Associate Director, Financial Aid

Fairfield University; United States; On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Fairfield University is seeking an Associate Director of Financial Aid to join the leadership team, driving strategy, process improvement, and compliant, equitable delivery of aid.

You will supervise staff, oversee SAP and verification, manage Net Partner and related systems, and coordinate with Institutional Research and external auditors to support audits and reporting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; five+ years in financial aid administration.
• Proven knowledge of federal/state/institutional financial aid regulations.
• Experience with financial aid systems and data management.
• Experience supervising staff or leading projects.

Responsibilities

• Partner with the Executive Director to support strategic planning, policy development, and operational effectiveness.
• Provide leadership for day-to-day operations, including staff guidance, workflow coordination, and process improvement.
• Create and maintain office policies and procedures manual in accordance with federal, state and university policies.
• Oversee verification and SAP processes, ensuring accuracy and clear communication.
• Manage financial aid systems and technology (e.g., Net Partner), including enhancements and electronic processes.
• Support institutional reporting requirements (FISAP), and collaborate on data analysis and reporting.
• Prepare audit documents and liaise with auditors during annual audits.
• Lead development and maintenance of financial aid communications, including website content and outreach materials.
• Advise students and families regarding financial aid programs and financing options.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Policy development

Collaboration

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree or equivalent

Tools

Net Partner

PowerFAIDS

Workday Student

Job description

Job Description

The Associate Director of Financial Aid is a key member of Fairfield University’s Financial Aid leadership team, supporting the administration, compliance, and continuous improvement of financial aid operations. In alignment with the University’s Jesuit, Catholic mission and commitment to cura personalis, this role advances access, affordability, and student success through ethical, student-centered service. The Associate Director partners with the Executive Director to implement strategy, oversee core processes, and enhance systems that support efficient and equitable delivery of financial aid.

Job Responsibilities

• Partner with the Executive Director to support strategic planning, policy development, and operational effectiveness.
• Provide leadership for day-to-day operations, including staff guidance, workflow coordination, and process improvement.
• Create and maintain office policies and procedures manual in accordance with federal, state and university policies.
• Oversee verification and satisfactory academic progress (SAP) processes, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and clear communication.
• Manage financial aid systems and technology (e.g., Net Partner), including implementation of enhancements and electronic processes.
• Support institutional reporting requirements, including FISAP, and collaborate with Institutional Research on data analysis and reporting.
• Prepare audit documents and act as liaison to auditing firm during the annual A-133 audit and/or state audit as needed.
• Manage state grant program awarding, reconciling and reporting requirements.
• Lead development and maintenance of financial aid communications, including website content, publications, and outreach materials.
• Serve as liaison to campus partners to support a coordinated, student-centered approach to service delivery.
• Assist in the administration of the appeals process and serve on the appeals committee.
• Advise and counsel students and families regarding financial aid programs, application processes, and financing options.
• Serve as liaison to the advancement and development office in support of the university endowment selection and awarding process.
• Maintain and manage the endowment selection process.
• Collaborate with the university School Certifying Official on matters related to Veteran’s Benefits and eligibility.
• Manage an assigned student caseload and perform file review and verification as needed.
• Support onboarding, training, and professional development of staff.
• Conduct performance reviews of direct reports.
• Present financial aid and financial literacy information at on- and off-campus events.
• Monitor updates from the U.S. Department of Education, NASFAA, and other professional organizations and implement changes as needed.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and institutional financial aid regulations and policies.
• Promote a collaborative, inclusive, and mission-driven work environment.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in financial aid administration.
• Demonstrated knowledge of federal, state, and institutional financial aid regulations.
• Experience with financial aid systems and data management.
• Demonstrated experience managing and overseeing members of the financial aid team.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience with PowerFAIDS, Workday Student, or similar systems.
• Experience with Federal Student Aid Systems such as NSLDS, COD, etc.
• Experience supervising staff or leading projects/initiatives.
• Experience in a mission-driven, Jesuit, Catholic, or similarly values-based institution.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Commitment to Fairfield University’s Jesuit, Catholic mission and values, including cura personalis.
• Strong leadership, collaboration, and team development skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse populations.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills with strong attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, service-oriented environment.
• Commitment to ethical practice, equity, and student-centered service.

Work Environment / Conditions

Regular access to confidential student financial and academic records.

Evening and weekend hours may be required during peak processing periods.

Occasional travel may be required.

Category

Enrollment Management - Admin Performs such other duties, responsibilities, and activities as required by supervisor and as departmental/University needs indicate.

Disclaimer

The above information indicates the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification.

It is not designed to contain and should not be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, activities, and/or qualifications required or expected of employees assigned to this job.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a satisfactory background check.

Fairfield University provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

About Fairfield University

Founded in 1942, Fairfield University is a modern, Jesuit Catholic University rooted in one of the world’s oldest intellectual and spiritual traditions. With campuses located in Fairfield, CT Bridgeport, CT, and Austin, TX, we strive to create a workforce that is rich in skill, knowledge, and pride in our work.

Members of the Fairfield University community exhibit mutual respect, compassion, and inclusivity, aspiring to be a welcoming environment representative of an ever-changing and diverse global populace.

As our University rises in national prominence, we are committed to fostering a healthy workplace and lifestyle for our employees.

At Fairfield, the future is filled with opportunities as limitless as your potential, and they all begin with you.