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Job description
PRIMARY PURPOSE
The Associate Director of Financial Aid for GSEC & LAW within the Office of Financial Aid reports directly to the AVP for Financial Aid. This role is primarily responsible for managing relationships with the Graduate School of Education and Counseling (GSEC) and Lewis & Clark Law School including administrative staff, program directors, and students, reviewing financial aid applications, performing needs analysis, and determining eligibility for various aid programs. The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical skills, a deep understanding of federal and institutional financial aid policies, and the ability to counsel students effectively. To be successful in this position, the individual must excel at managing relationships across campus, managing complex financial aid cases, maintaining compliance with federal regulations, and communicating financial aid information clearly to students from diverse backgrounds.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Financial Aid Management and Analysis
Review financial aid applications for Graduate School of Education and Counseling (GSEC) and Law School students, performing needs analysis to determine eligibility for federal, state, and institutional aid.
Recalculate financial aid eligibility based on updated information, ensuring compliance with federal and institutional policies.
Use professional judgment to adjust the cost of attendance on a case-by-case basis for students with unique circumstances.
Maintain relationships with and regularly connect with GSEC and Law School administrative staff and program directors to ensure aid awarded is aligned with the student program and meets federal compliance requirements.
Award Preparation and Disbursement
Prepare and issue financial aid awards for a caseload of GSEC and Law School students, incorporating federal, state, and institutional funding sources.
Consult with the Assistant Vice President (AVP) as needed for complex cases and adjustments based on changes in student eligibility.
Monitor changes in student eligibility and revise awards accordingly, ensuring compliance with all applicable regulations.
Student Counseling and Communication
Counsel students individually and in groups regarding the financial aid process, explaining eligibility, loan repayment strategies, and budgeting.
Advise students on financial aid over the course of their academic programs, helping them understand how aid works and how to manage their financial obligations.
Support students in navigating complex or confidential financial aid situations, providing clear guidance on documentation requirements and professional judgment requests.
Program and Compliance Management
Manage federal and institutional programs, including AmeriCorps, VA/Yellow Ribbon, and consortium agreements, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations.
Track, report, and reconcile financial data for designated programs, ensuring all reporting requirements are met.
Verification and Flag Resolution
Resolve federal application flags by working with students to gather and verify necessary documentation for awarding federal aid.
Perform federally required verification of financial aid applications, reviewing tax documents and other materials to ensure accuracy and compliance.
Clear flags and update financial aid data based on verified information, recalculating aid eligibility as necessary.
Other Duties as Assigned
Knowledge, skills, abilities, & behaviors
Proficient in federal and institutional financial aid policies and procedures, including knowledge of programs such as Federal Direct Loans, VA/Yellow Ribbon, and consortium agreements.
Extremely knowledgeable in financial aid systems and software, including Ellucian Colleague, Perceptive Content, Informer, and MS Office (Word, Excel) for data management and reporting.
Excellent analytical skills, with the ability to interpret complex financial information and federal regulations to determine aid eligibility.
Superior communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to convey complex financial aid concepts clearly to diverse audiences.
Excellent public speaking and presentation skills for effectively delivering information at events and workshops to large and small groups.
Proficient in managing multiple tasks and priorities in a high-volume, fast-paced environment, ensuring deadlines are consistently met.
Extremely adept at performing needs analysis and resolving conflicting information or application flags
Thorough understanding of institutional and federal policies related to the use of professional judgement including appropriate use cases and documentation.
Superior ability to work independently while following established guidelines and ensuring compliance with federal and institutional regulations.
Excellent attention to detail, with the ability to identify discrepancies, correct errors, and ensure accuracy in financial aid applications and awards.
Commitment to promoting inclusion in the workplace, with the ability to work effectively and compassionately with students and families from diverse backgrounds, ensuring equitable access to financial aid.
Extremely responsible and proactive in managing financial aid programs and student counseling, ensuring that all regulatory requirements are met.
Superior interpersonal skills, with a collaborative approach to working with colleagues including deans, directors, and faculty at the GSEC and Law schools, students, and external stakeholders to achieve common goals.
Excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities, particularly in complex or sensitive situations requiring professional judgment.
Required Education / Experience
Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution.
2 years of experience working in a financial aid office, managing a caseload of students and programmatic responsibilities, and/or coordinating aspects of the financial aid process.
Advanced experience with Microsoft Office (Word and Excel) and Google Docs for reporting and data analysis.
Proficient experience with software systems such as Ellucian Colleague, Perceptive Content, and Informer.
Experience working with federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs and understanding of compliance regulations.
Preferred Education / Experience
5 years of experience working in a financial aid office with responsibility for managing a caseload of students and programmatic responsibilities.
Experience with Ellucian Colleague and Perceptive Content (Image Now).
Completion of financial aid-related certifications (e.g., NASFAA or other industry-specific credentials) is preferred
Spanish language reading, writing, and speaking skills.
Work Schedule
Full Time
37.5 hours/week
Benefits Eligible: Yes
Travel: Occasional travel to training workshops and/or conferences
Hybrid/Remote possible depending on the needs of the office
Pay Rate
FLSA Status: Exempt
Depending on Experience
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Worksite address
portland, OR, 97204, US
Who can apply
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