Colby College Hiring for Assistant Director of Student Financial Services/Outreach at Colby College Full Time

Job DescriptionDepartment:Student Financial ServicesPay Rate Type:SalaryEmployee Type:Job Summary:ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF STUDENT FINANCIAL SERVICES/OUTREACH
Office of Financial Services
Full-Time, Exempt, Salaried, Administrative Staff Appointment

As a member of the Student Financial Services team, the Assistant Director for Outreach aids in maintaining the department’s service-oriented focus by providing clear and concise responses to inquiries from students, staff, academic departments, and external service providers on financial aid and student account matters. Works closely with Director on outreach activities to onboard students as well as with organizations and campus partners that support student success focusing on financial responsibilities. Outreach is directly related to providing support to students and their families related to applying for financial aid and paying out-of-pocket expenses, securing College supplemental support funds, assistant international students on relevant financial matters, and other outreach as directed. Collaborates with student account representatives to resolve out-of-pocket and other student account related issues. Provides front-line customer service to students, families, and internal and external constituents.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist students and parents in the application process for federal and institutional financial aid.
• Provide counseling to students and parents related to financial aid awards and paying out-of-pocket expenses.
• Assist with the review of documents needed to apply for financial aid.
• Read financial aid applications with full working knowledge of both federal and institutional methodology, calculating family contributions and packaging financial aid using PowerFAIDS.
• Stay current on College packaging structure and any current financial aid campaigns.
• Ensure federal compliance in the execution of need analysis with a solid working knowledge of the FAFSA process and questions.
• Gain and demonstrate an understanding of both the aid package and representation on a student account statement; develop skills needed to clearly explain both to students and parents.
• Create and maintain a monthly communication guide, with focus on first generation and low income families coordinating with other campus partners.
• Develop reporting skills using PowerFAIDS to meet internal data needs.
• Learn and exercise professional judgment to resolve financial aid situation consistent with federal and College guidelines.
• Provide back-up to SFS team when needed.
• Focus on customer service excellence in support of students, parents, faculty, and staff
• Perform additional duties as assigned; duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree or the equivalent in education and experience
• Previous experience in an intense customer service environment
• Excellent written and oral communication, analytical, and critical thinking skills
• Demonstrated computer skills with working knowledge of all applications in Microsoft Office, e-mail, and network application
• Familiarity with tax forms and financial aid a plus
• Experience with financial aid software, PowerFAIDS, a plus
• Proven organizational skills
• Strong, self-motivated work ethic
• Appreciation for the value of a liberal arts education and of diverse cultures, backgrounds, and experiences
• Must possess creative initiative, flexibility, and high motivation
• Proven ability to work independently and as a member of a team, exercise discretion, and work collaboratively as a member of a diverse community

KEY RELATIONSHIPS:

This position interacts with students, parents, faculty and staff, and outside constituencies.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

General open office and campus environment. Position involves sitting, although frequent movement is necessary. Computer usage involving repetitive hand/wrist motion is also necessary. Lifting up to 30 lbs. may be necessary.

TO APPLY:

Interested candidates should apply electronically by clicking the “Apply” button on the Colby College website. A review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

ABOUT COLBY COLLEGE:

Founded in 1813, Colby is one of America’s most selective colleges. Located in Waterville, Maine near the banks of the beautiful Kennebec River, Colby College is one of the nation’s top liberal arts colleges. Colby’s focus on innovative and leading-edge programs that complement the traditional liberal arts—in areas such as artificial intelligence, data science, genomics and computational biology, climate change and the environment, the arts and humanities, public policy, and performance studies, distinguish Colby from other schools of its size. Colby extends its reach, impact, and opportunities through external partnerships with globally recognized laboratories and medical facilities, arts organizations, and a wide array of business partners. The campus boasts beautiful new facilities including the Harold Alfond Athletics and Recreation Center, a best-in-class complex that has become a center for student activity; the Paul J. Schupf Art Center, a downtown community-based arts building; the forthcoming Gordon Center for Creative and Performing Arts, which includes a start-of-the-art performance hall, studios, screening rooms, and a grand community space (opening in 2023). The College recently established the Island Campus in mid-coast Maine after acquiring the Allen and Benner Islands, once owned by the Wyeth family, to offer Colby students unique and timely cross disciplinary research opportunities in a range of academic disciplines, including the marine sciences and the arts.

Over the last seven years applications for admission have more than tripled, making Colby one of the most sought-after colleges in the country. The College’s unyielding commitment to diversity and inclusion is evident in its rapidly changing student population. In recent years Colby has doubled both the number of enrolled Pell-eligible students and the number of enrolled students of color. Colby students, who come from throughout the U.S. and more than 70 countries, demonstrate unprecedented highs on every measure of academic achievement. Investments in financial aid (a 111 percent increase since 2014, to $58.6 million annually) and new programs are ensuring that all members of the community can thrive in this dynamic environment. Colby has raised $700 million toward its $750 million Dare Northward campaign goal, which was the largest campaign goal for a liberal arts college when it launched in 2017. Since 2014, the College’s net assets have doubled to more than $2 billion, its record of fundraising has moved to the very top tier of liberal arts colleges, and it has rapidly expanded its faculty and staff to allow for new areas of inquiry, scholarship, and teaching, and to support record enrollments.

Colby is a private, coeducational liberal arts college that admits students and makes employment decisions on the basis of the individual’s qualifications to contribute to Colby’s educational objectives and institutional needs. Colby College does not discriminate in its educational programs or employment on the basis of race, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, religion, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, or military or veteran’s status. Colby is an equal opportunity employer and operates in accordance with federal and state laws regarding non-discrimination. Colby complies with Title IX, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in an institution’s education programs and activities. Questions regarding Title IX may be referred to Colby’s Title IX coordinator or to the federal Office of Civil Rights. We encourage inquiries from candidates who will contribute to the diversity of our College, including its cultural and ethnic diversity.

For more information about the College, please visit our website: www.colby.edu.