Graduate Financial Aid Lead — Assistant Director

Southern Methodist University; University Park (TX); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Southern Methodist University is seeking an Assistant Director of Financial Aid for Graduate Programs to lead graduate financial aid operations on campus. You will oversee FAFSA review, packaging, and compliance for 5000+ graduate students, collaborating with academic departments and the Division of Enrollment Services.

The role includes supervising two full-time advisors, staying current with regulations, and supporting student recruitment, program development, and post-graduate loan counseling.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in a university setting.
• Experience with financial aid services, disbursement, and policy regulations.

Responsibilities

• Create financial aid offers and review FAFSA data for eligibility and packaging.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and institutional policies.
• Advise graduate students through the financial aid process via one-on-one meetings, email, calls, and virtual sessions.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Conflict resolution

Problem solving

Organization

Time management

Customer service

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

PeopleSoft

Microsoft Office

Teams

Zoom

Job description

Southern Methodist University is seeking an Assistant Director of Financial Aid for Graduate Programs to lead graduate financial aid operations on campus. You will oversee FAFSA review, packaging, and compliance for 5000+ graduate students, collaborating with academic departments and the Division of Enrollment Services.

The role includes supervising two full-time advisors, staying current with regulations, and supporting student recruitment, program development, and post-graduate loan counseling.