Assistant Director, Financial Aid
The University of Chicago

Department

ESA Graduate Aid

About the Department

Reporting directly to the Assistant Vice President, the Financial Aid office at the University of Chicago provides exceptional customer service to all students and families requesting assistance in financing their education. The Office of Financial Aid has a staff of 22 people, including counselors, and assistant directors. For more information visit https://financialaid.uchicago.edu/.

Job Summary

The Financial Aid Assistant Director reports directly to the Office of Financial Aid Management and performs an integral role in providing superior customer service to all internal and external stakeholders. The Assistant Director role conducts evaluations to assess the availability of financial aid for students and families, supports students to ensure they graduate on time and provides procedural and regulatory support for graduate programs within the Office of Financial Aid.

Responsibilities

• Oversees and manages the financial aid process, ensuring timely and accurate awarding and processing of federal and institutional aid.
• Counsels students and families; performs need analysis; completes the verification process on selected files; reviews appeals; and packages awards by assigning different types of financial aid to meet demonstrated need.
• Coordinates timely responses to all email and telephone contacts from students.
• Ensures disbursement of financial aid throughout the academic year.
• Creates and maintains federal, state and institutional financial aid policies and procedures.
• Ensures accurate disbursement of aid throughout the academic year.
• Represents the Office of Financial Aid at various on- and off-campus events as needed, including occasional evening and weekend hours.
• Assists students considering taking a leave of absence, as well as those returning from a leave.
• Assists with maintaining and reconciling various funding programs, as needed.
• Analyzes the maximum aid needed to students yet remain within government guidelines and overall budget limitations for aid distribution.
• Communicates financial aid policies and programs to currently enrolled students with moderate guidance.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:
Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
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Work Experience:
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
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Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree.
• Advanced degree.

Experience:

• A minimum of three (3) years of experience in a financial aid office or similar setting.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Familiarity with Education Department systems.
• Proficiency using Microsoft Office.
• Knowledge of Oracle Campus Solutions.
• Proficiency using Oracle's Peoplesoft software.
• Familiarity with the Common Origination and Disbursement Web Site (COD) and National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS).
• Knowledge of federal and state financial aid programs and regulations.
• Extensive knowledge of need analysis.

Preferred Competencies

• Superb written and verbal communication skills.
• Provide superior customer service to a wide variety of constituents in a fast-paced environment.
• Exceptional analytical, verbal, and written communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Handle several projects simultaneously and work well under pressure.
• Work independently and as part of a team.
• Maintain confidentiality.

Working Conditions

• This position has a hybrid work schedule, with a weekly in-office presence on UChicago's main campus in Hyde Park.
• Work independently for periods of 8 hours or more.
• May be asked to work 1-2 weekends per year.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter (required)
• References Contact Information (3)(required)

When applying, the document(s) MUSTbe uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family

Student Affairs & Services

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

FLSA Status

Exempt

Pay Frequency

Monthly

Scheduled Weekly Hours

37.5

Benefits Eligible

Yes

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at:http://securityreport.uchicago.edu.Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.

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