Associate Director, Financial Aid & Student Success

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.; Fairfield (CT); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Fairfield University is seeking an Associate Director of Financial Aid to join the Financial Aid leadership team. This role supports the administration, compliance, and continuous improvement of financial aid operations, advancing access, affordability, and student success through ethical, student-centered service.

Reporting to the Executive Director, you will lead day-to-day operations, manage systems such as NetPartner, oversee SAP processes, and collaborate with campus partners to ensure

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in financial aid administration.
• Experience with financial aid systems and data management.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and institutional financial aid regulations.

Responsibilities

• Support strategic planning with the Executive Director and policy development.
• 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, consistency, and clear communication.
• Manage financial aid systems and technology (e.g., NetPartner), including implementation of enhancements.
• 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.
• 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.

Skills

Leadership

Collaboration

Communication

Analytical skills

People management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Tools

PowerFAIDS

Workday Student

NSLDS

COD

Job description

Fairfield University is seeking an Associate Director of Financial Aid to join the Financial Aid leadership team. This role supports the administration, compliance, and continuous improvement of financial aid operations, advancing access, affordability, and student success through ethical, student-centered service.

Reporting to the Executive Director, you will lead day-to-day operations, manage systems such as NetPartner, oversee SAP processes, and collaborate with campus partners to ensure