Associate/Assistant Director of Financial Aid

Position Overview

Albright College seeks an experienced Assistant Director of Financial Aid to serve as a key member of our Office of Financial Aid. This position provides strategic oversight of financial aid operations while directly supporting students and families in achieving their educational goals through comprehensive financial assistance programs. The Assistant Director will play a vital role in policy implementation, staff supervision, and ensuring compliance with all federal, state, and institutional regulations.

This position will be filled as an Assistant Director. However, the title of Associate Director and compensation may be considered commensurate with experience and prior responsibility, including the scope of programs managed, supervision experience, and decision-making authority.

Key Responsibilities

Aid Processing & Compliance

Package and process financial aid for undergraduate and graduate students, including summer sessions.
Perform daily federal loan processing, Pell and Direct Loan reconciliation, and G5 reporting.
Complete Return to Title IV (R2T4) calculations and communicate with affected students.
In collaboration with Director, monitor Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) and Financial Aid Progress; notify and counsel students accordingly.
Manage tuition remission processing and approve Title IV and non-Title IV refunds.
Systems & Reporting

Set up annual budgets and loan disbursement schedules within Student Information System.
Maintain documentation for audits, compliance, and internal controls.
In collaboration with Director, prepare ad hoc and routine reports; assist in federal and state reporting.
Support data integrity and process improvement in collaboration with IT and other departments.
Student & Family Counseling

Provide individualized financial counseling to students and families on aid eligibility, loan options, and repayment.
Deliver group presentations and support admissions events.
Administer and counsel students on private loans, VA benefits, Yellow Ribbon, and Tuition Assistance (TA) programs.
Ensure timely completion of entrance and exit loan counseling.
Scholarship & Special Program Administration

In collaboration with Director of Financial Aid and Office of Advancement, assist in the administration of endowed and expendable scholarships.
Evaluate eligibility and set up new awards in coordination with the Business Office.
Manage state grant and special program rosters through AES, including updates to enrollment, cost of attendance, and grant returns to ensure compliance with PHEAA regulations. Submit rosters and update student records to meet deadlines and compliance requirements.
Financial Literacy & Outreach

Conduct one-on-one and group financial literacy sessions.
Assist in the implementation of the university’s financial wellness programming.
Collaborate with campus partners (Academic Advising, Athletics, Student Accounts, Registrar) to enhance student support and compliance.
Leadership & Training

Assist in training of new staff and work-study students.
Contribute to policy development and documentation of office procedures.
Participate in professional development, trainings, and conferences.
Other Duties

Support campus-wide compliance efforts.
Participate in some weekend events in support of prospective student enrollment and financial aid counseling.
Perform other duties as assigned to support the mission and operations of the Office of Financial Aid and College.
Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree preferred.
Minimum three to five years of progressive experience in financial aid administration.
Strong understanding of Title IV regulations.
Strong understanding of state grant (PHEAA/AES) aid policies is highly desirable.
Experience with financial aid management systems, PowerFAIDs, is preferred.
Strong interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment and maintain confidentiality.
Ability to interact with the Department of Education systems, including but not limited to COD, NSLDS, FSA Partners and EdConnect.
What We Offer

Competitive salary range:
Assistant Director will be filled within the range of $55,000 – $65,000
Associate Director will be filled within the range of $65,000 – $75,000
Exact compensation commensurate with experience.
Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, and life insurance
Retirement plan
Tuition remission for employee and eligible dependents
Generous paid time off and holiday schedule
Professional development opportunities and conference attendance support
Leadership development programs
Collaborative work environment with opportunities for advancement
 

About Albright College

Founded in 1856, Albright College is Berks County’s oldest institute of higher learning. Located on a 118-acre suburban campus in Reading, PA, the College offers a rigorous liberal arts curriculum with an interdisciplinary focus. Albright is known for connecting fields of learning, a distinctive co-major program, and a flexible curriculum that allows students to create an individualized education.

Reporting Structure

This position reports directly to the Director of Financial Aid and collaborates closely with senior leadership including the Vice President for Enrollment Management and Bursar. The Assistant Director supervises financial aid counselors and support staff while serving on various institutional committees.