General Summary of Position:
The Assistant Director is responsible for managing various Massachusetts state financial aid grant and scholarship programs, including MassGrant PLUS, MassGrant PLUS Expansion, High Demand, In Demand, etc. The Assistant Director will be an active member of the state scholarship processing team that consists of this position, as well as the Senior Associate Director and the Assistant Directors of State Programs.
This position works to ensure timely and accurate awarding, certification, disbursement, and reconciliation of state funds with the corresponding state agency, including Massachusetts Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA) via their MassAid portal, in compliance with federal and state guidelines and regulations.
In addition, the Assistant Director manages the Massachusetts Application for State Financial Aid. This includes, but is not limited to, validation of data, coordination of student files with OSFA and other university offices, awarding and processing of aid, and maintaining auditable files.
This position provides support to the staff of The Solution Center with the troubleshooting and resolution of student issues related to financial aid. Advises and counsels students and families on financial aid programs, policies and procedures, student eligibility, special circumstances, and financial planning.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Manages Massachusetts state financial aid programs in accordance with federal and state financial aid regulations, program guidelines issued by the Massachusetts Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA), and institutional policies and procedures. Works to ensure timely and accurate awarding, certification, disbursement, and reconciliation of state funds via OSFA’s MassAid system.
2. Works closely with other university offices and OSFA to coordinate and document student eligibility for state aid programs for students who apply for aid using the MASFA application.
3. Maintains auditable student files and program records in accordance with federal and state regulations, as well as institutional policies and procedures.
4. Provides support to staff of The Solution Center with the troubleshooting and resolution of student issues related to financial aid.
5. Assists other financial aid office staff in various tasks. Participates in departmental policy decisions related to implementation of federal, state, and institutional regulations, policies, and procedures.
6. Participate in university meetings, financial aid workshops and conferences in order to develop and remain current with local, regional and national financial aid policies and procedures. Conducts financial aid informational activities, such as Orientation, Open Houses and similar public speaking engagements on and off campus.
Minimum Qualifications (Required):
- An earned bachelor’s degree is required.
- Thorough knowledge of federal financial aid regulations.
- Professional experience in an automated financial aid office required.
- Ability to work with diverse population
- Five years of higher education financial aid experience required.
- Demonstrated experience with regulatory compliance.
- Strong organizational skills and flexibility to adjust to changing priorities.
- Functional experience with an integrated Student Information Systems required; expertise with PeopleSoft Student Administration System preferred.
Additional Considerations:
- Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite
- Experience administering Massachusetts state aid program strongly preferred
- Functional expertise with PeopleSoft Student Administration System.
- Functional expertise with web content applications.
- Ability to work effectively in a fast paced environment.
- Flexibility to work evening and weekend hours as needed.
- Understanding of technology to deliver student financial aid.
- Embrace technology and appreciate how to use it to enhance service to students.
Impact of Actions:
- Individual exercises discretion and independent judgment.
- Improper application of regulations can result in fines and loss of eligibility from the student level to the institutional level.
- Ensures continuity of processing regardless of peak loads.
- Adjusts to new regulatory, environmental, and operational factors.
Complexity:
- Individual must be able to interpret complex federal, state, and institutional policies, procedures, and regulations and apply them consistently and equitably on a daily basis to large populations and individual circumstances.
- Resolves problems not of a routine nature through research of the appropriate laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
- May review the decision with the supervisor or department head prior to applying decision or implementation of updated policies and procedures.
- Handles situations in which discretion and flexibility are required. Will provide updates and seek guidance from manager as needed.
Communication:
- Excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills required.
- Communicates on a regular basis with other offices.
- Coordinates information sessions with external agencies.
Special Skills:
- The ability to work effectively with diverse groups.
- Confidence, courteous, and committed to excellence.
- Position involves working across campuses.
- Position requires occasional work on evenings and weekends.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
Special Instructions to Applicants:
Only Internal Professional (SEIU 888 Professional Union) Bargaining candidates will be considered during the first 10 business days of the posting. All other candidates will be considered after that period.
This is an SEIU 888 Professional Union position, Grade P16.
Initial review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. However, the position may close when an adequate number of qualified applications is received.
Please include a resume and cover letter with your application. Names and contact information of three references will be required during the application process.
