Manager, Financial Aid and Awards

Queen's Student Alumni Association; Kingston; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A Canadian educational institution seeks a Manager for Financial Aid and Awards. The role involves overseeing student financial assistance programs, ensuring compliance, and managing a team. Ideal candidates will have a university degree and significant leadership experience. Strong communication and analytical skills are essential. The position is located in Kingston, Ontario, and offers a full-time permanent contract with a focus on fostering diversity and inclusion.

Benefits

Employment equity initiatives

Diversity and inclusion programs

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in leadership or coordination.
• Extensive knowledge of financial aid regulations.
• Demonstrated success managing staff.

Responsibilities

• Oversee delivery of student financial assistance programs.
• Conduct risk analysis for compliance.
• Manage performance and training of staff.

Skills

Leadership

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

University degree

Tools

Microsoft Excel

PeopleSoft

Job description

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Competition Number: J0725-0870

Position Title: Manager, Financial Aid and Awards

Position Number (Final): 00508605

Employee Group: Managerial & Professional

Job Category: Administrative Management

Department or Area: Awards

Location: Kingston, Ontario, Canada

Grade: 09 Review Salary Information Here

Hours per Week: 35

Job Type: Permanent (Continuing)

Shift: 7 Monday - Friday

Number Of Positions: 1

Date Posted: August 1, 2025

Closing Date: August 11, 2025

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COVID 19 On-Campus Requirements

Prior to May 1, 2022, the University required all students, faculty, staff, and visitors (including contractors) to declare their COVID-19 vaccination status and provide proof that they were fully vaccinated or had an approved accommodation to engage in in-person University activities. These requirements were suspended effective May 1, 2022, but the University may reinstate them at any point.

About Queen's University

Queen’s University is the Canadian research intensive university with a transformative student learning experience. Here the employment experience is as diverse as it is interesting. We have opportunities in multiple areas of globally recognized research, faculty administration, engineering & construction, athletics & recreation, power generation, corporate shared services, and many more.

We are committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcome applications from individuals from equity seeking groups such as women, racialized/visible minorities, Indigenous/Aboriginal peoples, persons with a disability, persons who identify in the LGBTQ+ community and others who reflect the diversity of Canadian society.

Come work with us!

Job Summary

Reporting to the Associate University Registrar, Enrolment Services and Administration, the Manager, Financial Aid and Awards is responsible for the day-to-day oversight and effective delivery of government student financial assistance programs and Queen’s internal need- and merit-based awards, supporting the university’s strategic initiatives and priorities. This role manages all staff administering programs such as the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP), equivalent out-of-province government aid, the William D. Ford Direct Loan Program (US Title IV), and Queen’s in-course financial awards, ensuring full compliance with government regulations and institutional policies, along with achievement of financial aid budget targets.

The Manager collaborates extensively with Faculty and School administrators, Queen’s Student Accessibility Services (QSAS), Undergraduate Admission and Recruitment, and a diverse range of external partners including ministry partners, government agencies, donors, funders, and professional associations. This position is responsible for developing and nurturing these relationships to maintain and enhance financial aid delivery. Success in the role requires strong organizational skills, policy interpretation, risk analysis, and operational management of a diverse portfolio in program administration.

