Assistant Director, Financial Assistance

Job Description Summary

The office of Student Financial Services supports the enrollment goals of the university by providing general information and guidance to students about Student Accounts, Financial Assistance, and Student Employment. Staff members are dedicated to enrolling and retaining successful students and assisting their families through counseling efforts related to navigating student billing and financing options and to understanding financial aid awards, as applicable.
The Assistant Director of Financial Assistance reports to an Associate Director and is a part of a team of counselors who manage the delivery of financial aid to prospective and continuing undergraduate and graduate students. This role is responsible for the effective management of a caseload of approximately 13% of aid applicants/recipients. This role serves as an advocate for first-generation students and the main contact point in Student Financial Services for other departments and third-parties. Duties include review of financial aid applications using both Federal and Institutional Methodology and proactive customer service to students and families throughout their enrollment at Bentley University. The Assistant Director, assists in various enrollment management activities, including traveling to local recruitment events, and represents the Student Financial Services office at various functions for the university.

Essential Functions

• Counsel a caseload of financial assistance applicants/recipients in all aspects of financial aid from the application stage, to the awarding stage, to the appeal stage (if applicable), and through billing cycles.

• Evaluate and analyze detailed confidential reports and tax documents to determine eligibility for federal, state, and institutional financial aid.

• Make professional judgment determinations of award and denial within established federal, state, and institutional guidelines and regulations.

• Assist the office with various clean up processes applicable to all students throughout the academic year, such as federal verification and resolving overawards.

• Serve as the primary internal point of contact regarding first-generation financial aid programs and student issues.

• Responsible for administration of aid for the FirstGen Presidential Fellows Program, from outreach to review and oversight throughout the year.

• Pro-actively stay informed on the challenges first-generation students face in the aid application process and higher education.

• Work within Student Financial Services on processes and initiatives to diminish or eliminate barriers for first-generation students.

• Actively work to create and maintain collaborative working relationships with campus and community partners to enhance first-generation student support, programs, and services.Work with campus partners on onboarding processes and hosting financial aid sessions for prospective and continuing first-generation students.

• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree, with at least one year of experience in a fast-paced office environment.

• Experience in financial aid or higher education preferred.

• Must be able to convey complex information effectively through in-person and written communications.

• Must have strong interpersonal and organizational skills, including excellent attention to detail.

• Must be comfortable with computer technology and web-based applications.

Work Environment

• The office functions in a hybrid environment with the ability to work from home on a scheduled basis.

• Typical office setting with extensive sitting and computer work.

• Very little travel is required.  However, overtime work is expected during peak periods and to assist with admission work and events. 

• Attendance at two annual open house events is also required.

• With respect to the awarding of financial aid, accuracy is extremely important.  Speed is critical in that students must be served in a timely manner. 

Bentley University requires references checks and may conduct other pre-employment screening.

DIVERSITY STATEMENT

Bentley University strives to create a campus community that welcomes the exchange of ideas, and fosters a culture that values differences and views them as a strength in our community.

Bentley University is an Equal Opportunity Employer, building strength through diversity. The University is committed to building a community of talented students, faculty and staff who reflect the diversity of global business. We strongly encourage applications from persons from underrepresented groups, individuals with disabilities, covered veterans and those with diverse experiences and backgrounds.