Assistant Director of Financial Aid for Graduate Programs (HR Title: Manager, Financial Aid)

Assistant Director of Financial Aid for Graduate Programs (HR Title: Manager, Financial Aid) Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications. About the Position: This role is an on-campus, in-person position. Under the general supervision of the Director of Financial Aid, the Assistant Director will manage and direct Financial Aid related activities for the Graduate student population for graduate/professional programs. This includes determining individual student eligibility, offering aid, and monitoring student compliance with Federal, State and Institutional financial aid policies and regulations for 5000+ students. The position serves as the primary liaison between the graduate academic departments and the Division of Enrollment Services and works closely with each academic department on issues such as development of new programs, academic program structure, student recruiting activities prior to admission and post-graduation loan and repayment advising. Essential Functions: Create financial aid offers - FAFSA review and evaluation, resolution of data conflicts, determine eligibility and packaging of various aid programs using automated and manual strategies. Assessment of continuing student eligibility. Responsible for maintaining compliance with Federal, State, and Institutional policies. Development of process improvements for Grad FA. Assist potential, current, and post-grad students with the financial aid process through one-on-one consultation, email and telephone contact, Zoom calls, recruiting visits, presentations, and various speaking engagements. This includes assisting the SMU Mana Desk during peak periods, both at the counter and on phones, and supporting the Undergraduate student population when needed. Consult with SMU faculty and Deans within each of the schools on special needs students, departmental training on federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs and how each is impacted when combined with dept funds, student withdrawals, and new academic program development. Be responsive with requests from campus partners. Manage data for website content, ensure compliance review, assess quality controls, perform Professional Judgments, evaluate satisfactory academic progress, address special needs requests, develop GR budgets, consult on GR academic structure and student progression for financial aid applicability. Collaborate with DES and other key stakeholders. Serve on financial aid advising leadership team and perform special assignments as needed. Supervise and lead two full-time advisors, maintaining responsibility for all graduate and professional aid in coordination with the Director of Financial Aid Services. Uphold excellent customer service for students. Maintain up-to-date knowledge of the latest regulations as they pertain to financial aid, and interpret federal, state and institutional guidelines as needed. Other duties as assigned. Support DES leadership as needed. Attend and demonstrate leadership at all SFS and DES meetings and trainings. Qualifications Education: Bachelor's required. Master's preferred. Minimum of 3 years of experience in a university setting with financial aid services, disbursement and awarding of financial aid, and familiarity with policy regulations. Strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills; ability to communicate broadly across the University and develop effective relationships with a wide range of constituencies. Strong written communication and conflict resolution skills. Strong problem‑solving skills, organizational, planning and time management skills. High‑level understanding of academic policies such as academic program structure, academic progress, withdrawals, and doctoral programs and how each relates to financial aid eligibility, plus thorough understanding of federal and institutional financial aid regulations. Evidence of tact, diplomacy, friendliness, adaptability, approachability, and eagerness to serve students and families. Knowledge of systems such as PeopleSoft, Microsoft Office, Teams, Zoom, etc. is preferred. Availability to work some evenings and weekends for community engagements and occasional travel for conferences and professional development. Physical and Environmental Demands: Sit for long periods of time Benefits: SMU offers staff a broad, competitive array of health and related benefits. In addition to traditional benefits such as health, dental, and vision plans, SMU offers a wide range of wellness programs to help attract, support, and retain our employees. SMU is committed to providing an array of retirement programs that benefit and protect you and your family throughout your working years at SMU and, if you meet SMU's retirement eligibility criteria, during your retirement years after you leave SMU. EEO Statement SMU is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression. #J-18808-Ljbffr Southern Methodist University