Assistant Director of Student Financial Services

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

·Provides comprehensive financial aid counseling to students and families through individual appointments, phone, email, virtual meetings, and walk-in service; Delivers responsive, student-centered customer service and assists students and families in navigating complex or sensitive financial circumstances.

· Verifies eligibility and awards federal, state, and institutional financial aid to undergraduate and graduate students in accordance with applicable regulations, policies, and established procedures

· Manages financial aid processing for assigned student populations, including verification, professional judgment documentation, awarding, revisions, and resolution of conflicting or incomplete information.

· Utilizes the College's financial aid management system and federal systems to perform verification, process ISIR corrections, complete COD reporting, and facilitate the accurate and timely disbursement of financial aid funds.

· Reviews student accounts and financial aid records to identify and resolve issues that may prevent or delay the disbursement of aid.

· Assists the Associate Director and Director of Student Financial Services, when needed, with monthly and annual reconciliation of federal and state financial aid programs and works collaboratively with appropriate departments to research and resolve discrepancies.

· Educates students and families regarding financial aid eligibility, FAFSA requirements, grants, scholarships, loans, satisfactory academic progress, financing options, and other financial aid policies and processes.

· Responds to financial aid inquiries and assists with outreach to students regarding missing documentation, incomplete requirements, financial aid eligibility, and other action items.

· Exercises appropriate professional judgment when reviewing individual student circumstances in accordance with federal regulations and institutional policy.

· Maintains accurate and complete student records and documentation to support regulatory compliance, audits, and program reviews.

· Participates in financial aid presentations, workshops, open houses, orientation programs, and other recruitment and student-focused events as needed, including some evening and weekend programs.

· Collaborates with Admissions, Student Accounts, Registrar, Academic Affairs, and other College offices to resolve student issues and provide a coordinated student experience.

· Maintains current knowledge of Title IV regulations, state financial aid requirements, institutional policies, and financial aid best practices through professional development, regulatory updates, and professional publications.

· Protects the confidentiality of student information and ensures compliance with FERPA and other applicable regulations.

· Supports the Director of Student Financial Services and SFS team with special projects, compliance initiatives, reporting, and other departmental priorities.

· Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

· Bachelor's degree required.

· Prior experience in financial aid, student financial services, higher education, or a related field strongly preferred.

· Working knowledge of federal Title IV financial aid regulations and financial aid administration preferred.

· Experience with financial aid management systems, student information systems, and federal financial aid systems preferred.

· Strong customer service and interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate complex financial information clearly and compassionately to students and families.

· Strong attention to detail and demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and student cases accurately.

· Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and work effectively with sensitive student and family financial information.

· Strong written and verbal communication skills.

· Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively as part of a student-centered team.

· Ability and willingness to remain current on changing federal and state financial aid regulations and requirements.

Elms College (also known as College of Our Lady of the Elms), a private, Catholic, co-educational liberal arts institution in Chicopee, Massachusetts, was founded in 1928 by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Springfield. The institution offers Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctor of Nursing practice degrees. Dedicated to non-discriminatory educational practices, the College aims to eliminate barriers to equal access and treatment for its community. Elms College provides rigorous academic challenges and fosters a supportive community for students to thrive. Graduates leave Elms College richer, rooted in faith, educated, compassionate, responsive to civic and social obligations, and capable of adjusting to change without compromising principle.
Elms College’s mission embodies the charism of the founders, the Sisters of St. Joseph, including embracing “the love of neighbor without distinction” and whose Catholic heritage guides our intellectual, social, educational, and community endeavors.
Elms College is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will not be discriminated against because of race, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, citizenship status, disability, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, medical condition, or any protected category prohibited by local, state or federal laws.