Assistant Director of Financial Aid

Department: Financial Aid CH
Salary/Grade: EXS/5

The expected salary for this position is between $55,000 - $59,000 per year, in alignment with departmental equity and market data.

Job Summary:

Reporting to the Director of Financial Aid Chicago, the Assistant Director of Financial Aid is part of a team that provides financial aid support for approximately 3,000 Northwestern students by providing information, advice and counsel to students, parents and staff regarding financial aid regulations and programs, including how aid impacts invoices; Developing financial aid packages for prospective and current students; Monitoring, reporting and/or awarding for one or more designated institutional, federal or state programs. This position will work with all students on the Chicago Campus including but not limited to full-time and part-time students and staff in the School of Professional Studies Undergraduate and Graduate Programs, Feinberg School of Medicine, Kellogg School of Management, and the Pritzker School of Law.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Analyze complex financial aid applications for approximately 800 students using established University guidelines, utilizing both institutional methodology and federal methodology as well as federal and state regulations, and prepare award packages.
• Responsible for monitoring and reporting for one or more federal or state programs or University divisions, under supervision of senior staff.
• Work closely with other Student Finance units to resolve problems as needed (e.g., resolve financial holds, on student registration, loan changes, refund and repayment of awarded funds, etc.).
• Provide detailed information and professional advice to parents and students. Includes the specifics of how aid awards are calculated, the Return of Title IV policies, how invoices are impacted, and how satisfactory academic performance interacts with federal and university financial aid regulations. Information is provided via telephone, email, in person, and occasionally to small groups.
• Provide formal and informal presentations working with the Chicago campus Admissions and Student Services teams. Presentations may be in-person or online.

Miscellaneous

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree.

• 1-3 years financial aid experience.

• Consistently displays accuracy and attention to detail.

• Communicates effectively one-to-one, in small groups and in public speaking contexts; writes precise, well-organized emails, letters and proposals while using appropriate vocabulary and grammar.

• Regularly monitors customer satisfaction; provides suggestions to improve quality and value to the customer.

• Takes forceful stands on issues without being excessively abrasive; expresses own opinions even when adopting an unpopular position.

• Seeks to build collaboration by encouraging trust, mutual respect, and shared purpose among various participants in an engagement.

• Familiar with a student enterprise system (i.e. PeopleSoft, Banner etc.) and imaging systems.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with graduate/professional students, especially online and/or non-traditional students.

• Experience analyzing financial aid awards using institutional methodology.

• Explores alternatives to existing products and services; identifies opportunities to improve procedures and practices; shows imagination.

• Formulates realistic plans and contingencies and establishes appropriate measurements of anticipated results.

• Experience with PeopleSoft/Oracle Campus Solutions and ImageNow.

Benefits:

At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful and competitive benefits. The available benefits package for this position will include health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance; paid vacation and holidays; paid medical/sick and parental leave; tuition benefits for the employee and dependents; pre-tax and flex spending accounts for commuting and dependent care; generous retirement savings options; and wellness programs. For a comprehensive overview of available benefits, including eligibility details, visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern's non-discrimination statement. Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process.