Associate Director of Financial Aid

Overview and Responsibilities:

Saint Mary's University of Minnesota is seeking candidates who are eager to contribute to its Lasallian Catholic mission of awakening, nurturing, and empowering learners to ethical lives of service and leadership. We invite individuals to help transform lives through education, inspired by the Catholic Intellectual Tradition's quest to understand the human experience through faith and reason and its embrace of all who are dedicated to learning from one another through authentic conversations in search of the truth. We are especially interested in and give preference to candidates who demonstrate a vision to create and nurture initiatives that will advance our mission within the scope of their duties and who will foster a culture of dialogue that, with respect for all people, supports the search for meaning and purpose in pursuit of excellence.

Job Summary

The Associate Director of Financial Aid provides financial aid services to the undergraduate and graduate students at Saint Mary's University. The position reviews financial aid applications to determine financial aid award packages using federal methodology. This position also counsels and advises students regarding financing a Saint Mary's education, including eligibility requirements, application procedures, available programs, and student loan debt management.

Salary Range: $50,000 - $60,000

Main Duties & Responsibilities

• Review and analyze financial aid application data to determine accurate and compliant financial aid award packages. Modify financial aid packages based on changes in enrollment level, budget adjustments, additional aid, etc., and communicate changes in eligibility to students.
• Utilize knowledge of federal, state, and institutional aid programs and processes to counsel students (in person, in writing, and over the phone) about the financial aid process, award packages, billing statements, and financial planning for their educational expenses.
• Oversee the origination and disbursement of Federal Grants, Federal Direct, State Grants, Scholarships, MN SELF, and private student loans. Coordinate disbursement processes and expedite electronic return of funds, reallocations, or corrections. Ensure that the administration of all fund programs complies with federal and state regulations.
• Transmit Direct Loan data files using EDConnect and Common Origination and Disbursement (COD) systems; ensure timely and accurate data transmissions, so that federal compliance standards are met.
• Perform return to Title IV funds (R2T4s). Identify students who have officially and unofficially withdrawn/dropped from all or some classes, perform necessary calculations for federal, state, and institutional rules, execute refunds and adjustments to aid in student information systems, EDConnect, and COD systems. Notify the student of the outcome and exit counseling requirements.
• Work in conjunction with the Business Office, Registrar, Student Central, Academic Advising, and other student services areas to resolve students' issues.
• Assist in annual compliance audits, projects, and institutional initiatives throughout the year.
• Maintain current knowledge of applicable federal, state, and institutional regulations and standards to ensure compliance.
• Actively participate in the continual growth of the financial aid department: effectively managing assigned duties using a variety of technological resources; promoting a student-oriented financial aid office, etc. Perform other duties as assigned, which support the purpose and initiatives of the Financial Aid Office and the University.
• Perform semester Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) evaluation and communicate to students of the outcome and work to get a plan in place to regain compliance or the adverse outcome.
• Participate in the Professional Judgment committee as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Experience and Education Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree required
• A minimum of 5 years of higher education administration experience, with at least 2 years of
  
  financial aid experience, is preferred.

Essential Knowledge & Skills

• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively with others; take initiative to solve
  
  problems; collect, analyze, interpret, and report data promptly; and produce accurate and detailed
  
  work.
• Knowledge of regulations and legislation governing federal and state financial aid programs.
• Knowledge of financial aid/billing policies and processes, and financial aid application processes.
• Ability to organize, prioritize, and complete multiple work assignments in a complex work
  
  environment.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to provide strong customer service to students.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Experience using student information systems, Jenzabar, JFA, EdConnect, NSLDS, and COD
  
  systems.
• Ability to relate to diverse populations.

Physical Demands

• Sedentary work. Sedentary work involves lifting no more than 10 pounds at a time and occasionally lifting or carrying articles like docket files, ledgers, and small tools. Although a sedentary job is defined as one which involves sitting, a certain amount of walking and standing is often necessary in carrying out job duties. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required occasionally and other sedentary criteria are met.

Physical Hazards – Health and Safety Concerns

• General office environments

Application Requirements:

Apply online at and include a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references.

Saint Mary's University of Minnesota believes inclusion and human dignity contributes to a robust academic and work environment and is critical to achieving the University's mission in an increasingly diverse society. Individuals with expertise and diverse skills from underrepresented groups are especially encouraged to apply. Saint Mary's University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. The successful candidate must support, respect, and advance the mission of Saint Mary's University as a Lasallian Catholic institution.

Saint Mary's offers a comprehensive benefit package including health, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, flexible spending, retirement pension plan, and both undergraduate and graduate tuition remission plans.

All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check.