Assistant Director for Financial Aid

PHILANDER SMITH COLLEGE; Little Rock (AR); On-site; USD 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Disability Coverage

Flexible Spending Accounts

Health Savings Accounts

Employee Assistance Program

403B Retirement Savings Plan

Life Insurance

Paid Time Off

Tuition Reimbursement

Job summary

Philander Smith University is seeking an Assistant Director for Financial Aid to lead daily operations, ensure accurate and compliant administration of federal, state, and institutional aid, and support the Director with strategic planning and staff supervision.

The role combines technical expertise in financial aid systems with a student-centered approach, counseling families through the aid process and contributing to enrollment management initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• 3–5 years of progressive experience in a higher education financial aid office with supervisory or coordinator experience preferred.
• Proficiency with student information systems (SIS) and federal financial aid databases.
• Deep knowledge of Title IV regulations; exceptional communication and conflict‑resolution skills; strong analytical skills with high attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the awarding, packaging, and disbursement of federal, state, and institutional aid, ensuring Title IV compliance.
• Counsel students and families on eligibility, applications, budgeting, and special circumstances.
• Utilize Banner, Colleague/PeopleSoft and federal systems (COD, NSLDS, CPS) to manage data exchange and reporting.
• Supervise, train, and mentor financial aid counselors and staff.
• Conduct financial literacy workshops and information sessions for prospective and current students.
• Support Enrollment Management goals within Philander Smith University.

Skills

Communication skills

Conflict resolution

Attention to detail

Analytical skills

Supervisory experience

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Banner

PeopleSoft

Job description

Job Details

• Job Location: Philander Smith University - LITTLE ROCK, AR 72202
• Position Type: Full Time
• Education Level: 4 Year Degree
• Salary Range: $55,000.00 - $65,000.00
• Travel Percentage: Up to 25%
• Job Shift: Day

Position Summary

The Assistant Director for Financial Aid plays a key leadership role in managing the daily operations of the financial aid office. This position is responsible for ensuring the accurate, timely, and compliant administration of federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs. The ideal candidate balances strong technical expertise in financial aid systems with a student‑centered approach, assisting families in navigating the financial aid process while supporting the Director in strategic planning, compliance auditing, and staff supervision.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the awarding, packaging, and disbursement of federal, state, and institutional aid. Ensure strict adherence to Title IV regulations and institutional policies.
• Provide high‑level counseling to students and families regarding financial aid eligibility, application processes, budgeting, and special circumstances.
• Leverage financial aid software such as Banner, Colleague, and/or PeopleSoft and federal systems (COD, NSLDS, CPS) to manage data exchange and reporting.
• Supervise, train, and mentor financial aid counselors and support staff, fostering a collaborative and service‑oriented team environment.
• Attend and conduct financial literacy workshops, presentations, and information sessions for prospective and current students.
• Support the goals and objectives of the Financial Aid Office and Enrollment Management of Philander Smith University.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• 3–5 years of progressive experience in a higher education financial aid office with a strong preference for prior supervisory or coordinator experience.
• Proficiency with student information systems (SIS) and federal financial aid databases.
• Deep knowledge of Title IV regulations; exceptional communication and conflict‑resolution skills; strong analytical skills with high attention to detail.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance Plans
• Short‑term and Long‑term Disability Coverage
• Flexible Spending Accounts and Health Savings Accounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• 403B Retirement Savings Plan
• Life Insurance
• Paid Time Off
• Tuition Reimbursement

Philander Smith University is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against applicants or employees based on age, race, sex, national origin, ethnicity, veteran status or religion. Philander Smith University is a smoke‑free and drug‑free work environment. Philander Smith University participates in E‑Verify.