Associate Director of Financial Aid

Founded by the Sisters of Charity of New York, the University of Mount Saint Vincent is an academically excellent, authentically inclusive, Catholic and ecumenical liberal arts university. The University combines a strong core curriculum with a full array of majors in the liberal arts and, within the tradition of liberal education, selected professional fields of study.

At Mount Saint Vincent, a student’s education extends beyond knowledge, skills, and preparation for work. We seek the development of the whole person. In the spirit of Vincent de Paul and Elizabeth Ann Seton, we foster an understanding of our common humanity, a commitment to human dignity, and a full appreciation of our obligations to each other.

Job Description

The Associate Director of Financial Aid, reporting to the Director of Financial Aid and collaborating with the Director of Financial Aid Operations, evaluates, approves, and awards financial aid in compliance with Federal, State, and University regulations. They will build strong relationships with key university offices to enhance customer satisfaction and thrive in a fast-paced environment with a proactive, positive attitude

Responsibilities:

• Manage, support, and advise a caseload of prospective and current students.
• Oversee the department’s communication and marketing strategy, including developing and coordinating messaging across multiple channels for new and continuing students, families, and educators.
• Stay informed on updates to federal financial aid regulations, systems, and policies, and brief staff on changes.
• Conduct proactive outreach to students via email, phone, text, and virtual appointments.
• Assess students’ financial needs and provide guidance to students and parents on financial aid options, processes, and requirements.
• Evaluate student academic progress and facilitate the appeal process.
• Perform Banner-related activities, such as reviewing financial aid records, generating reports, and troubleshooting system issues.
• Assist with daily processing tasks related to COD and CPS as assigned.
• Monitor technical processes involving financial aid software, including importing and exporting files with the U.S. Department of Education and other regulatory agencies.
• Collaborate with the Director to prepare documentation for the Uniform Audit (A-133) and other federal and state reports.
• Assist with annual Banner Roll, FISAP reporting, monthly reconciliations (including Pell, Direct Loans, and Perkins reporting).
• Provide support to first-generation students and their families.
• Partner with the Admissions team to provide financial aid presentations and one-on-one counseling at recruitment events, including weekends as needed (e.g., Accepted Students Day, Open House, Early Action Brunch, Last Look Weekend, evening outreach events).
• Develop and deliver workshops on and off campus to promote FAFSA filing and financial aid clearance for students.
• Collaborate with student facing department and Program Directors to share information on students with outstanding balances.
• Establish and maintain partnerships across academic and support programs.
• Conduct financial literacy workshops to engage students.
• Coordinate closely with Student Accounts.
• Assist with New York State HESC awards.
• Implement, coordinate, and oversee specific administrative programs and services as assigned.
• Train and serve as an operational resource for staff and students; may supervise student employees or lower-level staff.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Minimum of four years of relevant experience.
• In-depth knowledge of financial aid policies, procedures, and eligibility requirements.
• Strong ability to foster collaboration across departments.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Preferred experience with Banner, Argos, ED Connect, HESC, COD, NSLDS, and Microsoft Excel.
• Proven customer service skills with the ability to navigate challenging situations using positive language.
• Evening and weekend availability

The allotted salary range for this position is $70,000 - $75,000

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for medical and dependent care
• 100% employer sponsored life insurance, AD&D insurance and Long term disability
• Retirement plan with employer matching
• Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Professional development opportunities via Coursera
• Tuition benefits for employees and their dependents
• Commuter benefits
• Employee Assistance Plan