Assistant Director of Financial Aid

Linfield University; McMinnville (OR); On-site; USD 80,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

Linfield University seeks an Assistant Director of Financial Aid to lead day-to-day office operations, assure compliance, and optimize use of technology and communications for students across programs.

The role includes supervising counselors, handling Professional Judgment, and coordinating awards for online, Portland Nursing, McMinnville, and graduate students, while supporting annual audits and policy development.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
• Two years of financial aid experience with increasing responsibility.
• Strong communication and customer service skills.
• Proficiency with financial aid systems and reporting tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead the daily operations of the Financial Aid Office when the Director is unavailable.
• Supervise Financial Aid Counselors and coordinate staff training.
• Process Professional Judgment requests and aid students with documentation.
• Award aid for online, Portland Nursing, McMinnville, and graduate programs.
• Support audits, FISAP, and reconciliation of aid programs.
• Ensure compliance with FERPA and state/federal regulations.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Customer service

Attention to detail

Technology proficiency

Team supervision

Bilingual

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Colleague

NSLDS

COD

CPS

ELM

MS Word

Excel

Job description

Join Our Team at Linfield UniversityLinfield University is seeking an Assistant Director of Financial Aid to help lead day-to-day office operations, support students across programs, and contribute to financial aid compliance, technology, communications, and customer service.Reports To: Director of Financial Aid | FTE: 1.0Job SummaryThe Assistant Director of Financial Aid provides direction and leadership for the day-to-day operations of the Financial Aid Office for all student populations, with special emphasis on compliance, efficient use of technology, communications, and customer service. The Assistant Director will manage the daily operations of the Financial Aid Office in the absence of the Director. The Assistant Director will supervise Financial Aid Counselors.Primary Duties and ResponsibilitiesServes as lead financial aid administrator in the absence of the Director.Supervises the Financial Aid Counselors.Processes Professional Judgment requests for students and assists the Director with requests from students when necessary. This includes obtaining appropriate documentation of the circumstances and communicating with all appropriate parties.Responsible for awarding online students, new and continuing Portland Nursing students, continuing McMinnville students, and students enrolled in graduate programs.Assists the Director as needed with annual audits, program reviews, FISAP, and final reconciliation of Pell Grant, Oregon Opportunity Grant, and Federal Work-Study.Determines Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements for all student populations.Responsible for Return of Title IV calculations for all CPS students when a student withdraws from the institution, either officially or unofficially.Responsible for awarding endowed scholarship funds in compliance with donors’ requests.Works in collaboration with the Director to ensure compliance with academic calendars.Assists the Director in developing efficiencies as well as creating institutional policies and procedures based on federal and state regulations and University policy.Manages the aid administration of the student population. This includes current and prospective students on application procedures, eligibility requirements, internal policies and procedures, and awarding of financial aid.Participates in state, regional, and national professional development activities to ensure a complete understanding of federal and state regulations and remain current on changes to federal and state aid programs.Represents the University at campus events and presents at local financial aid nights.Collaborates to foster good relationships with colleagues from all areas of the University, including but not limited to Admissions, Athletics, Enrollment Management, Academic Support, faculty, Business Office, Registrar’s Office, etc.Maintains student confidentiality in accordance with FERPA regulations.Performs other duties as assigned by the Director.Supervisory ResponsibilitiesResponsible for the supervision of the Financial Aid Counselors and/or Senior Financial Aid Counselors and the Assistant Director. Leads and/or provides oversight of training, scheduling, staff development, performance appraisals, corrective action, workflow management, and staff recognition.Minimum QualificationsBachelor’s degree from an accredited institution required.Bilingual/bicultural preferred.Minimum of two years of financial aid experience with demonstrated increased responsibility and understanding of financial aid programs.Comprehensive knowledge of all aspects of financial aid operations.Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills.Knowledge of student financial aid compliance and reporting requirements.Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with students, parents, staff, and faculty.Excellent interpersonal competency with a high level of customer service skills.Proficiency in technology and the systems used to determine students’ eligibility and originate a financial aid award. (These may include Colleague, NSLDS, COD, CPS, ELM, MS Word, Excel, etc.)Strong leadership skills.Ability to work under pressure and meet timelines and objectives.Ability to interpret policies and exercise sound judgment in decisions.Some evening and weekend work required.Possess a valid driver’s license and driving record to become/remain certified to operate Linfield vehicles and equipment.Physical RequirementsThe physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.Work is performed in an office environment. Constant seeing, hearing, sitting, and talking. Frequent repetitive movement of hands, wrists, and fingers; walking; and climbing stairs. Occasional standing, bending, and lifting up to 20 pounds. May be exposed to weather elements when going from building to building.Build Your Career at Linfield UniversityAt Linfield University, the Financial Aid team plays an important role in supporting students and families as they navigate financial aid. If you bring financial aid experience, leadership skills, and a commitment to student service, we encourage you to apply.Linfield University participates in E-Verify to verify the identity and work eligibility of all new employees.To apply, please submit your application materials through the Linfield University employment portal. We look forward to learning more about how your experience and passion align with our mission.https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/portal/F16D49EDEBF447BF71AEBC32D5AF6AB5/jobs/222968