student Federal loans, Pell Grants, PA State Grants, and Alternative Loans. Perform periodic reconciliation for awarded funds.
• Evaluate student credit balances and request financial aid refunds.
• Manage PHEAA programs including Ready to Succeed Scholarship, NG EAP, Summer PA Grant, and GCE PA Grant.
• Collaborate with GCE staff regarding enrollment strategies and new scholarship options
• Interface with other campus offices (Business Office, Registrar, etc.) as needed to effectively support office functions.
• Award restricted scholarships to eligible GCE students.
• Coordinate Military tuition benefits with School Certifying Official.
• Use federal/state web resources (NASFAA, COD, PHEAA, NSLDS) to keep up to date on evolving aid regulations and processes.
• Respond to requests for financial aid review via Element451; provide estimates of eligibility for enrollment decisions.
• Collaborate with Student Accounts to ensure accounts are current; resolve processing issues.
• Provide guidance to GCE staff regarding enrollment changes and financial aid eligibility.
• Prepare Consortium Agreements for students with dual enrollments.
• Collaborate with the Director of Scholarships and Financial Aid to develop policy, identify efficiencies, and enhancements in the delivery of student aid. Coordinate financial aid policies and procedures and calendar events.
• Collaborate with the Director of Scholarships and Financial Aid and Director of Financial Aid Operations to provide strategic vision and direction regarding customer service approaches, communication plans, and institutional policies and procedures.
• Determine financial aid eligibility. Implement Federal and State mandated regulations as well as institutional policies and procedures to prevent Federal, State, and internal audit exceptions. Prepare early scholarship and aid reviews for prospective students.
• Resolve matters and ensure compliance with Federal regulations. Ensure proper and secure handling of confidential student, parent, and/or alumni records in compliance with FERPA.
• Review IFAP and NASFAA daily to stay abreast of changes and additions to Federal Programs.
• Attend professional seminars regarding policy changes and updates.
• Administer the satisfactory academic progress policy by monitoring students’ qualitative and quantitative progress at the end of each academic year.
• Complete government verification process.
• Attend, participate in and represent the College at meetings and conferences.
• Educate students and families regarding need analysis and the determination of financial and eligibility.
• Represent Muhlenberg College by conducting Financial Aid presentations both on campus and at high schools.
• Lead, mentor, train, and supervise financial aid staff.
• May perform other duties as assigned.

While no one person may possess all the qualifications listed below, the ideal candidate will have many of the following professional experiences and characteristics:

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field.
• Minimum one year financial aid or related professional experience.
• Experience working effectively and supporting inclusion within a diverse community. Diversity, as affirmed in the College’s mission statement, is a fundamental Muhlenberg value. For more information, visit Muhlenberg DEIB.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and verbally, with students, parents, school counselors, fellow employees, college administrators, and other College constituents.
• Strong presentation skills to comfortably and effectively speak and present before groups of students and parents.
• Demonstrated proficiency in MS Office, Google Workspace, Financial Aid software/platforms/technology required. Knowledge of PowerFAIDS and Slate preferred, but not required.
• Successful completion of satisfactory background checks, including but not limited to child abuse clearance, education, and criminal background required.

Schedule & Benefits: This is a full-time, year-round position. Muhlenberg offers a highly competitive benefits package, including but not limited to, generous holidays (including 3 days off for Thanksgiving and an extended winter break between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day), vacation (22 days per year), sick leave, paid parental leave, tuition programs at the undergraduate and graduate level, medical, dental and vision coverage, flexible spending plans, College-provided short-and long-term disability, life insurance, and retirement.

The College & Surrounding Area: Founded in 1848, Muhlenberg College is a private, residential liberal arts college offering baccalaureate and graduate programs. At Muhlenberg, we are committed to a campus community that ensures students, faculty, and staff of all backgrounds feel welcome, respected, valued and included. Muhlenberg College is dedicated to shaping creative, compassionate, collaborative leaders through rigorous academic programs in the arts, humanities, business, natural sciences and social sciences; pre-professional programs in law, health and theology; and progressive workforce-focused post-baccalaureate certificates and master’s degrees. A diverse city of 125,000 located in Pennsylvania’s scenic Lehigh Valley, Allentown is the third-largest city in the state and is located just 60 miles north of Philadelphia and 90 miles west of New York City. The region, also comprising neighboring Bethlehem, Easton and more, is home to a vibrant arts scene, extensive parks and recreational opportunities, and a rich blend of diverse cuisine. Check out Allentown and Life in the Lehigh Valley | Muhlenberg College to learn more.

To apply, upload your complete application package as a single PDF document. A complete application package includes: 1) cover letter; 2) resume; 3) separate diversity statement summarizing your professional experiences and commitment to equity and inclusion; and 4) names/contact information for three professional references. Application review will continue until the position is filled. To initiate your application, use the APPLY button.

An Equal Opportunity Employer, Muhlenberg College is committed to valuing and enhancing diversity and encourages applications from individuals who can contribute to the diversity of our community. Muhlenberg College does not discriminate against any person based on age, ancestry, color, disability, gender, gender identity, genetics, national or ethnic origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, veteran status or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local laws, in its education programs and activities, including admissions and employment. Muhlenberg College does not discriminate on the basis of sex as required by Title IX.

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