Assistant Director of Financial Aid - Remote/Hybrid Flexibility
Colgate University

Job Category:

Professional/Administrative

Assistant Director of Financial Aid - Remote/Hybrid Flexibility

Full Time

Admission and Financial Aid

Financial Aid

$67,000 - $70,000

When extending an offer, Colgate University considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as market and organizational considerations.

Current Benefits
Colgate University is proud to offer in-depth, competitive benefits that support the health and wellbeing of our employees and their family. The majority of benefits are effective on the date of hire.
We pride ourselves on the scope and quality of the benefits offered to our employees. We invite candidates to visit our Benefits page to learn more about our generous benefits package, which includes but is not limited to:

Health and Wellness:
Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, behavioral health benefits, disability and life insurance, 403 B Retirement with employer core and matching contributions.

Paid Time Off:
Vacation time (varies based on position classification), sick time, 13.5 holidays including a Winter Recess between Christmas and New Year's and 3 floating holidays.

Paid Family Leave:
After six months of employment, employees become eligible for up to 12 weeks of paid time off up to 67% of salary to a state maximum for bonding with a newborn, adopted or foster child, caring for a family member with a serious health condition or to help after a family member has been deployed to active military duty abroad.

Continuing Education and Professional Development:
Employees and their spouse/domestic partner may take up to 2 courses per semester at Colgate, tuition free with a $20 per course registration fee.
Funding for work related courses to obtain an undergraduate or graduate degree related to your current position.
After 7 years of service in an eligible position an employee's eligible children may be awarded up to half of Colgate's tuition to attend an accredited college, university or trade school of their choice.

Along with a generous benefits package, additional perks unique to Colgate University include but are not limited to free on campus parking, free gym membership with discounts for family members, reduced Seven Oaks Golf Course memberships, University Bookstore discount, free library access, 3 free tickets for any regular season athletic home event, access to Colgate owned Bewkes Center and Glendening Boathouse, free access to all cultural events.

Colgate University supports access to quality education for students from all socioeconomic backgrounds by meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need. Students who qualify for the Colgate Commitment are packaged without loans. Institutional and Federal methodology are both used to evaluate aid applications for prospective and returning students. The Financial Aid team is focused on compliance, customer service, professionalism, and decision making to ensure students receive accurate, timely, and empathetic guidance on financial aid opportunities. Reporting to the Senior Associate Dean and Director of Financial Aid, the Assistant Director of Financial Aid is part of a collaborative team within the Division of Admission and Financial Aid. The Assistant Director provides leadership and support for the day-to-day operations of the Financial Aid Office.

The Assistant Director participates in all aspects of financial aid administration and counseling, maintaining knowledge of federal and institutional financial aid regulations and requirements to ensure legal, fair, and consistent administration of federal, state, and institutional financial aid funds. The successful candidate will work closely with the Senior Associate Dean and Director of Financial Aid and the Financial Aid Leadership Team to implement financial aid policies, procedures, and initiatives which support the goals and objectives of the office and the university. Accountable for:

• providing top level customer service, advice, and counseling to students and families as they make decisions about college planning and financing
• exercising discretion and independent judgment in carrying out job responsibilities
• strong attention to detail, ability to work independently to complete review of financial aid applications under a tight timeline, and accountable for meeting deadlines
• assisting with system processes and functions including full utilization of PowerFAIDS to ensure compliance and enhance efficiency
• assisting with writing and maintaining various financial aid publications
• assisting in preparation of statistical, budget, and survey reports
• participating in training to keep well-informed of financial aid regulations

Compliance

Must have knowledge of federal financial aid regulations and requirements to ensure legal, fair, and consistent administration of federal student aid funds. Ability to oversee, maintain, and monitor a variety of federal student aid programs to successfully remain in compliance with regulations.

Need Analysis

Demonstrated ability to bring new ideas and vision to file review, application of institutional methodology for need analysis, and institutional financial aid packaging policies. Thorough understanding of student financial aid eligibility, calculating awards, building student budgets, and federal/state/private aid management issues.

Managing FSA Funds

Demonstrated proficiency in management of Federal Student Aid funds. Familiarity with consumer information requirements, administration of professional judgment, satisfactory academic progress, and Return of Title IV funds.

Technology

Ability to make recommendations for technology updates and improvements to streamline business processes within the Financial Aid Office. Mastery of software programs necessary. Proficiency with federal student aid processing systems. Knowledge of a financial aid management system is required. Knowledge of PowerFAIDS is preferred.

Communication Skill

Demonstrates effective written and oral communication skills. Ability to clearly explain the financial aid application process and financial aid eligibility. Shares information and seeks input from others. Adapts communication to diverse audiences.

Customer Service

Demonstrated ability to provide exceptional customer service to internal and external constituents. Commitment to work within a diverse environment and interact openly with individuals of different backgrounds. Ability to handle sensitive, difficult, or emotional situations with patience and empathy. Must be able to work effectively under stressful situations and still maintain a cordial, positive and professional demeanor.

