Assistant Director of Financial Aid
Responsible for the evaluation of financial aid applications utilizing State, Federal and Institutional policies and procedures, advising and counseling of prospective and current students on the financial aid application and process and/or problems related to their application or financial aid eligibility; educates students and families regarding needs analysis and the determination of financial aid eligibility; coordinates all aspects of the Endowed and Sponsored Scholarships award process. The Lehigh community takes seriously our commitment to antiracism and The Principles of our Equitable Community.
1. Determines Financial Aid eligibility
*Implement Federal and State mandated regulations as well as Institutional policies and procedures to prevent federal, state and internal audit exception
*Review Federal tax returns to ensure proper forms were filed with the Federal Government, as well as verify accuracy of information reported on Financial Aid applications
*Review and analyze non-custodial information, business and farm documents (including Federal Tax Returns) to determine appropriateness of manual need-analysis adjustments in compliance with Institutional policy
*Determine appropriate use of professional judgment for special circumstances
*Monitor files and make changes throughout the academic year to ensure that Federal and Institution regulations are being met
*Authorize release of funds to students and prepare required records and reports
2. Ensure compliance of Federal regulations
*Resolve problems flagged by the Federal Government regarding Financial Aid issues
*Ensure proper handling of confidential student, parents and/or Alumni files and records, including both personal and financial information in compliance with Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) regulations
*Review Information for Financial Aid Professionals (IFAP) and National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA) news and updates daily to keep abreast of changes and additions in Federal Programs; attend seminars regarding policy changes and updates
*Administer the satisfactory academic progress policy as determined by the Federal Government by monitoring student’s qualitative and quantitative measures each semester to qualify for Title IV funds
*Review and analyze individual student budgets and aid packages to ensure that students are not awarded over cost
*Complete verification on all recipients including: household size, number in college, adjusted gross income, taxes paid and untaxed income; verify student’s citizenship by requesting and analyzing appropriate federal documentation
*Review, analyze and process students who have withdrawn from the term and require a Return to Title IV calculation for Federal Funds
3. Counsels students and family members
*Meets with visiting, prospective and current students and families to provide individual counseling
*Counsel families on strategies for preparing to pay for College utilizing current income, assets and strategic borrowing scenarios
*Advises and counsels prospective and current students on the financial aid application and process and/or problems related to their application of Financial Aid eligibility
4. Provides communication to all faculty, staff, students, prospective students and the community
*Communicate in-person, via email, phone conversation or through group presentations with prospective, current students and families or community members regarding Financial Aid applications, the Need-Analysis Process and determination of Financial Aid eligibility based on Federal, State and Institutional regulations
*Act as resource for questions and problems; participate in training staff members and assist in resolving issues provided by families
*Confer with individuals and groups to disseminate information and answer questions relating to Financial Assistance available to students enrolled at Lehigh
*Represent the University by making Financial Aid presentations to area high schools and community organizations
*Participates in creating and designing Departmental literature ensuring accurate information is provided to both prospective and current students and families through promotional materials and electronic communications
*Conduct on-campus Financial Aid information sessions for prospective and/or current students and their families
5. Manage the Endowed and Sponsored Scholarships
*Create scholarship accounts on Banner (Lehigh’s Database) using the Notice of Endowed Scholarship created form in conjunction with the agreement between the donor and the University
*Update the master list of scholarships in excel
*Match students with scholarships in compliance with donor restrictions; coordinate with donors, corporate relations, corporations, Lehigh faculty and staff, local high school counselors and banks to discuss scholarship candidates; change awards, replacing current grant money with scholarship money
*Contact students regarding corporate scholarships, scholarship questionnaire and donor letters
Lehigh University
Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent combination of education and experience Three to five years related work experience Excellent communication, interpersonal skills and a high level of customer service required Ability to build, foster and maintain positive professional relationships Excellent organizational skills, time management and sound judgment Solid analytical, decision making and problem-solving skills Proven ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and a high degree of initiative for bringing tasks to completion Solid writing ability, attention to detail and ability to work independently Excellent computer skills with experience using word processing, spreadsheet and database software Successful completion of standard background checks including but not limited to: social security verification, education verification, national criminal background checks, motor vehicle checks, PATCH, FBI fingerprinting, Child Abuse Clearance and credit history based upon the requirements of the position
Apply online at https://careers.pageuppeople.com/865/cw/en-us/job/500003/assistant-director
until filled
yes
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