Senior Assistant Director Of Financial Aid & Student Services

Department: Financial Aid EV Salary/Grade: EXS/8 Job Summary: Reporting to the Director of Financial Aid Operations, the Senior Assistant Director of FinancialAid & Student Services manages and monitors all aspects of Financial Aid, awards, and services provided to over 500 student-athletes, including, but not limited to, Financial Aid, student accounting, book scholarships, meals, and housing. This position serves as the main liaison between Northwestern University Department of Athletics and Recreation (NUDAR) and the University to ensure compliance with all rules and regulations governing a Division I sports program with a budget of over $100 million. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, developing Financial Aid award packages for prospective and current students; reviewing adjustments and appeal requests; managing the National Letter of Intent (NLI) Program for athletics; and providing customer service via phone, email and in person.

Please Note: Some evening and weekend work is required. Specific Responsibilities: Administers and monitors Financial Aid, housing, athletic scholarship, and Student Assistant Fund distributions to student-athletes throughout the calendar year. Provides detailed information and professional advice to coaches, staff, prospective and current student-athletes, and their families regarding early Financial Aid reads, annual Financial Aid eligibility, NCAA regulations, University policies, and federal and state regulations.

Analyzes complex Financial Aid situations and stays abreast of changes to NCAA, Big Ten, federal and state legislation. Exercises professional judgment and collaborates with various departments, including but not limited to the Office of Student Finance, Residential Services, Athletics Academic Services, to ensure the University is operating efficiently, effectively, and in compliance with NCAA and Big Ten legislation, and federal and state regulations. Ensures annual submission of required Financial Aid related forms, maintains accurate records, and prepares reports in accordance with NCAA requirements, University procedures, and audits, as necessary.

Manages the NLI Program, and coordinates the renewal, modification and cancellation of Financial Aid agreements in accordance with NCAA, Big Ten, and University rules and regulations. Coordinates education and assistance for domestic and international students filing federal and state tax returns. Miscellaneous Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in business administration, Accounting, Finance or the equivalent education, training and experience from which comparable skills can be acquired; 3 years' experience in a Financial Aid or compliance office, preferably at a private or NCAA Division I college or university. Effectively performs duties and responsibilities with accuracy and attention to detail, while demonstrating support for organizational policies; Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.) Demonstrated knowledge of federal and state Financial Aid regulations, as well as university protocols, preferably that of private institutions. Ability to provide quality customer service in a fast-paced office environment, have demonstrated skills in using business software including word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.

Detail oriented, have strong technical and interpersonal skills, understand basic accounting, and have the ability to interpret oral and written regulations, procedures, and instructions. Demonstrated energy and desire to achieve and ability to take action that no one has requested to improve or enhance job results and avoid problems. Receptive to feedback, willing to learn and embrace continuous improvement.

Preferred Qualifications: 3-5 years of Financial Aid, higher education administration, or NCAA Compliance experience; Experience with Financial Aid software systems and/or the NCAA applications; Experience in packaging Financial Aid. Ability to explain Financial Aid regulations to parents/guardians and students; Excellent communication skills, both written and oral; Exhibits understanding of natural sources of conflict and acts to prevent or soften them; Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities) Ability and willingness to explore alternatives to existing products and services and identify opportunities to improve procedures and practices; Willingness to facilitate open and effective communication, cooperation and teamwork within and outside of one's own team; Ability to work with federal and institutional methodology; Benefits: At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness: Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles. We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development: Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.

Northwestern strongly recommends COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters for people who can obtain them as a critical tool for minimizing severe illness. More information can be found on the COVID-19 and Campus Updates webpage. The Northwestern campus sits on the traditional homelands of the people of the Council of Three Fires, the Ojibwe, Potawatomi, and Odawa as well as the Menominee, Miami and Ho-Chunk nations.

We acknowledge and honor the original people of the land upon which Northwestern University stands, and the Native people who remain on this land today. Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply.

Click for information on EEO is the Law. Target hiring range for this position will be between $74,000-$79,000 per year. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.