WP Online Assistant Director of Financial Aid

William Paterson University invites applications for WP Online Assistant Director of Financial Aid.

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Correspond with prospective, new, and continuing WP Online students (undergraduate & graduate), as well as other departmental personnel in regard to financial aid processes and available programs.
• Counsel students and parents regarding application procedures, eligibility requirements, cost of attendance, management of available financial aid opportunities - loans, grants, etc., eligibility requirements, and the application process - assure accurate and complete information.
• Prepare and present financial aid and budgetary workshops to students. Serve as the subject matter expert to team/staff including day to day support and assistance with issues related to financial aid that are escalated and/or cannot be resolved.
• Ensure problems are resolved in an efficient and effective manner, work collaboratively and effectively with team/staff to meet customer expectations in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
• Monitor satisfactory academic progress of students receiving financial aid. Process student aid application and package awards.
• Verify, assess and review student eligibility for financial aid and complete revisions and adjustments to awards within established parameters and in accordance with federal legislation, state statutes, and institutional guidelines.
• Prepare reports as requested by WPONL director and financial aid senior management.
• Collaborate with the Office of Financial Aid in regard to student aid needs analysis, verify financial data and other criteria to confirm student aid eligibility for federal, state, and alternative financial aid award packaging.
• Demonstrate a firm understanding in government and private resources for funding a college education. Interpret, implement, and maintain up-to-date knowledge of Federal and State guidelines governing financial aid programs.
• Comply with current regulations of all federal, state, private and university programs.
• Evaluate unusual/mitigating circumstances documentation or appeal information provided by students and or parent; exercises professional judgment by making adjustment or revisions to cost, contributions, need or dependency status as exceptions to documented process/policies.
• Work with Office of Financial Aid to assist with new/improved electronic processing systems. Use various systems in the Office of Financial Aid to record, track and analyze student questions, and engagements.
• Analyze various system generated reports to verify continued compliance and eligibility of students receiving aid under federal, state and institutional guidelines; notify students of changes in eligibility of awards and alternatives to amend situation.
• Attend weekly strategic meetings with Academic Affairs' staff to resolve student roadblocks, promote student success, and support continual program development.
• Work closely with key Enrollment Management offices to connect and facilitate students' smooth matriculation as well as acclimation to WP Online --- Undergraduate Admissions; Registrar; Financial Aid; and Student Enrollment Services.
• Participate in professional student financial assistance associations.
• Act as liaison with various internal departments as appropriate.
• Perform other duties as assigned that are appropriate for the position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university required. Master's degree preferred with a minimum of 3 years of related work experience.
• Financial aid counseling experience and a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of federal regulations for administering student financial aid programs, financial aid need analysis, and processes. Experience in managing both federal and institutional methodology is a plus. Have considerable experience working with specific financial aid programs and a good working knowledge of FERPA rules and regulations and ability to ensure compliance.
• Knowledge of federal Title IV and state financial aid programs and regulations. Ability to use good judgment and make sound decisions. Understand the University environment and have the ability to effectively communicate knowledge.
• Proficient in Banner Student Information System, needs analysis, and federal/state financial aid programs. Ability to interpret and apply laws, policies and procedures. Familiarity with automated financial aid systems. Experience with MS Office (Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint), Banner, Image.
• Ability to work well with a diverse community and groups.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Work well under pressure and with frequent interruptions.
• Must be able to work flexible hours, to include evenings and weekends, during peak registration times and/or to meet the needs of a demanding office.

Personal traits and attributes:

• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in written and oral format.
• Able to chart a clear vision of future objectives and capable of prioritizing work to achieve stated and agreed upon goals.
• Able to hold confidential information with discretion.
• Demonstrated ability to build networks and collaborative relationships in a complex environment with competing needs and wants.

Invitation to apply:

Interested candidates will be prompted to complete an application and submit a cover letter and resume. General questions related to this application process, please contact [email protected].

 

Total Rewards:
Click here to view the total rewards of working at WP

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EEO Statement
William Paterson University is dedicated to providing equal opportunities and equal access to all individuals regardless of race or ethnicity, sex/gender (including pregnancy), gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, civil union status, familial status, religion, national origin or citizenship, military service status, or any other category protected by law. William Paterson University does not discriminate on the basis of any category stated above or as prohibited by applicable law. Individuals from historically underrepresented backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

For more information, visit University Facts