Assistant/Associate Director of Financial Aid

St. Lawrence University invites applications for an Assistant/Associate Director of Financial Aid position. The individual in this position will assist in the administration of university, federal, and state financial aid programs while supporting the overall admissions and retention goals of the University. The position requires excellent oral and written communication skills and the ability to work independently with limited supervision. Exceptional customer service skills are required- this individual needs to be comfortable working with both prospective and current students, as well as parents and families.

Primary responsibilities include:

Effectively counsel students and parents on all aspects of financial aid. Represent the University and the financial aid office at special events on and off campus. Award and package financial aid according to regulations and policy (Federal and New York state). 

Essential Responsibilities:

• Understand admissions goals; assisting with recruitment efforts as needed.
• Knowledge of federal methodology, federal verification requirements, and general student eligibility criteria.
• On-going training on changes/updates to federal and state aid regulations and eligibility criteria.
• Ability to interpret federal tax returns (1040, Sub-Chapter S Corp tax returns, etc.) at a high level.
• Ability to interpret W2 forms for federal verification.
• Serve as the Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP) liaison, working to verify income eligibility for prospective admits, preparing financial aid packages, and working directly with HEOP staff for outreach.
• Coordinate the Tuition Exchange program as the SLU import liaison, working directly with Admissions and Human Resources staff. Includes the management of the Tuition Exchange portal as the institution’s primary Tuition Exchange Liaison Officer (TELO).
• Assist with reconciliation of the Federal Pell grant and Federal Direct loan programs, working directly with Student Financial Services staff.
• Manage the rejected records report for the Federal Pell grant and Federal Direct loan programs, working with Student Financial Services staff to resolve issues in a timely manner.
• Serve as backup for transmitting and receiving data to the U.S Department of Education via the Colleague system.
• Coordinate graduate student financial aid procedures including packaging and verification.
• Conduct financial aid workshops as requested by local high school counselors.
• Oversee, with assistance from the Director, the Return to Title IV process, coordinating steps with staff from Student Life, Student Financial Services, and the Registrar Office.
• Lead role is assisting the Director with the 150% Rule and Gainful Employment regulatory compliance.
• Establish successful relationships with colleagues in other offices (Student Financial Services, Student Life, Registrar, Business Office, Academic Advising, etc.).
• Understand the importance of confidentiality and ethics with dedication and excellent student service.
• Be comfortable working independently and rely on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals.
• Provide project support as needed for all other FA staff including the Director.
• Contribute to strategic office practices and procedures on an annual basis.
• Knowledge of Word, Excel, and Colleague SIS.
• Business travel as needed.
• Extended work hours as required (can be extensive for this position’s duties).

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required
• 2-4 years experience in financial aid or related field
• Excellent organizational, verbal, and written communication skills
• Detail oriented, accurate with numbers and calculations
• Proven success in a fast-paced environment
• Knowledge of Word, Excel and database software
• Ability to learn and support financial aid software, with a technology focus key
• Ability to work extended hours as needed

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in financial aid or related field is highly desired.
• Knowledge of Ellucian Colleague or related financial aid software preferred.

Please complete the online application form https://employment.stlawu.edu/postings/4685 and upload required documents in the “applicant documents” section of the form.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Questions about the position may be directed to Jonathan Kent, Vice President for Enrollment Management & Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid @ [email protected]

All offers of employment are contingent upon the finalist successfully passing a background (including criminal records) check. St. Lawrence University is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.

Founded in 1856, St. Lawrence University is a private, independent liberal arts institution of about 1,600 students located in Canton, NY. The educational opportunities at St. Lawrence inspire students and prepare them to be critical and creative thinkers, to find a compass for their lives and careers, and to pursue knowledge and understanding for the benefit of themselves, humanity, and the planet. Through its focus on active engagement with ideas in and beyond the classroom, a St. Lawrence education leads students to make connections that transform lives and communities, from the local to the global.