Financial Aid Officer

Harvard University, Faculty of Arts & Sciences; Cambridge (MA); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Parental leave

Medical insurance

Tuition assistance

Commuter benefits

Job summary

Harvard University, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, seeks a Financial Aid Counselor to independently review and award financial aid in alignment with federal and university guidelines.

You will counsel students and families, participate in committees, and help improve processes while upholding confidentiality. This role is based in Cambridge, MA with potential hybrid work; visa sponsorship is not provided.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required.
• Minimum of 3 years’ relevant work experience.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal).
• Demonstrated commitment to high level of customer service.
• Ability to work well under pressure, strong time management and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a member of the College Financial Aid Committee, counseling about financial aid issues for about 450 students and families.
• Calculate financial aid awards for entering and returning students using federal and institutional guidelines.
• Provide a high level of customer service to students and families as part of the Officer of the Day team.
• Participate in reconsiderations of aid awards and serve as a student representative when assigned.
• Assist in external scholarships and grants processes, guiding colleagues on handling these during peak times.
• Assess and improve related processes and training to expand office knowledge and efficiency.
• Assist in policy formation and various projects and programs.

Skills

Customer service

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Problem solving

Confidentiality

Office software

Time management

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience

Tools

PowerFAIDS

Microsoft Office

Job description

Company Description

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

Why join the Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences?

The Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) is the historic heart ofHarvard University. It is the home of Harvard’s undergraduateprogram (Harvard College, founded in 1636) as well as all ofHarvard’s Ph.D. programs (the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin GraduateSchool of Arts and Sciences, founded in 1872), Harvard Athleticsand the Division of Continuing Education. The 40 academicdepartments and 30+ centers of the FAS support a communityunparalleled in its academic excellence across the broadest rangeof liberal arts and sciences disciplines. Together, the FAS seeksto foster an environment of ambition, curiosity and sharedcommitment to knowledge and truth that elicits excellence from allmembers of our community and prepares the next generation ofleaders through a transformative educational experience.

Job Description

Job Summary: Independently perform a variety of financialaid activities including reviewing and evaluating financialinformation submitted by applicants to determine aid award inaccordance with established federal and university standards andguidelines.

Job-Specific Responsibilities

• Serve as a member of the College Financial Aid Committee, withprimary responsibility for counseling students (typically, about450) and their families regarding financial aid issues.
• Calculate financial aid awards for entering and returningstudents; evaluate financial need using federal and institutionalguidelines and methodologies.
• Provide a high level of customer service to students andfamilies as part of the Officer of the Day team.
• Participate in the Financial Aid Committee, which responds torequests for reconsiderations of aid awards; serve as assignedstudents’ representative to the Committee.
• Facilitate the external scholarships and grants process(outside awards), including eligibility and payments; provideguidance and training to colleagues on how to manage these in thecontext of financial aid awarding, especially in peak times.
• Assess and improve related processes and training to expandoffice knowledge and provide more efficient customer service.
• Assist in the formulation of policy and procedures, as well asa 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 behybrid, as directed by FAS.
• This position will be based in Cambridge, MA. All remote workmust be performed in a state in which Harvard is registered to dobusiness (CA, CT, MA, MD, ME, NH, NY, RI, and VT).

Physical Requirements

• Work will require sitting, near vision use for reading andcomputer 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 writtenand verbal).
• Demonstrated commitment to high level of customer service.
• Ability to work well under pressure, strong time management andorganizational skills, demonstrated initiative, strong attention todetail, and ability to keep information confidential.
• Problem solving skills, including ability to develop andanalyze options/hypotheses objectively.
• Demonstrated ability to foster and engage in meaningfulcollaboration, 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 isunable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education, Criminal,and Reference checks required.

Other Information

• This position has a 6-month orientation and review period.
• All formal offers will be made by FAS HR.

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders thatsome of the duties and responsibilities can be effectivelyperformed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and locationwill be set by the department at its discretion and based uponoperational needs. When not working at a Harvard orHarvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions mustwork in a Harvard registered state in compliance with theUniversity’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 priorto employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 056. Please visit Harvard's Salary Ranges to view thecorresponding salary range and related information.

Benefits

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

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

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & WellbeingPage.

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination . We seek talentfrom all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensureeveryone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our communityadvance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on thebasis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexualorientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability,or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in theuniversity's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help allcommunity members participate fully in work and campus life freefrom harassment and discrimination.