Assistant Director - Federal & Special Programs Unit

Quest International; Mansfield (CT); On-site; USD 75,786 - 98,522; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee tuition waiver

Dependent tuition waiver

Job summary

University of Connecticut seeks an experienced Assistant Director to oversee the Federal & Special Programs Unit within the Office of Student Financial Aid Services. The role includes management of Pell Grants and Direct Loans across campuses, staff supervision, and collaboration with university partners.

The ideal candidate will have advanced knowledge of Title IV programs, strong leadership, and a track record in regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from a college or university accredited by a US Department of Education or internationally recognized accrediting organization and five years of financial aid-related professional experience; OR Master’s degree from a college or university accredited by a US Department of Education or internationally recognized accrediting organization and 3 years of financial aid-related professional experience.
• Knowledge of federal and state regulations pertaining to financial aid, specifically including federal and grant programs.
• Supervisory experience, including two years serving as an advanced/senior team member or working as a project lead and demonstrated ability to effectively lead and manage a team.
• Strong written and oral communication skills and decision-making ability.
• Excellent interpersonal skills including the demonstrated ability to deal effectively with the public, University community, and external constituencies.

Responsibilities

• Overall management of the Federal Pell Grant and Federal Direct Loan Programs for all UConn campuses.
• Foster a cohesive team environment among Federal & Special Programs Unit staff through direct supervision, guidance, and professional development.
• Serve as the lead administrator for alternative (private) loans and the Nurse Faculty Program.
• Lead the University’s preferred lender list process.
• Work collaboratively with other University departments to develop efficiency and resolve complex grant and loan issues.
• Serve as a member of the management team within the office, establishing goals, and providing staff with strategic direction.
• Serve on committees and workgroups responsible for evaluating, planning, and implementing changes to federal student aid programs and institutional processes resulting from federal legislation, regulations, and policy changes, including the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

Skills

Financial aid knowledge

Supervisory experience

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Policy interpretation

Education

Bachelor’s degree from a US Department of Education-accredited institution

Master’s degree from an accredited institution

Tools

Oracle Student Administration System

Job description

JOB SUMMARY

The University of Connecticut’s Office of Student Financial Aid Services is seeking a dynamic, positive, and motivated professional to join our team! The Assistant Director – Federal & Special Programs (Administrative Program Manager 1) will oversee and lead the Federal & Special Programs Unit within the Office of Student Financial Aid Services.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Overall management of the Federal Pell Grant and Federal Direct Loan Programs for all UConn campuses.
• Foster a cohesive team environment among Federal & Special Programs Unit staff through direct supervision, guidance, and professional development.
• Serve as the lead administrator for alternative (private) loans and the Nurse Faculty Program.
• Lead the University’s preferred lender list process.
• Work collaboratively with other University departments to develop efficiency and resolve complex grant and loan issues.
• Serve as a member of the management team within the office, establishing goals, and providing staff with strategic direction.
• Serve on committees and workgroups responsible for evaluating, planning, and implementing changes to federal student aid programs and institutional processes resulting from federal legislation, regulations, and policy changes, including the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

APPOINTMENT TERMS

This is a full-time, twelve-month position. The expected salary range for this position is $75,786 to $98,522. The University offers a competitive salary, and outstanding benefits, including employee and dependent tuition waivers at UConn, and a highly desirable work environment. For additional information regarding benefits, please visit UConn Health Benefits and explore the sections under the Benefits & Leaves and Engagement & Learning headers.

Other rights, terms, and conditions of employment are contained in the collective bargaining agreement between the University of Connecticut and the University of Connecticut Professional Employees Association (UCPEA).

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree from a college or university accredited by a US Department of Education or internationally recognized accrediting organization and five years of financial aid-related professional experience; OR Master’s degree from a college or university accredited by a US Department of Education or internationally recognized accrediting organization and 3 years of financial aid-related professional experience.
• Knowledge of federal and state regulations pertaining to financial aid, specifically including federal and grant programs.
• Supervisory experience, including two years serving as an advanced/senior team member or working as a project lead and demonstrated ability to effectively lead and manage a team.
• Strong written and oral communication skills and decision-making ability.
• Excellent interpersonal skills including the demonstrated ability to deal effectively with the public, University community, and external constituencies.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Advanced degree.
• Demonstrated knowledge in the administration of Title IV programs and related cash management.
• Working knowledge of Oracle Student Administration System.
• Experience working in a unionized environment.

All members of the University of Connecticut are expected to exhibit appreciation of, and contribute to, an inclusive, respectful, and diverse environment for the University community.

The University of Connecticut aspires to create a community built on collaboration and belonging and has actively sought to create an inclusive culture within the workforce. The success of the University is dependent on the willingness of our diverse employee and student populations to share their rich perspectives and backgrounds in a respectful manner. This makes it essential for each member of our community to feel secure and welcomed and to thoroughly understand and believe that their ideas are respected by all. We strongly respect each individual employee’s unique experiences and perspectives and encourage all members of the community to do the same. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, age, sex, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, genetic information, physical or mental disabilities, veteran’s status, status as a victim of domestic violence and/or sexual assault and/or trafficking in persons as defined by Connecticut law, prior conviction of a crime, workplace hazards to the reproductive systems, or gender identity or expression.

The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO employer including for Disability and Veteran status.

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics.