Assistant Director - Federal & Special Programs Unit

University of Connecticut; Mansfield (CT); On-site; USD 751,000 - 752,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee and dependent tuition waivers

Competitive salary and benefits

Job summary

University of Connecticut invites applications for the Assistant Director – Federal & Special Programs Unit. The role oversees the Federal Pell Grant and Federal Direct Loan programs across all campuses and leads the Federal & Special Programs Unit within the Office of Student Financial Aid Services.

The position requires a Bachelor's or Master’s degree with substantial financial aid experience, strong regulatory knowledge, and proven supervisory skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree with required years of financial aid experience.
• Knowledge of federal and state regulations pertaining to financial aid and Title IV programs.
• Demonstrated supervisory and team leadership capabilities.
• Strong written and oral communication and decision-making abilities.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the Federal Pell Grant and Federal Direct Loan programs for all UConn campuses.
• Provide leadership and staff development for the Federal & Special Programs Unit.
• Lead administration for alternative loans and Nurse Faculty Program.
• Manage the preferred lender list process and collaborate with other departments.

Skills

Communication skills

Supervisory experience

Decision-making ability

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Master's degree in related field

Tools

Oracle Student Administration System

Job description

Assistant Director - Federal & Special Programs Unit

Salary: $75,786.00 - $98,522.00 Annually

Application Deadline: Sep 5, 2026

Education

Search #: 499679
Work type: Full-time
Location: UConn Storrs
Categories: Administrative Services, Student Programs and Services

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.

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.

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 UConnHealth Benefits and explore the sections under the Benefits & Leaves and Engagement & Learning headers.

• employee and dependent tuition waivers at UConn
• a highly desirable work environment

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.

This job posting is scheduled to be removed at 11:55 p.m. Eastern time on September 5, 2026.

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.

Advertised: Jul 22 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: Aug 21 2026 Eastern Daylight Time