Assistant Director of Financial Aid -Delaware Law School

Widener University is currently seeking an Assistant Director of Financial Aid at the Delaware Law School. This role reports to the Director of Financial Aid and provides support to the Division of Enrollment Office (Bursar/Financial Aid) of Delaware Law School. Responsible for managing the daily functioning of the Financial Aid Office on the Delaware campus, the individual will have system management experience with a highly automated financial aid management system. The individual will assist the Director in the development of policies and procedures and will have significant knowledge of the overall operation of the Financial Aid function of the School of Law. The Assistant Director assists the Director in representing the office to external constituents.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (including, but not limited to):

Essential Duties:

• Ensures the effective operation of the financial aid office by utilizing knowledge and expertise in office procedures and systems management and applying that knowledge to the operation of the automated financial aid management system including the Communications module, Direct Loan and ISIR processing and the Student Financial Aid module of Ellucian Colleague.
• Analyzes and processes student application files ensuring compliance with Federal, State and institutional requirements. Determines award eligibility for financial aid including Federal and private education loans and University based aid.
• Ensures compliance with state and federal regulations by assisting in the preparation of required reports concerning financial aid: reconciles Pennsylvania and Delaware State Grant Rosters, monitors reports of Federal Work Study earnings for all programs and Federal Pell grants for Legal Studies students.
• Counsels prospective students, and families on financial aid and financing alternatives.
• Represents the financial aid office at Recruitment events.
• Assists with federally mandated group entrance and exit counseling for incoming and graduating students.
• Calculates Return of Title IV funds ensuring compliance with Federal regulations and applies institutional policy for withdrawn students.
• Ensures compliance and stays current with Federal regulations pertaining to Financial Aid administration.
• Maintains contact with other institutions to complete consortium agreements.

Secondary Responsibilities:

• Provides backup support to the Division of Enrollment Representative managing front line tasks such as phones, walk-in traffic and forms intake.
• Engages with other offices (Admissions, Registrar, Payroll) to ensure smooth flow of communication and information.
• Assists with the review and request updates of the department's website content and financial aid forms available for download for students.
• Assists with research and creation of student cost of attendance and budgets based on federal regulations and best practices.
• Assists with administration of the Widener Scholar Loan program as needed.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned or directed to support departmental needs and align with the mission, values and goals of the Delaware Law School Financial Aid Office and Widener University.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (education/training and experience required):

Required:

• Bachelor's degree.
• Four (4+) years of progressive financial aid experience demonstrating a broad knowledge in a specialized field directly related to the position's responsibilities. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• One (1) year progressively responsible managerial/supervisory experience with exposure to budget management, strategic planning and human resource management.
• Extensive knowledge of federal and state laws and regulations that govern student financial aid.
• Demonstrated ability to utilize a personal computer, applicable software, e-mail and the Internet.
• Experience in the use of an administrative database system in the administration of a financial aid program.
• Demonstrated ability to interact effectively with students, support and professional staff, faculty, and external constituents.
• Must be organized, flexible, and able to handle several tasks simultaneously.
• Superior interpersonal skills and excellent oral and written communication skills.

Preferred:

• Experience in utilizing an administrative database (Ellucian Colleague).

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND/OR UNUSUAL HOURS:

• Ability to occasionally lift up to 20 pounds.
• Requires occasional evening and weekend hours.
• Possess a valid driver's license.
• Ability to be mobile between workstation and various campus buildings and locations.
• Requires domestic travel.

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Widener University is committed to fostering an inclusive community in which faculty, staff, and students from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences are welcomed and can thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to providing equal educational and employment opportunities for all persons without regard to age, color, national origin, race, religion, disability, veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or status as a protected veteran.

Some positions may be eligible for a hybrid or remote work arrangement that may include a partially or fully remote work location, consistent with Widener's Flexible Work policy.

Widener University, an independent, metropolitan, doctoral-intensive university, connects curricula to social issues through civic engagement. Dynamic teaching, active scholarship, personal attention, and experiential learning are key components of the Widener Experience. Located in Chester, PA, Widener's main campus is nestled between Philadelphia, PA and Wilmington, DE, with Law Schools located in both Harrisburg and Wilmington. For more information about the university, please visit our website at www.widener.edu.

EOE M/F/V/D