Associate Director of Financial Aid and Educational Funding

Lakeland University, an independent, not-for-profit, liberal arts institution, seeks a diverse pool of candidates for the position of Associate Director of Financial Aid and Educational Funding.

Reporting to the Director of Financial Aid, this position is responsible for supporting the overall administration of financial aid programs and educational funding to over 2,600 students. A student client base will be managed by this position along with reporting requirements of federal or state programs. Other directives could include but are not limited to federal compliance, website updates, policy writing and updating, marketing of financial aid material, and back up support to the Manager of Student Accounts.

GENERAL EXPECTATIONS

All Lakeland University staff members are expected to:

• Demonstrate in their words and actions an appreciation for the history of Lakeland University and a commitment to its stated mission;
• Represent unequivocally in their behavior the stated values of the University;
• Be good stewards of the University's resources, including its personnel and the goodwill of its friends, its alumni, and local community;
• Work collaboratively (as opposed to competitively) with their peers to meet objectives and achieve our goals;
• Keep their supervisor appropriately informed;
• Be forthright and honest in their communication with all members of the University community;
• Treat all members in a manner of teamwork and respect;
• Acts in a manner that sets the standard for service in higher education and the core principals of Lakelanders Excelling at Professionalism (LEAP) - show respect, communicate and be positive;
• Advise their supervisor with respect to all matters that require their attention, including their own performance.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Advise students and families on financial aid and financing options;
• Conduct verification of student application data, assess changes, and complete compliance testing;
• Evaluate financial need in accordance with the federal formula;
• Award federal, state, and University aid programs in accordance with the federal, state and Lakeland University policies;
• Communicate effectively to students, parents and colleagues via, email, phone, and in person.
• Attend professional development and training programs as required;
• Prepare and conduct presentations on financial aid at community events and at on-campus events;
• Assist with marketing materials and office documents;
• Accountable for the reporting of a federal aid program(s) or state program(s) to ensure all transactions are accurate in accordance with the Federal or State compliance requirements;
• Work proficiently in the Jenzabar and PFaids Software Systems;
• Knowledge of report writing in computer software applications;
• Ability to travel to other campus to meet with students at planned events;
• Research, interpret, and apply federal regulations;
• Any other project or task the arises that is related to financial aid;
• Performs other duties as assigned.

SPECIALIZE KNOW-HOW & SKILLS

• Bachelor's Degree
• Demonstrate ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality;
• Ability to effectively manage time and priorities;
• Ability to prioritize office workflow and make effective administrative decisions to increase efficiency, accuracy, and productivity;
• Demonstrated ability to tactfully and effectively communicate (written and verbal) with a variety of individuals;
• Strong critical thinking skills;
• Must be proficient in the use of Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint and Word) or similar products;
• Demonstrates organizational ability, and attention to detail and accuracy;
• Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment;
• Ability to work evenings or weekends as needed.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

• No or very limited physical effort required;
• Work is normally performed in a