Assistant Director of Financial Aid

Harvard University, Faculty of Arts & Sciences; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous paid time off

Health insurance

Retirement plans

Tuition assistance

Commuter benefits

Job summary

Harvard Griffin GSAS is seeking an Assistant Director of Financial Aid to independently manage aid activities, evaluate financial information, counsel students, and prepare reporting in line with university guidelines.

Reporting to the Associate Director, you will oversee programs at the GSAS, collaborate with departments, and ensure compliant administration of federal and institutional aid while advancing student access and success in a hybrid Cambridge, MA environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required.
• Minimum of 5 years’ relevant work experience.
• Experience with federal financial aid programs, policies, and compliance preferred.
• Strong technology skills including MS Office, SharePoint, and data reporting.

Responsibilities

• Evaluates and analyzes financial information submitted by applicants and determines awards.
• Prepares aid packages and administers Harvard and external grants/fellowships.
• Ensures compliance with federal, state, and institutional aid requirements and auditing standards.
• Develops and evaluates financial aid materials and policies; supports reporting and planning.
• Counsels students on financial planning and aid options; collaborates with departments on policy.

Skills

Counseling

Customer service

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Data reporting

Time management

Teamwork

Confidentiality

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Tools

PowerFaids

SharePoint

Adobe Acrobat

Microsoft Office Suite

Excel

Job description

Company Description

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

Why join the Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences?

The Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) is the historic heart of Harvard University. It is the home of Harvard’s undergraduateprogram (Harvard College, founded in 1636) as well as all of Harvard’s Ph.D. programs (the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin GraduateSchool of Arts and Sciences, founded in 1872), Harvard Athleticsand the Division of Continuing Education. The 40 academicdepartments and 30+ centers of the FAS support a communityunparalleled in its academic excellence across the broadest rangeof liberal arts and sciences disciplines. Together, the FAS seeksto foster an environment of ambition, curiosity and sharedcommitment to knowledge and truth that elicits excellence from allmembers of our community and prepares the next generation ofleaders through a transformative educational experience.

Job Description

The Assistant Director of Financial Aid independently performsfinancial aid activities including evaluating and analyzingfinancial information submitted by applicants, counseling studentson financial matters, and preparing financial aid reporting andanalysis in accordance with established federal and Universitystandards and guidelines.

Reporting to the Associate Director of Financial Aid, this positionis responsible for overseeing assigned programs at Harvard KennethC. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS).

Duties include, but are not limited to, the following:

Administer Financial Aid

• Evaluates and analyzes financial information submitted byapplicants, ensuring data is accurate and compliant, and processesawards.
• Prepares aid packages and award notifications; administers bothHarvard and external grant/fellowship programs; allocates Harvardrestricted funds and donor-supported awards in accordance withprogram guidelines; and supports the administration of federalfinancial aid programs, including eligibility determination.
• Ensures compliance with federal, state and institutionalfinancial aid requirements and auditing standards.
• Develops and evaluates financial aid materials, websitecontent, forms, etc.
• Assists in planning and implementing financial aid strategy toattract applicants.
• Interprets and advises students, applicants, and colleagues onfinancial aid policies, procedures, and funding regulations;contributes to the development and implementation of policy andprocess improvements.
• Manages the collection, analysis, and reporting of data forfinancial aid and fellowship programs, supporting institutionalplanning, compliance, and external reporting requirements.

Counseling, Communication, and Leadership

• Counsels prospective and current students on financial planningand financial assistance, including application process, fellowshipsources, loans and employment.
• Works extensively with assigned academic departments acrossHarvard University to coordinate aid for students and advisesdepartments on financial aid policy.
• Coordinates and communicates with other Harvard Griffin GSASoffices to support student success and ensure the effectivedelivery of financial aid, fellowship, and student servicesprograms.
• Collaborates with University partners responsible for studentrecords, billing, enrollment, and funding programs to ensure theeffective delivery of financial aid
• Represents Harvard Griffin GSAS at national and state levelprofessional conferences and university-wide financial forums.
• Provides direct and/or indirect supervision, training, andguidance to staff

Working Conditions:

• This is a hybrid position and on-campus location is Cambridge,MA
• Travel may be required
• May be required to work nights and weekends

Physical Requirements:

• Sitting using near vision use for reading and computer use forextended periods of time
• Lifting (approximately 20 to 30 pounds), bending, and otherphysical exertion

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required
• Minimum of 5 years’ relevant work experience

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Strong technology skills required, including proficiency withMicrosoft Office Suite, and the ability to quickly learn andeffectively use new systems and applications; experience withSharePoint and Adobe Acrobat preferred;
• Demonstrated aptitude for leveraging technology, data, andprocess improvements to enhance efficiency, streamline operations,and improve service delivery;
• Prior experience in financial aid administration preferred,including familiarity with federal financial aid programs,policies, and compliance requirements;
• Strong counseling, customer service, and interpersonal skills,with a demonstrated ability to work effectively with students,faculty, and colleagues;
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-makingskills, with sound independent judgment;
• Exceptional attention to detail, accuracy, and organizationalskills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meetdeadlines in a fast-paced environment;
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently andcollaboratively in a team-oriented setting;
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information withdiscretion;
• Demonstrated commitment to fostering an inclusive environmentand working effectively with individuals from diversebackgrounds;
• Experience working with graduate students preferred;
• Experience with PowerFaids preferred;
• Familiarity with Harvard University systems, policies, andprocesses a plus

Additional Information

• Application Information: A cover letter is required tobe considered for this position
• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University isunable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education,Criminal

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders thatsome of the duties and responsibilities can be effectivelyperformed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and locationwill be set by the department at its discretion and based uponoperational needs. When not working at a Harvard orHarvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions mustwork in a Harvard registered state in compliance with theUniversity’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 priorto employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 057. Please visit Harvard's Salary Ranges to view thecorresponding salary range and related information.

Benefits

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

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed 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 thebasis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexualorientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability,or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in theuniversity's non-discrimination policy. Harvard'sequal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help allcommunity members participate fully in work and campus life freefrom harassment and discrimination.