Associate Director of Financial Aid for Athletics and Transfer Students

The Associate Director of Financial Aid for Athletics and Transfer Students serves as a professional staff position for the Office of Financial Aid in the areas of award determination and packaging, financial aid counseling, and the coordination of University, federal, and state financial aid programs. All Financial Aid team members are expected to contribute to Bucknell’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Job Duties:

Packaging and Awarding of Financial Aid
– Evaluates first-year and returning student financial aid applications and determines financial aid eligibility.
– Manages the transfer student financial aid awarding process.
– Processes early read applications and determines aid eligibility.
– Assist with summer financial aid awarding.

On-Campus Program/Project Management
– Acts as a liaison to the Athletic Department, providing information for financial aid issues. Maintains a thorough and continuing familiarity with applicable University and NCAA regulations related to student-athletes, and ensures compliance within the context of these position responsibilities.
– Works closely with the Office of Global Education in developing cost estimates for students studying abroad.

Constituent Interfaces
– Counsels students and parents regarding financial aid awarding/packaging, verification, need analysis, and financial aid options to assist with educational costs.
– Monitors and answers emails from the Office of Financial Aid email account.
– Actively participates in public seminars regarding financial aid, such as Bucknell Open Houses, Financial Aid workshops, high school nights, and professional conferences and workshops.

Administrative Internal Operations Management
– Assume the primary responsibility in the administration of the Federal Pell Grant program.
– Maintains a working knowledge of the federal electronic processing systems and Ellucian’s Banner System.
– Maintains a superior level of expertise regarding University, federal, and state aid programs as well as professional developments in the field of financial aid.
– Conducts research activities and special projects when requested by the Director of Financial Aid.

Office Leadership and Management
– Partners with the other Associate Directors of Financial Aid to ensure cohesion of all aspects of student financial planning.
– Assists and advises the Director of Financial Aid in the overall operation of the office and the overall administration of the financial aid programs.
– Oversee supervision, training, and evaluation of staff. Monitor and review performance, identify learning and development needs, and keep them informed with organizational information.

Other Professional Responsibilities
– Maintains a high level of cooperation with other campus offices such as Bursar Services, Admissions, Registrar, Academic Deans, Graduate Studies, and International Student Services.
– Actively contribute to Bucknell’s efforts to foster a diverse and inclusive campus community.
– Support and promote the University’s sustainability efforts to protect, maintain and increase the long-term viability and resilience of the University’s environmental, social, and economic support systems.

– Performs other duties as assigned by the Director of Financial Aid.

-Some evening and weekend work may be required during peak processing.

Minimum Qualifications:
– Bachelor degree
– At least three to five years of experience in financial aid administration or comparable experience as it relates to the duties of the position
– Knowledge of Federal Title IV regulations
– Ellucian Banner or other similar systems such as Colleague or PowerFaids
– Must be organized, analytical, detail-oriented, able to multi-task and work independently
– Accuracy and attention to detail are imperative
– Ability to collaborate with others and exercise sensitivity to matters of confidentiality
– Excellent oral and written communication skills
– Commitment to student service

Preferred Qualifications:
– Supervision of staff
– Training of staff
– Advising and counseling of students and families in student financial areas

Work Type:
This is a staff-exempt, full-time (12-month) benefits-eligible position.

This role is not budgeted for visa sponsorship at this time, all candidates must be authorized to work in the US at the time of submission of the application.

Salary Range:
This is a Staff Exempt position with a hiring range of $58,000 to $72,500. The offer rate will be based on a review of the candidate’s credentials compared to the qualifications of the position, internal equity, and our overall compensation philosophy.

Benefits:

Eligible full- and part-time employees are compensated beyond base salary through our total rewards package that includes (but is not limited to):
– flexible scheduling options determined by role;
– medical, prescription drug, vision, dental, life, and long-term disability insurance options
– an outstanding 10% employer contribution to your retirement plan (no contribution requirement for non-exempt positions)
– generous paid time off, including vacation and sick time, a community service day, and 19 paid holidays (including two full weeks off for Winter Break!)
– full-time and part-time members of the faculty and staff are eligible for tuition remission for themselves. Additionally, full-time members of the faculty and staff are eligible for tuition remission for their spouse/spousal equivalent and are eligible for various tuition programs for their children. Credit for full-time benefits eligible employment at other institutions of higher education will be applied to waiting periods.
– a comprehensive employee wellness program including program incentives
– a myriad of other benefits, including parental leave, an employee assistance program, fitness center membership, and the power of your Bucknell ID card