Associate Director of Financial Aid

Department: Financial Aid EV
Salary/Grade: EXS/9

Job Summary:

Reporting to the University Director of Financial Aid, the Associate Director plays a key leadership role within the Office of Financial Aid and serves as a member of the management team. This position is responsible for financial aid packaging, counseling students and parents, and overseeing communications with Northwestern's undergraduate student population. The Associate Director supervises up to three exempt and non-exempt staff and is responsible for office training and ongoing development. This role also includes maintaining the office's written policies and procedures, overseeing the implementation of Northwestern's Institutional Methodology, and managing the annual aid setup and training process. The Associate Director acts as a liaison with third-party partners supporting the undergraduate population and contributes to the University's enrollment, educational, and fiscal goals through strategic and operational leadership.

Specific Responsibilities:

Financial Aid Evaluation and Awarding

• Conduct financial aid record reviews annually to ensure accurate eligibility determination.
• Manages financial aid packaging for specialized populations, including transfer students, international students, and some study abroad populations.
• Assist with packaging for student-athletes and School of Music students.
• Coordinates the financial aid appeal process, providing reviews, training, and policy recommendations.

Counseling and Student-Facing Support

• Provide professional, in-depth counseling to students, parents, and staff to explain financial aid eligibility, resolve concerns, and guide families through the financial aid process.
• Evaluates existing business processes and recommends improvements to enhance workflow efficiency and overall program effectiveness.
• Integrates financial aid counseling with academic planning, student housing, and payment options.
• Evaluates unique financial circumstances to offer tailored guidance.
• Serves as a resource to other university departments regarding financial aid policies and procedures.

Compliance and Regulatory Oversight

• Interprets and applies federal regulations and institutional policies to ensure compliance.
• Reviews and monitors student academic performance to ensure compliance with Federal Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards.
• Communicates SAP decisions to students and coordinates appeals when necessary.
• Assesses academic dismissal cases for financial aid implications and eligibility reinstatement.
• Conducts term pricing evaluations to determine the appropriate cost of attendance adjustments.

Staff Supervision and Training

• Provides training and policy support to all staff within the office.
• Oversees the counseling schedule and workflow for Assistant Directors.
• Directly supervises three Assistant Directors, including performance management and professional development.
• Works in close partnership with the University Director, Director of Financial Aid Operations, and Senior Associate Director to ensure efficient and effective office operations.
• Participates in the strategic planning and continuous improvement of financial aid services and systems.

Communication and Outreach

• Assists in the development of university publications related to financial aid and financing options.
• Creates informational materials for prospective students and families to communicate aid policies and procedures.
• Communicates the international financial aid process clearly and effectively to all prospective and current international students, ensuring transparency and understanding.

Miscellaneous

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications: (Education, experience, and any other certifications or clearances)

• Bachelor's degree.
• Three - four years experience in financial aid, student affairs, or related business areas.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Excellent human relations skills.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to meet deadlines.
• Active participation in professional business and university organizations.
• Ability to work as a leader in the office and member of the team.

Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)

• ADP
• ANALYSIS
• BUS
• COL
• COM
• CONCEPTU
• COW
• CUF
• DECISION
• DEP
• ENI
• INT
• JUD
• LEADERSH
• LISTENIN
• MEETS DE
• MUT
• PRS
• TEAM BUI
• TEAM PLA

Preferred Qualifications: (Education and experience)

• Master's Degree or the equivalent combination of education, training, and experience from which comparable skills can be acquired.
• Four - five years of experience working in financial aid.

Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)

• COLL
• DEV

Target hiring range for this position will be between $90,000-$98,250 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.

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 University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern's non-discrimination statement. Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process.