Assistant Director of Student Finance

Who We Are:

National Louis is a 135+ year old university that has been grounded in the values of innovation, access, excellence, and equity from its inception. As an institution, we believe in providing access to educational opportunity and that education is our greatest lever for social and economic mobility. We are a student-focused community that is committed to continuous improvement and superior student service. We believe that through education we are able to empower change and build healthy communities. Our hard-working community is based on collaboration and respect for all team members and students.

What We Offer:

At National Louis University, we offer our employees an innovative environment to work together and inspire the ideas that will make an impact. As our external environment changes, our employees are provided the opportunities and tools needed to grow both personally and professionally to remain successful. NLU employees and dependents are offered a wide range of benefits, including but not limited to, Health Insurance benefits, Retirement benefits, Paid Time Off and Educational Benefits.

What You Will Do:

This position is responsible for providing vision, leadership and direction for the Student Finance Department and participate as a member of the overall University Operations team. This position involves implementing and ensuring compliance of financial aid policies and procedures with institutional, federal, state and accreditation regulations and guidelines and overseeing the accurate and timely awarding and disbursement of student financial aid. This position actively works with the following: student advising, default management, Title IV aid administration, staff training and financial aid awarding. Must be student-centered, have a strong understanding of customer service, and have a strong knowledge of the student finance process.

Oversee the administration of all Title IV programs. Ensure Federal and State accreditation and institutional guidelines for student enrollment and financial aid eligibility are met. Comply with all Federal, State, accreditation and institutional policies and procedures.
• Monitors student financial assistance process to ensure financial aid packages are accurate.
• Answers students and/or parents financial aid questions and ensures their understanding of all funding options. Review, analyze, and provides solutions to escalated student issues and communicates proposed solutions back to the appropriate party.
• Audit the work of the financial aid team, research regulatory questions and provide training to the department.
• Manage the return to Title IV process, including reviewing accounts and communicating with other departments to gather attendance information.
• Train, develop, and manage members of the team, including regular meetings and one on ones. Directly or indirectly leads employees in the Student Finance Department. Carries out leadership responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies, procedures and applicable laws.
• Assist in the hiring, coaching, and managing the performance of assigned employees, or makes effective suggestions and recommendations regarding the employment status of assigned employees.
• Interact with outside agencies including the US Department of Education, Department of Veterans Affairs, State Agencies, Accrediting Agency, lenders and guaranty agencies. Manage all processes associated with VA students, enrollment status, tuition rates, Yellow Ribbon Program, compliance, certification, and resources.
• Oversee the coordination and completion of required reporting and department quality control activities and measures. Participate in FSA and VA compliance audits.
• Prepare information and present at meetings, discussion groups or workshops for students, parents, staff, community organizations and/or outside agencies.
• All other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor's degree required; coursework in math, business, finance, auditing or accounting preferred.
• Experience awarding and packaging undergraduate students.
• Experience with work-study, scholarship & campus-based funding programs.
• Experience completing Return to Title IV calculations. Must not be debarred from Title IV programs, and not in default on Title IV student loan.
• Ability to build productive relationships with all departments involved in the student enrollment process.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Detail oriented & problem solver; ability to research problems and provide resolution. Ability to multi-task and prioritize workload.
• Computer skills including Microsoft Office Suite.
• Technical Credibility: Has achieved credibility related to technical standards and procedures. Can describe the rationale for standards and procedures and serves as a positive role model when it comes to following safety practices and equipment procedures. Participates on special committees and other initiatives that enhance knowledge and awareness of safety issues.
• Innovative Thinking: Looks out for new and innovative approaches that will improve efficiency. Embraces and champions new ideas and encourages others to do likewise. Recognizes and rewards people and teams who are creative and innovative.
• Flexibility: Adjusts quickly and effectively to changing conditions and demands. Discusses change as a necessary and inevitable aspect of organizational life as well as an opportunity to learn new things. Has a similar view and approach to potentially stressful situations. Invests personal energy toward accepting and adapting to change that others use toward resisting or resenting it.

NLU Inclusion Statement:

National Louis University is deeply committed to serving its community, advancing access and equity, and ensuring that all individuals are welcomed and valued. We are dedicated to fostering a culture where diversity, equity, and inclusion remain at the core of who we are. These are more than just words to us: they are truly a way of life for the NLU community. We recognize that differences in abilities, age, ethnicity, gender (identity and expression), race, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, and background bring richness to our work environment. We affirm diverse perspectives, innovative contributions, and authentic presentations of self from every member within the NLU community. We believe inclusion is grounded in the actions we intentionally take each day. Our goal is to inspire and empower NLU employees and community members to cultivate an environment where we collectively focus on uplifting and advancing our institutional culture.