Associate Director, Financial Aid

UM04 University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES); Maryland; On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) seeks an Associate Director of Financial Aid. This full-time role is responsible for financial aid reporting, analysis, and collaboration with IT to improve efficiency.

The successful candidate will have extensive experience in financial aid administration and supervisory skills, overseeing compliance and procedural enhancements. Opportunities for professional growth include a supportive environment dedicated to assisting students.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 8 years experience in financial aid administration.
• At least 3 years of supervisory or management experience.
• Strong knowledge of Federal Financial Aid systems.

Responsibilities

• Assist with daily import and export processes.
• Maintain knowledge of financial aid processes.
• Monitor financial aid procedures to ensure data accuracy.
• Troubleshoot and resolve processing errors.
• Work closely with IT for system improvements.

Skills

Analytical skills

Team building

Effective communication

Problem-solving

Microsoft Office proficiency

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

PeopleSoft Financial Aid

ED Connect

Image Now

Common Origination and Disbursement (COD)

National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS)

Job description

Overview

Job Description Summary: The Department of Financial Aid at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore invites applicants to apply for a full‑time, exempt position with full benefits. Under the supervision of the Director of Financial Aid, the Associate Director of Financial Aid is responsible for various financial aid reporting, analysis, problem resolution, maintenance, testing and enhancement. Responsible for improving efficiencies within all functional areas of Financial Aid by using technology to provide systematic solutions to problems and enhancement of existing processes. Works closely with the IT and related campus departments.

Essential Job Duties / Responsibilities

• Assists Director of Financial Aid with daily import and export processes between Department of Education and PeopleSoft system.
• In consultation with Information Technology Services, maintains a working knowledge of financial aid processes, PeopleSoft Financial Aid screens and software, including but not limited to ED Connect, Image Now, Common Origination and Disbursement (COD), federal Central Processing Services (CPS), Student Aid Internet Gateway (SAIG), and National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS).
• Monitors financial aid procedures and ensures that data entry standards are followed and that the FA operations process manual is kept current annually.
• Works with Director of Financial Aid to test patches and upgrades regularly and timely.
• Maintains a clear and thorough understanding of current systems environment; carries out fact finding and problem analysis where applicable; completes test scenarios and works with related departments to ascertain testing effects.
• Working closely with the Director, troubleshoots and resolves processing and setup errors within the Financial Aid PeopleSoft module; pays attention to issues that arise as a result of modifications to related modules of the system.
• Works closely with the Director and Information Technology Services to continually grow the system and improve business process operations within the Financial Aid Office; assists with the automation of standard processes such as packaging and SAP.
• Performs other related duties as required or assigned.

Physical Demands

• May require extended periods of standing, bending, stooping, sitting at desk.
• May require lifting.
• Requires communication with a variety of constituents externally and internally.
• Requires operation of a variety of office equipment.

Preferences

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Five (5) years of experience in financial aid administration with at least three (3) years of management experience.
• Supervisory experience.
• Strong knowledge of Federal Financial Aid COD/CPS/NSLDS/EdConnect/FAA Access.
• Experience with awarding, verification, review of appeals, and counseling students on federal financial aid.
• Thorough knowledge of Title IV and Title VII financial aid programs.
• Knowledge of how state programs integrate with federal and institutional funding.

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities

• Strong analytical skills to analyze and interpret financial data.
• Record of team building, problem‑solving, and integrity.
• Ability to present in front of an audience.
• Ability to prioritize and balance multiple tasks/projects concurrently and respond to emergency situations effectively.
• Expertise with the Microsoft Office suite of applications.
• Effective written and oral communication skills.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• Eight (8) years of professional financial aid administration experience.
• Three (3) years of experience supervising or managing professional staff.
• Knowledge of accounting systems, financial reporting, and financial aid administration.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Skill in the use of Microsoft Office products.
• Ability to multitask and prioritize assignments.
• Ability to acquire, apply and expand knowledge of the University’s policies and operating details for sponsored programs.

EEO Statement

UMES is an EEO/AA employer and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant because of race, age, sex, color, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or political affiliation. Minorities, women, veterans, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.