Financial Aid Officer

Harvard University; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 88,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous paid time off

Health insurance

Retirement plans

Wellbeing resources

Family support

Tuition assistance

Commuter benefits

Job summary

Harvard University in Cambridge, MA seeks a Financial Aid Officer to independently perform financial aid activities, reviewing information and determining awards in line with federal and university standards.

You will counsel students and families, calculate aid, participate in committees, manage external scholarships, improve processes, and support policy development; occasional night/weekend work and hybrid work can occur.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience is required.
• Minimum of 3 years’ relevant work experience.

Responsibilities

• Counsel students and families regarding financial aid issues.
• Calculate financial aid awards for entering and returning students.
• Provide high level customer service as part of the Officer of the Day team.
• Participate in the Financial Aid Committee and serve as assigned student’s representative.
• Guide external scholarships and grants process and train colleagues on managing these in peak times.
• Assess and improve related processes and training for efficiency.
• Assist in policy and procedures development and various projects.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Customer service

Time management

Attention to detail

Confidentiality

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

PowerFAIDS

Job description

• Harvard Job Function: Faculty & Student Services
• Union: 00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary
• Salary Grade: 056
• Department: Admissions and Financial Aid
• FLSA Status: Exempt

Company Description

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Why join the Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences?

The Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) is the historic heart of Harvard University. It is the home of Harvard’s undergraduate program (Harvard College, founded in 1636) as well as all of Harvard’s Ph.D. programs (the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, founded in 1872), Harvard Athletics and the Division of Continuing Education. The 40 academic departments and 30+ centers of the FAS support a community unparalleled in its academic excellence across the broadest range of liberal arts and sciences disciplines. Together, the FAS seeks to foster an environment of ambition, curiosity and shared commitment to knowledge and truth that elicits excellence from all members of our community and prepares the next generation of leaders through a transformative educational experience.

Job Description

Job Summary: Independently perform a variety of financial aid activities including reviewing and evaluating financial information submitted by applicants to determine aid award in accordance with established federal and university standards and guidelines.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

• Serve as a member of the College Financial Aid Committee, with primary responsibility for counseling students (typically, about 450) and their families regarding financial aid issues.
• Calculate financial aid awards for entering and returning students; evaluate financial need using federal and institutional guidelines and methodologies.
• Provide a high level of customer service to students and families as part of the Officer of the Day team.
• Participate in the Financial Aid Committee, which responds to requests for reconsiderations of aid awards; serve as assigned students’ representative to the Committee.
• Facilitate the external scholarships and grants process (outside awards), including eligibility and payments; provide guidance and training to colleagues on how to manage these in the context of financial aid awarding, especially in peak times.
• Assess and improve related processes and training to expand office knowledge and provide more efficient customer service.
• Assist in the formulation of policy and procedures, as well as a variety of projects and programs.

Working Conditions:

• Night/weekend work and travel may be required.
• Work is typically performed in an office setting, but may be hybrid, as directed by FAS.
• This position will be based in Cambridge, MA. All remote work must be performed in a state in which Harvard is registered to do business (CA, CT, MA, MD, ME, NH, NY, RI, and VT).

Physical Requirements:

• Work will require sitting, near vision use for reading and computer use for extended periods of time.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications(required):

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required
• Minimum of 3 years’ relevant work experience

Additional Qualifications and Skills(preferred):

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (both written and verbal).
• Demonstrated commitment to high level of customer service.
• Ability to work well under pressure, strong time management and organizational skills, demonstrated initiative, strong attention to detail, and ability to keep information confidential.
• Problem solving skills, including ability to develop and analyze options/hypotheses objectively.
• Demonstrated ability to foster and engage in meaningful collaboration, as well as share knowledge effectively.
• Proficiency with office productivity and collaboration tools; access to the Internet for remote work needed.
• Familiarity with PowerFAIDS preferred.

Additional Information

• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education, Criminal, and Reference checks required.

Other Information:

• In order to be considered for this position, please demonstrate basic qualifications are met.
• This position has a 6-month orientation and review period.
• All formal offers will be made by FAS HR.

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University’s Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts . Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 056. Please visitHarvard's Salary Ranges to view the corresponding salary range and related information.

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to:

• Generous paid time off including parental leave
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one
• Retirement plans with university contributions
• Wellbeing and mental health resources
• Support for families and caregivers
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination . We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.