Temporary Assistant Director of Financial Aid

Carnegie Mellon University; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 55,000 - 83,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Transit pass

Family concierge team

Tuition benefits

Paid time off & holidays

Life & AD&D insurance

Fitness center access

Job summary

Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh is seeking a Temporary Assistant Director of Financial Aid with a strong background in federal, state, and institutional programs to support peak financial aid processing.

The role requires experience with Title IV regulations, financial aid verification, and administering need-based awards. You will collaborate across departments, ensure compliance, and help optimize workflows in a fast-paced university setting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in higher education administration or a related field is required; Master’s degree preferred (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
• Prior higher education experience with financial aid file review and verification is strongly preferred.
• Proficiency with PowerFAIDS and familiarity with federal databases (COD, NSLDS, CPS/SAIG) is preferred.
• Strong understanding of Title IV regulations, FM/IM methodologies, analytical problem solving, and ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Review federal and institutional applications, validate tax records, and perform federal verification in compliance with regulations and university policies.
• Evaluate complex special circumstances and handle undergraduate and graduate aid cases with high accuracy.
• Set up and monitor endowed and need-based awards in PowerFAIDS; lead R2T4 procedures and coordinate Outside Scholarship processing.
• Maintain Title IV regulatory compliance, run Federal Community Service hiring/payroll, and partner with departments on awards via Oracle Grants Management.
• Identify and implement streamlined processes to improve efficiency and remove administrative roadblocks for students.

Skills

Title IV regs

FM/IM methods

Analytical thinking

Independent work

Education

Bachelor's degree in higher education administration or related field

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

PowerFAIDS

COD

NSLDS

CPS/SAIG

Job description

Are you searching for an outstanding opportunity to gain hands‑on experience and develop new skills at a world‑class research university? At Carnegie Mellon University, our Temporary Employment Services (TES) acts as a trusted resource for departments across the campus, providing you with the chance to showcase your expertise in a collaborative and professional environment! We take pride in offering full‑time temporary positions that provide:

• Valuable on‑the‑job training and applied experience in financial and administrative operations.
• Comprehensive benefits packages that support your well‑being.
• A clear pathway for long‑term career growth within our community.

We are seeking a temporary Assistant Director of Financial Aid experienced in federal, state, and institutional programs to support peak financial aid processing.

Core Responsibilities

• Application Processing & Verification: Review federal and institutional applications, validate tax records, and perform federal verification in compliance with Department of Education regulations and university policies.
• Professional Judgments & Case Management: Evaluate complex special circumstances appeals and handle individual undergraduate and graduate aid cases with high accuracy.
• Systems & Award Management: Set up and monitor endowed and need‑based awards in PowerFAIDS, lead Return to Title IV (R2T4) procedures, and coordinate Outside Scholarship processing.
• Compliance & Operations: Maintain Title IV regulatory compliance, run Federal Community Service hiring/payroll, and partner with academic departments on departmental awards via Oracle Grants Management.
• Process Optimization: Identify and implement streamlined processes to improve efficiency and remove administrative roadblocks for students.

Adaptability, excellence, and passion are vital qualities within Carnegie Mellon University. We are in search of a team member who can effectively interact with a varied population of internal and external partners at a high level of integrity. We are looking for someone who shares our values and who will support the mission of the university through their work.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in higher education administration or a related field required; Master’s degree preferred (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
• Experience: Prior higher education experience required, with a background in financial aid file review and verification strongly preferred.
• Technical Expertise: Proficiency with PowerFAIDS and familiarity with federal databases (COD, NSLDS, CPS/SAIG) preferred.
• Skills & Knowledge: Strong understanding of Title IV regulations, FM/IM methodologies, analytical problem‑solving skills, and the ability to work independently in a fast‑paced environment.

Requirement

Successful completion of a background check.

Additional information

Sponsorship: Applicants for this position must be currently legally authorized to work for CMU in the United States. CMU will not sponsor or take over the sponsorship of an employment visa for this opportunity. Carnegie Mellon is not a qualifying employer for the STEM OPT benefit: only the 12‑month OPT may be used to work at Carnegie Mellon.

Benefits

Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits.

Benefits eligible employees enjoy a wide array of benefits including comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous retirement savings program with employer contributions. Unlock your potential with tuition benefits, take well‑deserved breaks with ample paid time off and observed holidays, and rest easy with life and accidental death and disability insurance.

Additional perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, access to our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access, and much more!

Company overview

At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond credentials, we evaluate the role and responsibilities, your valuable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We appreciate your unique skills and the perspective you bring. Your journey with us is about more than just a job; it’s about finding the perfect fit for your professional growth and personal aspirations.

Location

Pittsburgh, PA

Job Function

TES

Position Type

Staff – Regular

Full Time/Part time

Full time

Pay Basis

Hourly

Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran.