Senior Assistant Director, Financial Assistance

Job Description Summary

The Senior Assistant Director 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 approximatley 15% of aid applicants/recipients. Duties include review of financial aid applications and proactive customer service to students and families throughout their enrollment at Bentley University. The Senior Assistant Director trains and mentors newer staff on the complexities of federal and institutional awarding methodology and the use of professional judgment. Due to high-level proficiency in file review, this position often supports other counselors in application review, in order to keep the office on track with review goals, and performs quality assurance on completed student aid files. Assists in various enrollment management activities, including traveling to local recruitment events, and represents the OFA at various functions for university offices.

Es sential Duties

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

• Guide students through financing questions during the billing cycle.

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

• Manage the Office of Student Employment, which includes operating as primary contact for all supervisors of student employees, training supervisors on job creation and Workday processes, and troubleshooting all SEO-related issues as they arise.

• Works with payroll and HR to ensure SEO compliance with state and federal regulation.

• Leads initiatives for SEO process improvement.

• Reconciles Bentley University’s $1.2 million Federal Work Study Program for annual federal reporting.

Other Duties

• The Senior Assistant Director will be expected to complete other special research projects as assigned for both the Associate Vice President and the Director, requiring high attention to detail and excellent analytical skills.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required and three to five years of experience in the administration of financial aid in a higher education environment.

• Must have strong interpersonal and organizational skills, a focus on exceptional customer service and excellent attention to detail.

• Must be adept at using technology and web-based applications.

Work Environment

• The office is spacious and pleasant, located within a busy office suite.  Very little travel is required.  However, overtime work is expected during peak periods and to assist with admissions 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.  

• Much work is done at a PC, which can cause eye and muscular strain if work is not varied.

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.