Job Description

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Oversee, and provide management direction for the administrative functioning and processing of all government student financial assistance programs and Queen’s developed loan programs administered by the Office of the University Registrar. This includes planning and execution of all activities related to the management of these programs and to ensure delivery of seamless integrated service to all clients.
• Conduct comprehensive risk analysis to identify, assess, and mitigate potential compliance and operational risks associated with government student financial assistance programs and internal awards, ensuring adherence to regulatory requirements and safeguarding the university’s financial aid assets.
• Recommend and manage resource allocations; this includes developing comprehensive annual and longer-term business plans, aligned with university objectives.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate business processes and procedures, ensuring compliance with government regulations related to financial aid.
• Plan, implement and evaluate administrative and program policies, procedures, and practices in support of the University goals and priorities, and determine where improvements can be made to enhance client services and to simplify and improve efficiency.
• Identify, develop and maintain relationships with key partners, including internal and external stakeholders, agencies, governmental and non-governmental organizations, involved with financial aid.
• Liaise and communicate with Queen’s Student Accessibility Services (QSAS) to disseminate information and coordinate the delivery of the Bursary for Students with Disabilities program while ensuring full compliance with government policies and regulations.
• Promote a culture of inclusion, with a commitment to the university’s equity, diversity, Indigenization, accessibility, and inclusion initiatives designed to foster an inclusive, supportive, and welcoming work environment for individuals with diverse backgrounds and identities.
• Plan, prioritize and manage the work of employees, providing strategic and tactical advice, guidance and coaching. Identify the need for staff resources, participate on staffing committees, and make effective recommendations regarding employee selection.
• Manage performance by establishing employee performance standards, reviewing and evaluating performance and conducting formal performance reviews on an ongoing basis.
• Assess staff training and development needs and ensure employees receive training required to improve and sustain successful performance.
• Investigate, address and resolve employee/labour relations issues, including disciplinary matters. Make decisions or effective recommendations on matters involving possible discipline, discharge, and probationary termination.
• Perform additional duties assigned by the Associate University Registrar, in support of the department.
  
  

Required Qualifications

• A University degree and a minimum of 5 years of experience in a leadership role, coordination role or managing/directing staff.
• Extensive background and knowledge of financial aid regulations and policies and strong understanding of student financials is an asset.
• Demonstrated success managing and directing staff.
• Proven leadership and team building experience.
• Knowledge of PeopleSoft Student modules an asset, in particular, Financial Aid, Campus Community, Admission, Reporting and Student Financials.
• Consideration may be given to an equivalent combination of education and experience.
  
  

Special Skills

• Respects diversity and promotes inclusion in the workplace.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including consultation and negotiation skills.
• Strong interpersonal and diplomacy skills as well as strong intercultural communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to coordinate and lead the execution of activities efficiently and effectively. Must be creative and willing to develop and implement new ideas and innovate approaches to set and meet objectives.
• Advanced analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to adapt to and implement innovative technologies. Experience harnessing and leveraging technology.
• Advanced computer skills for data analysis and information distribution/reporting; knowledge of the following (or equivalent) software is required: Microsoft Excel and PeopleSoft Student, in particular, Financial Aid, Campus Community, Admission, Reporting and Student Financials is an asset.
• Self-motivated with an ability to take initiative and responsibility for projects from beginning to completion.
• Values individual differences from all backgrounds and lived experiences such that their own, and others’ contributions are maximized; supports fair treatment and opportunity for all; demonstrates commitment to diversity and equity.
  
  

Decision Making

• Identify opportunities for business improvement and provide recommendations for changes, including introduction of new policies, procedures, processes, system development and reporting mechanisms, to best address the needs of multiple stakeholders and achieve financial aid objectives.
• Determine the most appropriate means of collecting, retrieving, analyzing and presenting data and information.
• Determine communication and action plans to effectively implement initiatives.
• Prioritize own work and work of team members in accordance with evolving and/or competing priorities. Determine appropriate assignment of resources, evaluate progress, assist in solving problems and suggest direction that will enable effective delivery of financial aid programs.
• Resolve problems and decide when to refer inquiries or problems to others, ensuring background information is provided.
• Determine best strategies to build the necessary internal and external relationships required for success in the role.
• Evaluate job candidates and make effective recommendation on suitable hires.
• Make decisions and/or effective recommendations regarding transfers and promotions.
• Evaluate employee performance and decide on appropriate training or coaching to address lack of proficiency in carrying out responsibilities, or remedial action for staff disciplinary situations.
• Assess investigation outcome of grievances and make effective recommendations on appropriate course of action or next steps on grievances.
• Make effective recommendations on level of discipline up to discharge and probationary termination.
  
  

Employment Equity and Accessibility Statement

The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Queen's is strongly committed to employment equity, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace and encourages applications from Black, racialized persons, Indigenous people, women, persons with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQI+ persons. In accordance with Canadian Immigration requirements, priority will be given to those who are legally eligible to work in Canada.

The University provides support in its recruitment processes to all applicants who require accommodation due to a protected ground under the Ontario Human Rights Code, including those with disabilities. Candidates requiring accommodation during the recruitment process are asked to contact Human Resources at [e-mail].

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