Assistant Director- Financial Aid Counselor

Assistant Director – Financial Aid Counselor

Join to apply for the Assistant Director- Financial Aid Counselor role at UMass Boston.

Overview

The Assistant Director, Counselor is responsible for communicating and disseminating financial aid information, policies and procedures to graduate and undergraduate students and families through in-person interviews, media and phone consultations; and for keeping staff abreast of policy and regulatory changes affecting student eligibility and ensuring consistency in applying policies throughout the Financial Aid Services organization. The role requires thorough knowledge of all federal and state regulations and institutional policies governing the financial aid programs. The Assistant Director, Counselor acts independently in counseling students, awarding aid and adjusting aid packages; and is responsible for the financial aid application verification process. The incumbent uses professional judgment, in accordance with federal regulations, to adjust financial aid awards due to unique family situations, student enrollment plans and coordination of external aid awards. The Assistant Director, Counselor is also responsible for managing federal, state and/or institutional financial aid programs as assigned, including but not limited to awarding, disbursing, reconciling cash receipts and expenditures, and monthly/annual reconciliations.

Responsibilities

• Counsel a caseload of students in all aspects of financial aid including applying for aid, determination of need, packaging policies, disbursement, appeals process, changes to aid package, loan borrowing and student employment; this includes supporting specified populations (i.e. graduate students, second degree, accelerated master’s and consortium agreement participants).
• Manage federal, state and/or institutional programs, including cash receipts and program expenditures.
• Responsible for all aspects of the federal verification process including organization of documents, recording correct data into the student information system, verifying data items required under federal regulations, processing corrections, monitoring correction files, and monitoring aid packages for accuracy relative to verified ISIR applications.
• Ensure written materials accurately reflect university policies and comply with federal and state regulations.
• Work closely with other university departments to ensure accurate information is exchanged regarding policies and procedures.
• Collaborate within the Financial Aid Services team to disseminate financial aid information and provide excellent customer service to students and families.
• Keep the Financial Aid Services department abreast of policy and regulatory changes affecting student eligibility and ensure consistency in applying these policies.
• Responsible for program reconciliations and year-end closeout related to assigned financial aid programs.
• Keep abreast of new federal and state initiatives and make recommendations regarding implementation; maintain auditable records of aid awards, aid adjustments, and documentation in accordance with regulations.
• Represent the Student Financial Aid Services office on university committees, at recruitment events and other events as assigned.
• Participate in meetings, workshops and conferences to stay informed about local, regional and national financial aid policies.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor\’s degree required with a minimum of three years of progressive experience in financial aid.
• Preferred qualifications: Knowledge of and experience with PeopleSoft or similar student information system; counseling techniques; other relevant experience as applicable.
• Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
  • Applied knowledge of regulatory requirements governing the financial aid programs;
  • Knowledge of all federal and state regulations governing financial aid programs;
  • Ability to work effectively in high-stress situations;
  • Ability to gain the confidence of students and their families;
  • Strong analytical, interpersonal, management, and organizational skills;
  • Strong commitment to customer service.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends, as needed, for recruitment events and peak processing.

Application Instructions

• Please apply online with your resume, cover letter and list of three professional references.
• Review of candidates will begin after the application closing date.
• Only Internal candidates in the Professional Staff Bargaining Unit will be considered during the first 10 business days; all other candidates will be considered after that period.

Salary and Benefits

Salary Grade: 31. Salary ranges can be found via the university’s salary information. This is an exempt union position. All official salary offers must be approved by Human Resources. UMass Boston is committed to inclusion and to providing reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. If accommodations are needed, please contact HRDirect@umb.edu or 617-287-5150.

EEO Statement

UMass Boston is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status.

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