Professionalism

Exceptional organizational skills, analytical skills, attention to detail, and ability to work in a deadline-driven environment. Ability to handle confidential matters with discretion. Protects private and confidential information.

Admission/Financial Aid

Intermediate understanding of admission targets and markets. Ability to contribute to various admission strategies through timely preparation of financial aid packages and reports.

Personal Accountability for Results

Takes responsibility for decisions, performance, and outcomes; behaves in a responsible manner with a positive attitude; shows self-awareness and openness to feedback.

Effective Communication

Demonstrates effective written and oral communication skills; shares information and seeks input from others; adapts communication to diverse audiences; protects private and confidential information.

Problem Solving and Decision Making

Analyzes and prioritizes situations to identify and solve problems; generates solutions to improve efficiency and quality; involves others in solving problems and making decisions; factors organizational goals into decisions; makes clear, transparent, and timely decisions.

Change Management

Responds positively to changing university initiatives and readily adapts behavior to maintain effective performance; understands the long-term direction of the university and can relate this to departmental area; adapts to new methodologies; identifies and acts on areas where change is appropriate.

Leadership and Teamwork

Applies skills and knowledge to provide a climate to achieve departmental and organizational success; balances individual and department goals; helps others perform at their best; builds productive relationships to enhance individual and organizational effectiveness; treats others with respect; resolves conflicts among team members.

Creativity and Innovation

Generates, explores, encourages, and implements innovative ways of creating strategic value for the university, division, department, and individual level; critically assesses the effectiveness of new initiatives.

Diversity and Inclusion

Demonstrates respect for people and their differences; understands the benefits of a diverse workforce; earns the trust and respect of others; includes and welcomes others; works to understand the perspective of others; promotes opportunities to experience diversity within our community.

Sustainability

Understands the impact of decision making and personal behavior in achieving the university's commitment to a sustainable and carbon-neutral campus; supports and advances the university's sustainability initiatives; influences others to use sustainable practices.

• Commitment to working within a diverse environment and interact collegially with students, faculty, staff, and visitors from different backgrounds on a daily basis
• Highly developed interpersonal, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and take initiative
• Clear and effective communication skills, both oral and written, and a high comfort level with public speaking
• Ability to read and interpret policies and/or regulatory guidance, and apply that knowledge to work performed
• Demonstrated ability to work as a member of a team and collaborate with others
• Experience managing confidential information with discretion
• Exceptional organizational skills, analytical skills, attention to detail, and ability to work in a deadline-driven environment
• Strong computer skills including proficiency with standard computer software programs, internet, and email; demonstrated ability to learn a variety of new technology

• A minimum of two years' experience in a Financial Aid Office is desired
• Knowledge of a financial aid management system (experience with PowerFAIDS is preferred)
• Understanding of institutional methodology (IM) and need analysis
• Experience using FSA Partner Connect (e.g. FPP, COD, NSLDS)

• Bachelor's degree or a combination of education and experience from which comparable experience is attained
• Master's degree is preferred

In your cover letter, please detail any experience or familiarity you have with the following:

• Work experience in an academic setting, higher education, accounting, or finance
• Experience working with datasets and/or performing complex calculations and/or basic accounting skills
• Experience making administrative decisions and independent judgments
• Meeting deadlines, prioritizing tasks, and managing multiple projects efficiently with attention to detail
• Customer service background includes the ability to analyze and solve student/customer problems and offer solutions
• Experience managing confidential information

2024S072Posting

No

Weekdays.
Occasional evening or weekend work may be required to meet the needs of the department.

Position may provide for the opportunity to work remotely from CT, GA, MA, MD, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI, VA, and TX without relocation. Work requires collaboration with other team members during standard business hours and may be required, on occasion, to report to our Hamilton, NY campus. Remote arrangements such as this are reviewed annually.

09/12/2024

Yes

The University recognizes that equal employment opportunity can only be achieved through demonstrated leadership. It is the Policy of the University to recruit, employ, retain, promote, and train employees on the basis of merit, ability, and valid job qualifications without regard to any characteristics protected by applicable local, state or federal laws or Executive Orders.

CAMPUS CRIME REPORTING AND STATISTICS

The Department of Campus Safety will provide upon request a copy of Colgate's Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. This report includes statistics as reported to the United States Department of Education for the previous three years concerning reported: 1. crimes that occurred on-campus; in certain off-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by Colgate University; and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from, the campus and 2. fires that occurred in student housing facilities. The report also includes institutional policies concerning campus security and fire safety, such as policies concerning sexual assault, life safety systems, and other related matters. You may access the report from the Clery Compliance web page at: https://www.colgate.edu/about/offices-centers-institutes/dean-college/campus-safety-staff/clery-compliance. Printed copies of this report may be obtained upon request from the Department of Campus Safety via e-mail at cusafety@colgate.edu.