Associate Director of Financial Aid Operations and Systems

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Position Description

This role independently performs financial aid activities including oversight of operational processes and systems, evaluating and analyzing financial information submitted by applicants, counseling students on debt management, financial aid reporting and analysis for students in the Harvard Law School Juris Doctor degree program.

Student Financial Services aims to offer the highest level of customer service while providing a positive, supportive work environment with an emphasis on teamwork. The Associate Director of Financial Aid Operations and Systems has primary responsibility for the operations of the J.D. Financial Aid Program from application through disbursement, including policy and procedures related to the processing of aid application materials needs analysis, and distribution of institutional grant and loan aid. This position is responsible for the management and development of technology resources for the financial aid program and is responsible for advising the office on University, state, and federal student aid regulations to ensure the School's compliance. The Associate Director of Financial Aid Operations and Systems will also supervise two financial aid officers and provide quality control for the need analysis, awarding, and counseling of J.D. students.

As the Associate Director of Financial Aid Operations and Systems, you will:

• Plan and oversee all operational processes related to the delivery of financial aid to J.D. students, inclusive of designing, implementing, and managing the financial aid application and awarding processes.
• Supervise and mentor two full-time exempt staff members responsible for need analysis, counseling, and supporting the key functions listed above.
• Responsible for the technical needs of the J.D. Financial Aid program; serves as primary contact with internal IT professionals and external vendors to ensure continuity of service and compliance with applicable security policies.
• Oversees management, allocation, and disbursement of awards from multiple endowed HLS Grant funds and ensures compliance with fund terms, acts as a key advisor to the Assistant Dean on J.D. need analysis policy.
• Office representative at School and University-wide meetings
• Lead internal policy setting and policy documentation to support and improve office operations and processes; plan and implement strategic goals for the office that comply with federal, state, and institutional financial aid requirements and auditing standards
• Conduct need analysis to evaluate financial aid eligibility for students, review appeals for applicants requesting additional financial assistance, counsel prospective and current students, and families on financial planning and financial assistance
• Work closely with the Assistant Dean to ensure that the Student Financial Services operates as part of a dynamic and interdependent system of student service professionals to consistently evaluate and improve the quality of service HLS provides to its student community.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience required
• A minimum of 7 years' relevant work experience

Additional Qualifications and Skills

We are looking for people who have:

• Strong communication skills (both written and verbal)
• Supervisory experience
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, advanced Excel skills
• Technical knowledge of PowerFAIDS
• Advanced knowledge of financial aid processes

Working Conditions

This position is based primarily on campus with the opportunity for remote work based on business needs and manager approval.

Additional Information

We regret that Harvard Law School is unable to provide visa sponsorship for staff positions. All offers to be made by HLS Human Resources.

About Us

Be a part of excellence and leadership in legal education and scholarship at Harvard Law School. We are a community of talented people from diverse backgrounds, lived experiences, and perspectives, dedicated to advancing the cause of justice all over the world. We value our differences and our diversity as a source of strength. We are committed to developing and inspiring our students and our workforce. Whoever you are, whatever you do, however you do it, Harvard Law School is a place where you can thrive.

Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website ( to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:

• Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
• Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
• Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
• Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
• Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
• Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.

Job Function

Faculty & Student Services, General Administration

Department Office Location

USA - MA - Cambridge

Job Code

S0158M FSS Financial Aid Mgt IV

Work Format

Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)

Sub-Unit

-

Salary Grade

058

Department

Student Financial Services

Union

00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Time Status

Full-time

Pre-Employment Screening

Education, Identity

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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