Assistant Director, Graduate Student Financial Services

Wilkes University invites applicants for a full-time Assistant Director of Graduate Student Financial Services to assist new and continuing graduate students with identifying and pursuing funding opportunities. This position is part of the Student Financial Services Office and reports directly to the Director of Graduate Student Financial Services and Compliance. The Assistant Director of Graduate Student Financial Services provides top quality customer service, advising students and families on financial aid opportunities; performs functions related to the technical and functional financial aid processes; conducts student needs analysis; packages student financial aid; monitors and processes federal verification; provides student and parent counseling by phone, text, email, and in person.

Job requirements include, but are not limited to:

• With a focus on top quality customer service and quick response time, provide counseling assistance to students, families, and the outside community regarding financial aid opportunities; answer questions, inquiries, or requests from students, parents, or guardians in writing, over the phone, or in person regarding financial aid programs and eligibility. The Assistant Director will advise applicants on federal, state, and institutional student financial aid programs, regulations, eligibility requirements, and application procedures.
• Throughout the processing cycle, review Free Applications for Federal Student Aid (FAFSAs); perform need analysis; follow up on missing or inconsistent data; determine student eligibility in accordance with federal, state, and University awarding policies.
• Process federal verifications as mandated by federal law; review the students' and/or parents' federal income tax returns and compare the tax information to the information filed on the FAFSA; identify and correct any discrepancies, and make appropriate aid adjustments.
• Review Graduate Plus Loan applications and process loans through the Banner system.
• Provide redundancy support with respect to private loan processing through the ELM system.
• Interact with students, parents, lenders, employers, guarantee agencies, and/or staff to resolve issues.
• Collaborate with the graduate admissions team and Online Program Management staff to coordinate graduate student enrollment activities.
• Participate in student orientations, open houses, and other special events as necessary.

Candidate Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required. Preference given to candidates with degrees in business, finance, or related fields. Ten years of experience directly in the financial aid field will be considered in place of a completed degree.
• A minimum of three (3) years' experience in financial aid, student counseling, or a related area is necessary. Experience in higher education, sales, or online / distance education is preferred.
• Knowledge of general regulations governing the administration of federal, state, and college financial aid programs (including grant and loan programs).
• Knowledge of financial aid application procedures and forms.
• Knowledge of various software programs (Excel, Word, etc.) and CRM
• Knowledge of routine office equipment and procedures.
• Experience using Ellucian's BANNER is preferred.
• Must be self-directed, able to set goals and determine how to achieve results.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Accurate in work and attention to detail.
• Excellent organizational skills, including effective planning and time management.
• Commitment to diversity and sensitivity to the needs of educationally and economically disadvantaged students.
• High energy with strong work ethic.
• Bilingual in English/Spanish is a plus.
• Ability to work extended hours (11 am -7 pm) two nights per week during peak processing times.

Preference given to candidates with knowledge/experience related to graduate and/or Distance Education.

Wilkes University is an independent, comprehensive university dedicated to academic excellence in the liberal arts, sciences, and selected professional programs. Its institutional focus is on developing strong mentoring relationships with each of its students and making a vital contribution to the economic development o