Assistant Director, Admissions and Financial Aid

09-May-2023

Harvard Kennedy School

62493BR

Position Description

The Assistant Director of Admissions and Financial Aid independently performs a variety of duties related to the integrated delivery of admissions and financial aid functions for Harvard Kennedy School master’s degree programs. The Assistant Director provides admission and financial aid counseling throughout the enrollment lifecycle for prospective and current students.  The Assistant Director should be service-oriented and is expected to incorporate the principles of Inclusive Excellence and Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging best practices to ensure a counseling approach that reflects cultural competency.

Position responsibilities:

• Counsel and advise prospective students regarding admissions and financial aid application processes, financial planning and financial assistance, degree programs and other inquiries
• Review applications for admission, evaluate, and make recommendations on the selection of candidates for admission
• Develop and deliver dynamic and engaging presentations designed to promote the institution and attract a diverse and talented applicant pool
• Interpret and administer admissions and financial aid policies for internal and external audiences
• Develop and maintain effective, collaborative working relationships with internal and external colleagues and constituents
• Assist in planning and implementing recruitment and financial aid strategy to attract a diverse and talented applicant pool
• Assist in the execution of targeted marketing strategies to attract a diverse and talented applicant pool
• Generate and use data and analysis to assist leadership to improve outreach and recruitment efforts
• Represent the university at national, and local events
• Evaluate and analyze financial information submitted by applicants, ensuring data is accurate and complete
• Conduct needs analysis and prepare financial aid award packages for admitted and current students, keeping within federal, institutional, university, and school policies and procedures
• Verify and assess student eligibility for financial aid
• Monitor satisfactory academic progress of students for financial aid purposes in assigned caseload
• Provide robust financial literacy programming, including entrance and exit counseling to reduce bad debt and student loan default to students in assigned caseload
• Ensure compliance with federal, state and institutional financial aid requirements and auditing standards
• Ensure compliance with university admissions policies and procedures and applicable legal rules and regulations with respect to students’ rights to privacy
• Advise and assist prospective and current students in case load on submission of financial aid appeals
• Contribute multimedia, digital, and social media content for admissions and financial aid purposes
• Performs other related duties as assigned

Basic Qualifications

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

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• 5 or more years of relevant admissions and financial aid experience is preferred
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, advanced Excel skills, Constituent Relationship Management system, social media platforms, and other technologies that support the enrollment management enterprise
• Strong knowledge of admissions and financial aid best practices
• Experience serving diverse student populations and a demonstrated commitment to racial justice, equity, and inclusion
• Ability to maintain effective, collaborative working relationships with internal and external colleagues and constituents
• Excellent organizational skills, including the ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously
• Strong customer service skills with the ability to simplify and clarify complex processes, and the ability to develop rapport to discuss sensitive and personal information
• Ability to function effectively in a diverse team and service-oriented environment
• Excellent communication skills (both written and verbal), including the ability to deliver dynamic and engaging presentations to large and diverse audiences

Physical Requirements

• Sitting using near vision use for reading and computer use for extended periods of time
• Lifting (approximately 20 to 30 pounds), bending, and other physical exertion

Working Conditions

• Work is performed in an office setting
• Travel may be required
• May be required to work nights and weekends

Additional Information

We regret that the Harvard Kennedy School does not provide Visa Sponsorship.
Harvard University requires pre-employment references and background checks.
Harvard University is committed to supporting a healthy, sustainable learning and working environment.

This is a hybrid position based on our campus in Cambridge, MA.  As a campus-based institution, we place a high value on the in-person experience, cross-team collaboration, and strong community building in order to create a vibrant campus for our students, faculty, staff, and research fellows. The position is required to work in-person on campus a minimum of three days per week during the academic year. Specific days and schedule will be determined between you and your manager.

The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up-to-date on CDC-recommended vaccines.

Salary Range: $64,300 - $105,100
Note: Starting salaries typically fall in the lower half of the salary range; however, they are ultimately determined by the scope of the position, the candidate's relevant experience, and internal equity. 

Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard’s Total Rewards website to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:

• Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
• Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
• Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
• Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
• Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
• Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.

Job Function

Faculty & Student Services

Department Office Location

USA - MA - Cambridge

Job Code

S0056P FSS Admissions Officer II

Work Format

Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)

Department

Degree Programs and Student Affairs

Union

00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Pre-Employment Screening

Criminal, Education, Identity

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Harvard Kennedy School’s Mission and Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Anti-Racism
At Harvard Kennedy School, fostering a diverse and inclusive community where everyone feels they belong is a matter of basic fairness consistent with our core values as an institution. It is also essential to our mission of improving public policy and leadership—because recruiting the best people and creating an environment where they can thrive make us better at what we do, because we learn more from people with different perspectives, and because we work in diverse groups and serve diverse societies.
Learn more about Harvard Kennedy School’s commitment to Diversity Equity, and Anti-Racism.  

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.