Assistant Director, Admissions & Financial Aid

Conditions. Workplace Diversity, LLC.; Cambridge (MA); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Tuition assistance

Commuter benefits

Generous paid time off

Job summary

Harvard University’s HGSE seeks an Assistant Director of Admissions and Financial Aid to lead domestic recruitment and aid operations with a strong focus on evaluation, counseling, awarding, and systems support.

You will independently manage a broad portfolio of responsibilities, collaborating with colleagues across admissions, financial aid, and compliance to attract a diverse student body and ensure timely documentation. This role offers a hybrid schedule and comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience.
• Minimum of three years of relevant financial aid work experience.
• Willingness to travel for professional development and related purposes.
• Submit a cover letter and resume as a single PDF document.

Responsibilities

• Admissions (30%): Develop and execute a portfolio of domestic recruitment initiatives for U.S.-based professionals.
• Counsel prospective students about applications and degree programs; represent HGSE at events.
• Evaluate and recommend candidates for admission across degree programs.
• Propose recruitment events and partnerships; monitor data to assess efforts and recommend improvements.
• Support the Financial Certification process for admitted international students.
• Financial Aid (70%): Conduct needs analysis and award financial aid for ~300 students; provide counseling.
• Manage financial aid refunds and student account processing.
• Assist with Direct Loan program management and NSLDS/SOR processes.
• Review appeals and communicate outcomes to students.
• Oversee federal verification and eligibility resolution processes.

Skills

Organizational skills

Communication

Writing ability

Interpersonal skills

Customer service

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

PowerFaids

Job description

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Why join the Harvard Graduate School of Education?

The Harvard Graduate School of Education (HGSE) is a diverse community of learners, teachers, and employees who are passionate about changing the world through education and striving for maximum impact in the field of education.

Many choose to work at the Harvard Graduate School of Education because they believe in our mission and are excited by our vision for the future. We have a reputation as a great place to work, for our excellent leadership, and we are a strong community that values diversity. For more information about HGSE, its programs, research, and faculty, please visit: www.gse.harvard.edu.

The Assistant Director of Admissions and Financial Aid plays a vital dual role within HGSE’s Admissions & Aid team, supporting the development, delivery, and evaluation of strategies and processes that attract, enroll, and support a talented, diverse student body. This position independently manages a range of admissions and financial aid activities, with a strong focus on, application evaluation, financial counseling, awarding, and operational systems support.

Job-Specific Responsibilities

Admissions (30%)

• Develop and execute a portfolio of domestic recruitment initiatives and contribute to the full-cycle admissions process — from marketing and recruitment to yield and matriculation— with a primary focus on experienced professionals across the U.S.
• Counsel and advise prospective students about application processes, degree programs, and HGSE’s offerings; represent HGSE at recruitment events on-campus, off-campus, and virtually.
• Evaluate and recommend candidates for admission using discretion and sound judgment for a portfolio of degree programs.
• Propose and implement innovative recruitment events, contacts, resources, and partnerships; monitor data and trends to assess recruitment and yield efforts and recommend operational improvements.
• Support the Financial Certification process for admitted international students to ensure timely documentation and compliance.

Financial Aid (70%)

• Independently conduct institutional and federal needs analysis and award financial aid by evaluating complex financial information; manage a caseload of approximately 300 students through recruitment, awarding, enrollment, and graduation, including financial counseling and planning.
• Manage financial aid refund and student account processing.
• Assist with management of the Direct Loan program, which includes NSLDS review and SOR processes for part-time students.
• Review appeals and requests for additional aid; communicate outcomes and provide clear guidance to students.
• Manage federal verification and related eligibility resolution processes, including review of conflicting information, documentation requirements, database matches, and other federal student aid eligibility issues; counsel students on requirements and resolve complex cases.
• Assist in developing, testing, and enhancing financial aid management systems (e.g., PowerFAIDS) and integrations with other university systems; analyze and test algorithms and business processes for packaging, compliance, communications, and reporting.
• Manage multiple fellowship programs in parallel with admissions activities, including fund management, recruitment, application, and selection processes; develop and update related policies and workflows.
• Support annual audit reporting, compliance, quality assurance, and financial aid operations in line with federal, state, and institutional policies.
• Contribute to the development and evaluation of communications strategies and materials related to aid; support students in financial literacy, debt management, and financial planning.
• Assist in training and onboarding of seasonal staff or graduate assistants as needed.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required.
• Minimum of three years of relevant financial aid work experience.
• Must be willing and able to travel for professional development and other related purposes.
• Candidates should submit a cover letter and resume as a single PDF document. Any applicant wishing to be considered for this position should indicate that they meet all of the basic requirements in either the cover letter or resume.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Previous experience in a student services office; experience with PowerFaids financial aid management system highly preferred.
• Excellent organizational, communications, writing, interpersonal, and customer service skills.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks with frequent interruptions in a busy office.
• Ability to work with highly confidential information and meticulous attention to detail.

• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
• Compensation Range/Rate (including Shift Differential if applicable): $75,000 - $80,000commensurate with experience
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity andEducation

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University’s Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 056. Please visit Harvard's Salary Ranges to view the corresponding salary range and related information.

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to:

• Generous paid time off including parental leave
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one
• Retirement plans with university contributions
• Wellbeing and mental health resources
• Support for families and caregivers
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page.

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.