Senior Assistant Director, Student Aid Awarding and Financial Wellness

Job Description:

Summary:

Comprised of the Berklee College of Music, Boston Conservatory at Berklee, Berklee NYC, Berklee Abu Dhabi, Berklee Valencia, and the Division of Pre-College, Online and Professional Programs, Berklee is a preeminent institution of contemporary music, theater, and dance, offering degree granting programs in Boston, New York City, and Valencia, Spain, and through Berklee Online. Berklee Abu Dhabi offers pre-college and professional educational programs, and serves as a key cultural partner for the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism, including through the annual Berklee Abu Dhabi Culture Summit.

Dedicated to nurturing the creative and career potential of the world’s most inspired artists, Berklee’s commitment to arts education is reflected in the work of its students, faculty, and alumni – who have been recognized with many Grammy Awards, Latin Grammy Awards, Emmy Awards, Academy Awards, and Tony Awards. Graduates go on to successful careers in the performing and creative arts, the media and entertainment industries, and as arts entrepreneurs.

Position Summary:

Under the direct supervision of the Director of Student Aid Awarding, the Senior Assistant Director is responsible for reviewing and assessing student financial aid application data and determining student eligibility for appropriate federal, state and institutional financial aid.  The Senior Assistant Director is responsible for verifying the accuracy of application data in accordance with federal regulations and institutional policy and making adjustments to packages where warranted based on such reviews, changes in enrollment status, receipt of additional aid from any source, and other factors necessitating changes. The Senior Assistant Director advises, counsels,  and provides information about financial aid and financing options to students and their families, both before they are admitted and while they are enrolled.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Review, process, and awards funds, including all applicable institutional, federal, state,  and external funding to eligible students.
• Determine changes in student eligibility upon receipt of additional information, including subsequent ISIRs, receipt of additional aid, and changes made through verification, professional judgment, or receipt of additional information.
• Ensure compliance standards are met for federal and state financial aid programs; conforming to federal, state, and institutional policies, procedures and regulations.
• Responsible for maintaining current, working knowledge of frequently used systems, especially PowerFAIDS, Colleague, and CampusLogic, through regular review of relevant sections of user guides.
• Works with prospective students and families to understand the cost and available financial options available to them.
• Counsel “at risk” students on financing options to help with retention.
• Make adjustments to authorized aid  throughout the enrollment cycles for all campuses, including credit cuts and canceling aid for non-enrolled students.
• Represent Student Financial Service at open houses and other events.
• Knowledge of financial aid awarding and financial aid processing preferred.

Skills & Experience

• 5+ years of progressive responsibility in financial outreach and student aid awarding experience
• Strong understanding of federal and state financial aid statute and regulations, as well as institutional financial aid policy
• Financial literacy knowledge
• Excellent verbal and written communication and counseling skills
• Demonstrated organizational skills
• Ability to meet deadlines, prioritize and work on multiple projects simultaneously with great efficiency and attention to detail
• Problem solving skills
• Experience and expertise with commonly used financial aid/student information system software
• Must be a self-starter who works well with others in a team-oriented environment.
• Ability to work independently
• Demonstrated analytical decision making

Education

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience

This position is eligible to work a hybrid schedule (3 days in the office/2 days work from home) after initial training period has been completed.  

This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” employment relationship.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Equal Employment Opportunity at Berklee : 

We support an inclusive workplace where everyone excels based on personal merit, qualifications, experience, ability, and job performance.  Berklee affirms that inequality is detrimental to our faculty, staff, students, and the communities we serve. Our goal is to make lasting change through our actions. Berklee is committed to providing fair and equitable consideration of all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, ancestry, age, national origin, place of birth, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, genetic information, or status as a member of the armed forces or veteran of the armed forces, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.

As part of this commitment, Berklee will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact the Human Resources Team at [email protected] or call 617-747-2375.

Berklee is committed to increasing the diversity of our institution, community, and the curriculum. Candidates who can contribute to that goal are encouraged to apply and to identify their strengths in this area.

*Currently enrolled Berklee students are not permitted to apply for staff or faculty positions.*

Employee Type:
Staff