Assistant Director of Student Financial Aid – Enrollment Management

Carnegie Mellon University; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition benefits

Paid time off

Life and disability insurance

Retirement savings plan with employer

Bus pass and wellness perks

Family Concierge support

Job summary

Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, PA, seeks a student-centered and detail-oriented Assistant Director of Financial Aid to oversee the review of FAFSA and CSS Profile applications and ensure accurate, compliant delivery of financial aid. The role requires handling complex cases amid evolving regulations and provides RRO support to students, staff, and departments.

You will supervise daily processes, prepare routine status reports, and participate in process improvements to ensure timely

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in higher education administration or related field is required; Master’s degree is highly desirable.
• Prior higher education experience with financial aid processing is preferred; strong exposure to file review and verification is desirable.
• Advanced proficiency with PowerFAIDS and familiarity with federal databases (COD, NSLDS, CPS/SAIG) is essential.
• Strong problem-solving, data analysis, and cross-functional collaboration skills are needed.
• Familiarity with Title IV regulations and verification procedures is highly valued.

Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end processing and evaluation of federal and institutional financial aid applications.
• Perform federal verification reviews in compliance with ED regulations and university policies.
• Evaluate complex special circumstances appeals using professional judgment.
• Analyze data and collaborate to streamline processes and remove administrative roadblocks for students.
• Maintain compliance through accurate documentation and auditing of files.
• Support students and campus partners with clear guidance and timely responses.

Skills

Attention to detail

Analytical thinking

Communication

Independent worker

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in higher ed administration or related field

Master’s degree desired

Tools

PowerFAIDS

COD/NSLDS/SAIG databases

Job description

Carnegie Mellon is a global research university with more than 12,000 students, 80,000 alumni, and 5,000 faculty and staff. Recognized for its world-class arts and technology programs, collaboration across disciplines, and innovative leadership of education in the fields of Business Administration, Computer Science, Engineering, Fine Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, Public Policy & Information Systems, and Science, Carnegie Mellon is consistently ranked among the top 25 universities in the United States.

Carnegie Mellon University is seeking a student-centered and detail-oriented Assistant Director of Financial Aid to join our dynamic team. This critical role focuses directly on the review of student applications, both FAFSA and CSS Profile, ensuring accurate and compliant delivery of financial aid funds to our diverse student body. Operating in a fast-paced environment with significant ongoing regulatory shifts, the Assistant Director will manage critical processing streams and serve as a vital resource for complex student cases. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who thrives in an interesting and challenging work environment. You will contribute to the department by maintaining the group’s service-oriented focus by providing clear and concise responses to inquiries from students, staff, academic departments, and external service providers. You will also oversee critical daily processes and prepare routine status reports to management, as well as participate in process changes to ensure timely awarding and disbursement of financial aid.

Core Responsibilities Include

• Application Processing & Review: Manage the end-to-end processing and evaluation of federal and institutional financial aid applications. This review involves verifying tax information, and other necessary supporting documentation gathered through the financial aid application process.
• Federal Verification: Perform meticulous federal verification reviews in strict compliance with Department of Education regulations and university policies.
• Professional Judgments: Evaluate and resolve complex special circumstances appeals using professional judgment and equity-driven frameworks.
• Process Optimization: Actively analyze data and collaborate with the team to identify, design, and implement better processes that remove administrative roadblocks for students.
• Compliance & File Auditing: Keep pace with changing Title IV regulations to ensure the highest standards of processing accuracy and federal compliance.
• Student & Partner Support: Work together with campus partners to create an easy, seamless experience for students, while understanding that some situations are more complex and require deep attention. Be able to develop innovative solutions to solve these complex problems.

Adaptability, excellence, and passion are vital qualities within Carnegie Mellon University. We are in search of a team member who can effectively interact with a varied population of internal and external partners at a high level of integrity. We are looking for someone who shares our values and who will support the mission of the university through their work.

You Should Demonstrate

• Strong attention to detail, strong analytical problem-solving skills, and the resilience to thrive in a high-volume, deadline-driven environment
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to maintain composure
• Ability to work independently with little direct supervision
• Adaptability, ability to prioritize and context switch, reasoning and problem-solving skills are vital qualities within the Student Financial Aid Office.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree, higher education administration, or related field required; Master’s degree highly desired. An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
• Experience: Prior experience in a higher education setting preferred, with financial aid office experience a strong plus. Demonstrated expertise in file review and verification is highly desirable.
• Technical Expertise: Advanced proficiency using the PowerFAIDS management system is strongly preferred. Comfort navigating federal databases (COD, NSLDS, CPS/SAIG) is essential.
• Mindset & Skillset: Must be a forward-thinking problem solver with a strong ability to analyze data, think critically about operational workflows, and collaborate cross-functionally.
• Regulatory Knowledge: A solid understanding of Title IV federal regulations, verification procedures, and application methodologies (FM/IM preferred). We highly value adaptability and a strong desire to keep learning and growing with our team.

Requirements

• Successful pre-employment background check

Additional Information

• Sponsorship: Applicants for this position must be currently legally authorized to work for CMU in the United States. CMU will not sponsor or take over the sponsorship of an employment visa for this opportunity. Carnegie Mellon is not a qualifying employer for the STEM OPT benefit: only the 12-month OPT may be used to work at Carnegie Mellon.

Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits.

Benefits eligible employees enjoy a wide array of benefits including comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous retirement savings program with employer contributions. Unlock your potential with tuition benefits, take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off and observed holidays, and rest easy with life and accidental death and disability insurance.

Additional perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, access to our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access, and much more!

For a comprehensive overview of the benefits available, explore our Benefits page.

At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond credentials, we evaluate the role and responsibilities, your valuable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We appreciate your unique skills and the perspective you bring. Your journey with us is about more than just a job; it’s about finding the perfect fit for your professional growth and personal aspirations.

Location

Pittsburgh, PA

Job Function

Admissions and Financial Aid

Position Type

Staff – Regular

Full Time/Part time

Full time

Pay Basis

Salary

More Information

• Please visit “Why Carnegie Mellon” to learn more about becoming part of an institution inspiring innovations that change the world.
• Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran.
• Statement of Assurance