Assistant Director of Undergraduate Financial Aid

About the Opportunity

Job Summary:

Advise and counsel full and part-time undergraduate students/families on the availability of financial aid, the delivery process for receiving it, and the reconciliation processes required to ensure that financial aid funds are transferred to student account. Review student financial aid applications and complete financial aid awarding based on federal and institutional policies, perform verification procedures, review/evaluate appeals, and intercede for students with participating departments (Deans, Registrar, Co-op, Residence Life, and Athletics staff). Assist with operational tasks within the Student Financial Services undergraduate financial aid team. In close coordination with the Associate Director of Undergraduate Financial Aid and Director of Undergraduate Aid, assist in the management of operational functions relating to the administration of institutional scholarships and grants, and federal aid for undergraduate students. Assist in the coordination and distribution of workload for Financial Aid Counseling staff. Hire, train and supervise financial aid counselors. Represent Student Financial Services at different recruitment/informational events on campus.

Key Responsibilities & Accountabilities:

• Financial Aid Operations: Assist with the design and Implementation of policies and procedures for undergraduate aid. Integrate federal regulations and Northeastern application and awarding policies. Work with internal/external stakeholders to assess/improve operational workflow concerns and identify/resolve issues with the assistance of SFS leadership. Assist the Director of Undergraduate Aid and Associate Director of Undergraduate Aid with operational tasks related to Undergraduate financial aid processing such as verification, Return to Title IV calculations, auditing financial aid awards, etc.  

• Supervise Financial Aid Counselors: Direct and supervise financial aid staff members. Define areas of responsibility and monitor performance. Coordinate personnel functions as they relate to financial aid office needs. Initiate and administer personnel development and resolve employee issues with HRM. Train on all Title IV regulations and Northeastern policies. Assist in resolution of escalated cases from undergraduate financial aid counselor team.

• Counseling Case Load: Counsel and advise students and parents on financial aid process, awarding and financing options. Through appointments, e-mail, written correspondence, telephone communication, explain financial aid process, NU billing procedures. Provide conflict resolution with student accounts team, lenders, etc. Monitor satisfactory academic progress. Administration of federal, state and Northeastern based financial assistance. Review student applications. Perform federal and institutional need analysis to determine eligibility. Review and evaluate student appeals. Verify information according to federal process. Implement NU based awarding guidelines. 

• Student Financial Services Representative: Attend university-wide open houses, student meetings, workshops, and informational sessions to advise current and prospective students, as well as colleagues, on the financial aid process. 

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s preferred. Progressive levels of responsibility in higher educational financial aid administration that demonstrate organizational, managerial and budgetary skills.

• Experience with budget reconciliation, proficient in Title IV and state regulations.

• Detail oriented with ability to organize multiple tasks simultaneously.

• Effective written, oral, interpersonal, and leadership skills.

• Experience with PowerFAIDs preferred. An ability to build strong working relationships throughout the university community.

• Ability to balance institutional policies and aid program regulations with the individual needs of students.

Position Type

Additional Information

Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education and skills when extending an offer.  

Northeastern has a comprehensive benefits package for benefit eligible employees. This includes medical, vision, dental, paid time off, tuition assistance, wellness & life, retirement- as well as commuting & transportation. Visit https://hr.northeastern.edu/benefits/ for more information.  

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Compensation Grade/Pay Type:

Expected Hiring Range:

With the pay range(s) shown above, the starting salary will depend on several factors, which may include your education, experience, location, knowledge and expertise, and skills as well as a pay comparison to similarly-situated employees already in the role. Salary ranges are reviewed regularly and are subject to change.