West Chester University Looking for 24-77 Assistant Director of Financial Aid (SUA 2) – Financial Aid Department Full Time

Salary: $51,306.00 Annually

Location: West Chester University, PA

Job Number: 24-77

Department: Academic Affairs

Division: Financial Aid

Opening Date: 01/19/2024

Position Summary

Join a vibrant campus community whose excellence is reflected in its diversity and student success. West Chester University of Pennsylvania’s Department of Financial Aid invites applicants for the position of Assistant Director of Financial Aid. 

West Chester University, a member of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, is a public, comprehensive institution committed to offering high-quality undergraduate education, selected post-baccalaureate and graduate programs, and a variety of educational and cultural resources for its students, alumni, and citizens of southeastern Pennsylvania.  We are a community of educators dedicated to developing graduates who succeed personally and professionally and contribute to the common good.

The Financial Aid Office supports the recruitment, retention, and student success efforts of the University’s diverse undergraduate and graduate student population by helping students and their influencers seek, obtain, and make the best use of all financial resources.

WCU proudly offers a positive and purposeful work environment; comprehensive employee benefits including health, vision, and dental insurance along with many wellness programs; a commitment to work-life balance including generous paid vacation, paid sick time, military leave and paid time off for most major holidays; and a University mission to support employee personal and professional growth including a tuition waiver for self and family members, training and development, and advancement opportunities.

Reporting to Deputy Director of Financial Aid, the Assistant Director supports special populations and enrollment management efforts by serving as the single point of contact for the PA State Grant, Ready to Succeed Scholarship Program (RTSS), and out-of-state grant programs. This position monitors and ensures compliance with all the laws, rules, regulations, and guidelines for each of the financial aid programs as set forth by the University, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the federal government, and all other private and public funding sources; leads the financial aid academic progress appeal process; provides financial aid counseling and training;  and collaborates with campus partners to provide excellent customer service and support to students and their families.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate excellent communications skills, experience managing grant programs and collaborating with outside agencies, experience working with diverse populations, financial aid counseling experience, and will value teamwork and collaboration to solve problems and improve processes.    

Responsibilities include:

• Administer all Grant Programs through the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) 
• Administer out-of-state grant programs
• Administer the Ready to Succeed Scholarship (RTSS) Program
• Lead Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) appeals process
• Develop and implement updated policies and procedures for SAP appeals
• Interpret and implement federal, state, private, and institutional program regulations and guidelines
• Maintain accurate program and student files and records
• Prepare reports and documents for federal, state, university, and other agencies
• Review, process, and approve /deny requests for exceptions to federal and institutional eligibility rules and regulations
• Collaborate with campus partners to provide excellent customer service and support to students and their families
• Participate in campus events including Accepted Student days, FAFSA workshops, open houses, information sessions, graduate school open houses and music school audition days presentations
• Provide counseling on the financial aid process to both prospective and current students and parents via email, in-person meetings and phones
• Conduct scheduled and walk -in counseling appointments
• Provide financial aid trainings and presentations  
• Participate in outreach activities including financial aid presentations for college fairs, local high schools, church, and civic organizations
• Communicate developments, modifications, and trends in aid programs
• Develop and update aid publications, forms, and applications
• Represent the Financial Aid Office on University committees 
• Other duties assigned

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree 
• Two years financial aid or related higher education work experience
• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office including Outlook, Word, and Excel
• Customer Service experience 

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience managing PA State Grant programs and collaborating with outside agencies
• Experience processing financial aid 
• Financial Aid counseling experience
• Experience using financial aid systems such as COD, AES/PHEAA, and NSLDS
• Experience using higher education systems including PeopleSoft, Banner, and Campus Logic
• Experience working with diverse populations
• Experience training and presenting

Special Instructions

Ask about the opportunity to work from home and alternate work schedules.

Candidates should apply online at https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/wcupa. Application allows for cover letter, resume and three professional references (all required for consideration). Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. 

Applicants must successfully complete the interview process to be considered as a finalist.

Developing and sustaining a diverse faculty and staff advances WCU’s educational mission and strategic Plan for Excellence. West Chester University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. 

All offers of employment are subject to and contingent upon satisfactory completion of all pre-employment background checks.