Assistant Director, Federal Work Study

Department

ESA College Aid

About the Department

Reporting directly to the Assistant Vice President of Enrollment and Student Advancement, 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 20, including advisors, counselors, and assistant directors. For more information visit https://financialaid.uchicago.edu/.

Job Summary

Oversee and manage all aspects of the Federal Work-Study program, ensuring timely and accurate reporting, awarding, and processing of the Federal Work-Study program. Serves as a liaison between the College, graduate schools, the Office of Financial Aid, Career Advancement, off-campus partners, Human Resources, and Financial Services for all Federal Work-Study processes and programming. Ensure compliance with federal, state, local, and financial aid requirements surrounding the Federal Work-Study program and student employment.

Responsibilities

• Manages all aspects of the Federal Work-Study program for the University of Chicago
• Responsible for bi-weekly, monthly, and annual accounting and reconciliation of the Federal Work-Study program
• Assists in the completion of institutional reporting, year-end audits, and federal reporting requirements, as needed.
• Serves as a resource for students, on- and off-campus partners, departmental liaisons, and employing agencies regarding student employment.
• Creates and maintains federal, state, and institutional financial aid policies and procedures for the Federal Work-Study program; trains University staff and partners on Federal Work-Study best practices and guidelines.
• 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 needs.
• Represents the Office of Financial Aid at various on- and off-campus events as needed, including occasional evening and weekend hours.
• Coordinates timely responses to all email and telephone contacts from students.
• 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.

Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree.
• Advanced degree.

Experience:

• Background in a financial aid office setting.
• Familiar with reconciling federal aid programs

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• General knowledge of Microsoft Office.
• Exemplary knowledge of Oracle’s Campus Solutions (PeopleSoft) software.
• Processing of knowledge of Common Origination and Disbursement Web Site (COD) and National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS).
• Advanced knowledge of Workday’s human resources applications.
• Knowledge of federal and state financial aid programs and regulations.
• Extensive knowledge of the Federal Work-Study program.
• General knowledge of federal, state, and local laws governing student employment.
• Familiarity with Education Department systems. 

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. Weekly in-office presence as needed on UChicago’s main campus in Hyde Park.
• Work independently for periods of 8 hours or more.
• May be asked to work on 1-2 weekends per year.

Application Documents

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

When applying, the document(s) MUST be uplo