Director, Financial Assistance

Job Description Summary

The office of Student Financial Services supports the enrollment goals of the university by providing information and guidance to students about Student Accounts, Financial Assistance, and Student Employment. Staff members are dedicated to enrolling and retaining successful students and assisting their families through counseling efforts related to navigating student billing and financing options and to understanding financial aid awards, as applicable.
The Director of Financial Assistance, Student Financial Services is a key position in the Enrollment Management division, which also includes Undergraduate Admission, Pre-College Programs, Business Intelligence, and Enrollment Systems. The Director is primarily responsible for executing the university's financial aid strategy through the timely delivery of scholarships, grants, loans, and student employment awards to prospective and continuing undergraduate and graduate students. Maintaining the delivery of exceptional customer service is a priority.
Student Financial Services consists of 17 professional staff and 4 support staff. Reporting directly to the Executive Director of Student Financial Services, the Director of Financial Assistance serves an important role in shaping and promoting a financial aid program that is vital to achieving the university’s enrollment goals. While the Director has oversight of all financial assistance directives, direct reports include 1 Senior Associate Director and 2 Associate Directors. The Enrollment Management senior managers meet frequently to coordinate operations and collaborate on projects and events. The Director of Financial assistance works close collaboration with the Director of Student Accounts.

Essential Duties:

The Director manages a comprehensive undergraduate and graduate aid program including both academic scholarships and need-based grants, student loans, and work programs. The Director is expected to be the university's expert and advisor on financial aid policies and regulations at the institutional, state and federal levels and is well-versed in federal and institutional need analysis methodologies. The Director will manage daily functions related to awarding financial aid, including overseeing the office’s financial aid software, PowerFAIDs, for 4,500 Title IV and/or institutional aid eligible students. The Director sets staff priorities, directs workflow, and monitors progress throughout the awarding cycle.

The Director is responsible for setting policies and procedures for financial aid appeals within budget guidelines, and mentoring staff on the use of professional judgment, and communicating complex concepts and policies so that they are easily understood. Other essential duties and responsibilities include:

• Overseeing all aspects of Bentley University’s undergraduate and graduate aid programs, and student work programs, ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations and institutional policy.

• Pro-actively staying informed on federal and state laws/regulations through reading and professional training. Researching trends and advances in the profession and staying apprised of new challenges students face.

• Maintaining an operational calendar for quality control and assurance. Identifying areas of weakness and initiating corrective action, including developing new processes, policies, and procedures, as needed.

• Updating the Needs Analysis manual and ensuring staff maintain policies and procedures within their purview.

• Leading all communication related to financial aid, including forms, emails, guides, and web pages.

• Working in close partnership with the Director of Student Accounts to provide a high degree of customized outreach and ensure the delivery of exceptional customer service to all students and customers.

• Assisting the Executive Director with reporting and applications, including the annual audit, FISAP, numerous surveys used for rankings and marketing, and state grant applications.

• Collaborating with campus partners to provide coordinated services for students and families. These offices include, but are not limited to, the Registrar, Student Affairs, Academic Services, and Athletics.

• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with 7 years progressive experience in financial aid administration, including supervisory experience.

• Must be comfortable presenting to large audiences.

• Represents the University and the office through participation in professional organizations and conferences.

• Strong understanding of both Federal and Institutional Methodology as well as financial aid systems. Experience with PowerFAIDs and/or Workday is desirable, but not required.

• As is experience implementing new systems.

Work Environment

• The office functions in a hybrid environment with the ability to work from home on a scheduled basis.

• Typical office setting with extensive sitting and computer work.

• Very little travel is required.  However, overtime work is expected during peak periods and to assist with admission work and events. 

• Attendance at two annual open house events is also required.

• With respect to the awarding of financial aid, accuracy is extremely important.

• Speed is critical in that students must be served in a timely manner. 

Bentley University requires references checks and may conduct other pre-employment screening.

DIVERSITY STATEMENT

Bentley University strives to create a campus community that welcomes the exchange of ideas, and fosters a culture that values differences and views them as a strength in our community.

Bentley University is an Equal Opportunity Employer, building strength through diversity. The University is committed to building a community of talented students, faculty and staff who reflect the diversity of global business. We strongly encourage applications from persons from underrepresented groups, individuals with disabilities, covered veterans and those with diverse experiences and backgrounds.