Financial Aid Lead: Compliance, Processing & Support

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 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