Strategic Associate Director, Financial Aid

CIO Applications Europe; Fairfield (CT); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Fairfield University is seeking an Associate/Assistant Director of Financial Aid to lead and continuously improve financial aid operations, ensure compliance, and advance access and student success in alignment with our Jesuit mission. The role partners with the team to implement strategy, oversee core processes, and support equitable delivery of aid.

You will advise students and families, manage staff, and contribute to policy development, reporting, and cross-department collaboration across

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• 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.
• Demonstrated experience managing and overseeing members of the financial aid team.

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.
• Process financial aid awards, adjustments, verification, overawards and appeals.
• Monitor updates from the U.S. Department of Education, NASFAA, and other professional organizations.
• Counsel students, parents, and other related parties regarding financial aid programs, eligibility, application procedures and award processing.
• Collaborate with Bursar, Registrar, Enrollment and other campus partners on assigned projects.

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree (preferred)

Tools

PowerFAIDS

Workday

NSLDS/COD systems

Job description

Fairfield University is seeking an Associate/Assistant Director of Financial Aid to lead and continuously improve financial aid operations, ensure compliance, and advance access and student success in alignment with our Jesuit mission. The role partners with the team to implement strategy, oversee core processes, and support equitable delivery of aid.

You will advise students and families, manage staff, and contribute to policy development, reporting, and cross-department collaboration across