Assistant Director of Financial Aid

The Assistant Director of Financial Aid for In-Person Graduate and Professional Students will manage the administration and distribution of financial aid, including determining eligibility, budgets, verification, SAP, R2T4, and processing funds from various sources such as University funding, private scholarships, federal Title IV, state grants, and loans. This role also involves providing guidance to in-person graduate and professional students on all aspects of the financial aid process.

Reporting to the Director of Financial Aid, the ideal candidate will have a thorough understanding of federal, state, and University financial aid policies, procedures, and regulations. Strong skills in financial analysis, reporting, and organizational management are essential, as well as a dedication to enhancing the customer experience for graduate and professional students. The Assistant Director will be responsible for reviewing, updating, and documenting policies, procedures, and practices to ensure efficiency and compliance.

About the University of New England

UNE is Maine’s largest private university, with two beautiful coastal campuses in Maine, a one-of-a-kind study-abroad campus in Tangier, Morocco, and an array of flexible online offerings. In an uncommonly welcoming and supportive community, we offer hands-on learning, empowering students to positively impact a world full of challenges. We are the state’s top provider of health professionals and home to Maine’s only medical and dental colleges, a variety of other interprofessionally aligned health care programs, and nationally recognized programs in the marine sciences, the natural and social sciences, business, the humanities, and the arts. UNE offers a generous comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. The package includes varied health and dental plans; a retirement plan that includes up to an eight percent match; extensive paid leave including holidays, vacation, sick, and personal time; and educational benefits. Please visit the Human Resources Benefits site for additional information regarding UNE’s benefits package.

Responsibilities

• Perform the packaging of individual financial aid awards for graduate and professional students by reviewing applications, determining eligibility, verifying data accuracy, computing need, and authorizing disbursement of funds. Monitor and adjust awards as necessary to ensure compliance, including with R2T4, SAP, verification, and SAR C-codes.
• Interpret and assist in the development of policies concerning special circumstances, particularly regarding graduate/professional student appeals for additional aid. Annually develop Cost of Attendance (COA) standards based on the analysis of regional costs and actual direct University costs.
• Stay current with all relevant government regulations governing financial aid and incorporate these into University policies, procedures, and guidelines.
• Act as a liaison with in-person graduate and professional students to ensure that Financial Aid functions meet the needs of both the students and the institution. Represent Financial Aid in internal and external organizations and with individuals as appropriate.
• Present financial aid information to student groups.
• Coordinate and support in-person graduate and professional students at various recruitment and service events, such as orientations and loan default prevention programs (Entrance/Exit interviews).
• Prepare a variety of administrative and management reports as needed to better understand market position, customer experience, and financial wellness.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred and three to five years in student financial aid administration, or a combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge and skills are acquired.
• Strong understanding of need analysis principles and federal/state financial aid programs.
• Exceptional communication skills with the ability to effectively counsel students and address their concerns.
• Proficient in word processing, spreadsheet, and database software applications.
• Willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends as needed.
• Ability to travel between campuses when required.
• Familiarity with SCT Banner is preferred.

EEO Statement Summary

Consistent with federal and state law and University policy, the University of New England is committed to the fundamental concept of equal opportunity for all of the members of the University community. The University prohibits, and will not tolerate, discrimination in employment, the provision of academic services or in any other area of University life based on race, color, sex, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, ethnicity, genetic information, HIV status, or status as a veteran. Prohibited bias factors should not motivate decisions regarding students, employees, applicants for admission, applicants for employment, contractors, volunteers or participants in and/or users of institutional programs, services, and activities.

COVID Vaccination Statement (PLEASE NOTE)

Employees in clinical settings must meet the State of Maine’s immunization requirements for clinical activity.