Associate Director, Financial Assistance

Job Description Summary

Department Overview
The office of Student Financial Services supports the enrollment goals of the university by providing general information and guidance to students about Student Accounts, Financial Assistance, and Student Employment. Staff members are dedicated to enrolling and retaining successful students and assisting their families through counseling efforts related to navigating student billing and financing options and to understanding financial aid awards, as applicable.

Job Description Summary
The Associate Director, Financial Assistance is a member of senior management within Student Financial Services, working to plan and direct daily financial assistance operations and collaborating with Student Accounts team members on billing related issues. This position reports to the Director of Financial Assistance and is a part of a team of counselors who manage the delivery of financial aid to prospective and continuing undergraduate and graduate students. The Associate Director supervises three staff members.

Job Description Summary

Department Overview
The office of Student Financial Services supports the enrollment goals of the university by providing general information and guidance to students about Student Accounts, Financial Assistance, and Student Employment. Staff members are dedicated to enrolling and retaining successful students and assisting their families through counseling efforts related to navigating student billing and financing options and to understanding financial aid awards, as applicable.

Job Description Summary
The Associate Director, Financial Assistance is a member of senior management within Student Financial Services, working to plan and direct daily financial assistance operations and collaborating with Student Accounts team members on billing related issues. This position reports to the Director of Financial Assistance and is a part of a team of counselors who manage the delivery of financial aid to prospective and continuing undergraduate and graduate students. The Associate Director supervises three staff members.

This role is responsible for the effective management of a caseload of approximately 10% of aid applicants/recipients. Duties include review of financial aid applications using both Federal and Institutional Methodology and proactive customer service to students and families throughout their enrollment at Bentley University. Ability to provide proactive customer service and timely communication with students, families, and both internal and external campus partners is essential.

The Associate Director trains and mentors newer staff on the complexities of federal and institutional awarding methodology and the use of professional judgment. Due to high-level proficiency in file review, this position often supports other counselors in application review, in order to keep the office on track with review goals, and performs quality assurance on completed student aid files.

Essential Functions

• Counsel a caseload of financial assistance applicants/recipients in all aspects of financial aid from the application stage, to the awarding stage, to the appeal stage (if applicable), and through billing cycles.

• Manage the daily and weekly priorities of three staff members, provide training, mentoring, and periodic performance evaluations.

• Coordinate the awarding of financial assistance to transfer students and serve as a liaison to the Undergraduate Admission office for this population of students.

• Serve as liaison to the Athletics Department for the National Letter of Intent process working with Undergraduate Admissions and Athletics in the recruitment and retention of student-athletes.

• Oversee general athletic financial aid awards and renewal awards in compliance with Bentley policies and NCAA regulations.

• Monitor Satisfactory Academic Progress, communicate SAP policy to student populations and manage the waiver process.

• Assist in various enrollment management activities, including traveling to local recruitment events, and represents the Student Financial Services office at various functions for the university, as well as through ad hoc committee work and cross-divisional initiatives.

• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required with at least 5 years of experience in the administration of financial aid in a higher education environment.

• Must have strong interpersonal and organizational skills, a focus on exceptional customer service, and excellent attention to detail.

• Must be adept at using technology and web-based applications.

• Experience with PowerFAIDs and/or Workday is desirable, but not required.

Work Environment

The office functions in a hybrid environment with the ability to work from home on a scheduled basis. Typical office setting with extensive sitting and computer work. Very little travel is required. However, overtime work is expected during peak periods and to assist with admission work and events. Attendance at two annual open house events is also required. With respect to the awarding of financial aid, accuracy is extremely important. Speed is critical in that students must be served in a timely manner. 

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Bentley University requires references checks and may conduct other pre-employment screening.

DIVERSITY STATEMENT

Bentley University strives to create a campus community that welcomes the exchange of ideas, and fosters a culture that values differences and views them as a strength in our community.

Bentley University is an Equal Opportunity Employer, building strength through diversity. The University is committed to building a community of talented students, faculty and staff who reflect the diversity of global business. We strongly encourage applications from persons from underrepresented groups, individuals with disabilities, covered veterans and those with diverse experiences and backgrounds.