Associate Director of Financial Aid & Student Access

ffd; Fairfield (CT); On-site; USD 70,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Fairfield University is seeking an Associate/Assistant Director of Financial Aid to join the financial aid leadership team. The role advances access, affordability, and student success through ethical, student-centered service and collaboration with campus partners.

Responsibilities include compliance with federal/state policies, appeals processing, and managing a caseload. Experience with PowerFAIDS and Workday is preferred, with a commitment to Jesuit values and confidentiality.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Support strategic planning, policy development, and operational effectiveness as a member of the financial aid team.
• Maintain compliance with federal, state, and institutional financial aid regulations and policies.
• Prepare financial aid appeals for review and serve on the appeals committee.
• Manage an assigned student caseload and perform file review, verification and academic progress evaluations as needed and in accordance with all applicable policies.
• Process financial aid awards, adjustments, verification, over awards and appeals.
• Monitor updates from the U.S. Department of Education, NASFAA, and other professional organizations.
• Promote a collaborative, inclusive, and mission-driven work environment.
• Counsel students, parents, and other related parties regarding financial aid programs, eligibility, application procedures and award processing.
• Review documentation for accuracy and consistency.
• Communicate with students and families.
• Collaborate with Bursar, Registrar, Enrollment and other campus partners on assigned projects.
• Use PowerFAIDS and Workday and related systems to administer aid, track records and support compliance.
• Support recruitment, open house, guidance counselor and special events, and deliver financial aid and financial literacy presentations on and off campus as needed.
• Maintain confidentiality and comply with FERPA and other applicable policies.
• Assists in the administration of the Federal Work-Study (FWS) program, including annual setup, awarding, and ongoing review of student eligibility and fund utilization to ensure compliance with federal regulations and institutional policies.
• Reviews weekly FWS payroll activity, including payroll loads and student earnings; troubleshoots payroll issues and tracks FWS earnings maximums, providing timely notifications to students and supervisors as needed.
• Compiles and verifies FWS program data for internal reporting and required federal submissions, including COD and the FISAP, ensuring accuracy and timely completion.
• Maintains current FWS program documentation, guides, and online content, and communicates routine program updates and reminders to students and supervisors throughout the year.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Regulatory compliance

Strategic planning

Team development

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree

Tools

PowerFAIDS

Workday

NSLDS

COD

Job description

Fairfield University is seeking an Associate/Assistant Director of Financial Aid to join the financial aid leadership team. The role advances access, affordability, and student success through ethical, student-centered service and collaboration with campus partners.

Responsibilities include compliance with federal/state policies, appeals processing, and managing a caseload. Experience with PowerFAIDS and Workday is preferred, with a commitment to Jesuit values and confidentiality.