Associate/Assistant Director of Financial Aid

Job Description:

The Associate/Assistant Director of Financial Aid is a key member of Fairfield University’s Financial Aid leadership team, supporting the administration, compliance, and continuous improvement of financial aid operations. In alignment with the University’s Jesuit, Catholic mission and commitment to cura personalis, this role advances access, affordability, and student success through ethical, student-centered service. The Associate/Assistant Director partners with various members of the team to implement strategy, oversee core processes, and enhance systems that support efficient and equitable delivery of financial aid.

Job Responsibilities

• Support strategic planning, policy development, and operational effectiveness as a member of the financial aid team.

• Maintain compliance with federal, state, and institutional financial aid regulations and policies.

• Prepare financial aid appeals for review and serve on the appeals committee.

• Manage an assigned student caseload and perform file review, verification and academic progress evaluations as needed and in accordance with all applicable policies.

• Process financial aid awards, adjustments, verification, over awards and appeals.

• Monitor updates from the U.S. Department of Education, NASFAA, and other professional organizations.

• Promote a collaborative, inclusive, and mission-driven work environment.

• Counsel students, parents, and other related parties regarding financial aid programs, eligibility, application procedures and award processing.

• Review documentation for accuracy and consistency.

• Communicate with students and families.

• Collaborate with Bursar, Registrar, Enrollment and other campus partners on assigned projects.

• Use PowerFAIDS and Workday and related systems to administer aid, track records and support compliance.

• Support recruitment, open house, guidance counselor and special events, and deliver financial aid and financial literacy presentations on and off campus as needed.

• Maintain confidentiality and comply with FERPA and other applicable policies.

• Assists in the administration of the Federal Work-Study (FWS) program, including annual setup, awarding, and ongoing review of student eligibility and fund utilization to ensure compliance with federal regulations and institutional policies.

• Reviews weekly FWS payroll activity, including payroll loads and student earnings; troubleshoots payroll issues and tracks FWS earnings maximums, providing timely notifications to students and supervisors as needed.

• Compiles and verifies FWS program data for internal reporting and required federal submissions, including COD and the FISAP, ensuring accuracy and timely completion.

• Maintains current FWS program documentation, guides, and online content, and communicates routine program updates and reminders to students and supervisors throughout the year.

• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree.

• Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in financial aid administration.

• Demonstrated knowledge of federal, state, and institutional financial aid regulations.

• Experience with financial aid systems and data management.

• Demonstrated experience managing and overseeing members of the financial aid team.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Experience with PowerFAIDS, Workday Student, or similar systems.

• Experience with Federal Student Aid Systems such as NSLDS, COD, etc.

• Experience supervising staff or leading projects/initiatives.

• Experience in a mission-driven, Jesuit, Catholic, or similarly values-based institution.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Commitment to Fairfield University’s Jesuit, Catholic mission and values, including cura personalis.

• Strong leadership, collaboration, and team development skills.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse populations.

• Analytical and problem-solving skills with strong attention to detail.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, service-oriented environment.

• Commitment to ethical practice, equity, and student-centered service.

Work Environment / Conditions

• Regular access to confidential student financial and academic re