Financial Aid Officer

08-Mar-2024

Harvard Law School

65267BR

Position Description

Student Financial Services aims to offer the highest level of customer service while providing a positive, supportive work environment with an emphasis on teamwork. The Financial Aid Officer is responsible for need analysis, awarding, and counseling 650+ J.D. students in a complex financial aid program, which includes multiple loan programs, federal and institutional aid, and debt management initiatives. 

The Financial Aid Officer is responsible for needs analysis, awarding, and counseling of 650+ J.D. students in the financial aid program. Responsibilities include independently reviewing aid applications and awarding HLS Grants and loan assistance, federal student aid, and outside awards in compliance with applicable regulations. 

As a Financial Aid Officer, you will:  

• Meet and counsel students on financial aid policy, appeal requests, personal budgeting, and student debt
• Manage a high volume of correspondence with current and prospective students
• Manage the outside scholarship process, determine student eligibility, and prepare nominee docket for the University Committee on General Scholarships (CGS) and, regularly update the SFS website to show currently available scholarships
• Participates in internal policy setting and policy documentation processes and supports and improves office operations and processes, as needed
• Presents workshops on financial aid policy to students
• Assist the Associate Director in the key operation areas including website development, technology initiatives, and overall enforcement of quality control measures within the office
• Serves on J.D. Financial Aid Appeals Committee
• Represent HLS Student Financial Services on HLS, University, and external committees to support the interests of HLS students and graduate student aid in general

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required
• Minimum of 3 years’ relevant work experience

Additional Qualifications and Skills

We are looking for people who have:  

• Excellent analytical abilities, written and oral communication skills, and counseling skills and experience presenting to small groups
• Experience within a customer-driven work setting
• Knowledge of applicable Federal student aid regulations
• Proven attention to detail, accuracy, and ability to manage a high volume of work under strict deadlines
• Demonstration of sound independent judgment in considering individual circumstances while complying with established guidelines
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and web-based technology
• Solid knowledge of financial aid database technology, with experience in the management and maintenance of financial aid systems

Additional Information

We regret that Harvard Law School is unable to provide visa sponsorship for staff positions.
All offers to be made by HLS Human Resources. 

Work Format Details

This position is based primarily on campus with the opportunity for remote work based on business needs and manager approval 

About Us

Be a part of excellence and leadership in legal education and scholarship at Harvard Law School. We are a community of talented people from diverse backgrounds, lived experiences, and perspectives, dedicated to advancing the cause of justice all over the world. We value our differences and our diversity as a source of strength. We are committed to developing and inspiring our students and our workforce. Whoever you are, whatever you do, however you do it, Harvard Law School  is a place where you can thrive.

Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard’s Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards ) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:

• Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
• Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
• Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
• Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
• Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
• Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.

Job Function

Faculty & Student Services, General Administration

Department Office Location

USA – MA – Cambridge

Job Code

S0156P FSS Financial Aid Officer II

Work Format

Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)

Department

Student Financial Services

Union

00 – Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Pre-Employment Screening

Education, Identity

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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