Associate Director, Financial Aid

Job Description The Associate Director of Financial Aid is a key member of Fairfield University’s Financial Aid leadership team, supporting the administration, compliance, and continuous improvement of financial aid operations. In alignment with the University’s Jesuit, Catholic mission and commitment to cura personalis, this role advances access, affordability, and student success through ethical, student-centered service. The Associate Director partners with the Executive Director to implement strategy, oversee core processes, and enhance systems that support efficient and equitable delivery of financial aid. Job Responsibilities Partner with the Executive Director to support strategic planning, policy development, and operational effectiveness. Provide leadership for day-to-day operations, including staff guidance, workflow coordination, and process improvement. Create and maintain office policies and procedures manual in accordance with federal, state and university policies. Oversee verification and satisfactory academic progress (SAP) processes, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and clear communication. Manage financial aid systems and technology (e.g., Net Partner), including implementation of enhancements and electronic processes. Support institutional reporting requirements, including FISAP, and collaborate with Institutional Research on data analysis and reporting. Prepare audit documents and act as liaison to auditing firm during the annual A-133 audit and/or state audit as needed. Manage state grant program awarding, reconciling and reporting requirements. Lead development and maintenance of financial aid communications, including website content, publications, and outreach materials. Serve as liaison to campus partners to support a coordinated, student-centered approach to service delivery. Assist in the administration of the appeals process and serve on the appeals committee. Advise and counsel students and families regarding financial aid programs, application processes, and financing options. Serve as liaison to the advancement and development office in support of the university endowment selection and awarding process. Maintain and manage the endowment selection process. Collaborate with the university School Certifying Official on matters related to Veteran’s Benefits and eligibility. Manage an assigned student caseload and perform file review and verification as needed. Support onboarding, training, and professional development of staff. Conduct performance reviews of direct reports. Present financial aid and financial literacy information at on- and off-campus events. Monitor updates from the U.S. Department of Education, NASFAA, and other professional organizations and implement changes as needed. Ensure compliance with federal, state, and institutional financial aid regulations and policies. Promote a collaborative, inclusive, and mission-driven work environment. Perform other duties as assigned. Required Qualifications Bachelor’s degree. Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in financial aid administration. Demonstrated knowledge of federal, state, and institutional financial aid regulations. Experience with financial aid systems and data management. Demonstrated experience managing and overseeing members of the financial aid team. Preferred Qualifications Master’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience with PowerFAIDS, Workday Student, or similar systems. Experience with Federal Student Aid Systems such as NSLDS, COD, etc. Experience supervising staff or leading projects/initiatives. Experience in a mission-driven, Jesuit, Catholic, or similarly values-based institution. Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities Commitment to Fairfield University’s Jesuit, Catholic mission and values, including cura personalis. Strong leadership, collaboration, and team development skills. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse populations. Analytical and problem-solving skills with strong attention to detail. Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, service-oriented environment. Commitment to ethical practice, equity, and student-centered service. Work Environment / Conditions Regular access to confidential student financial and academic records. Evening and weekend hours may be required during peak processing periods. Occasional travel may be required. Category Enrollment Management - Admin Disclaimer Performs such other duties, responsibilities, and activities as required by supervisor and as departmental/University needs indicate. All offers of employment are contingent upon a satisfactory background check. Fairfield University provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training. The above information indicates the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain and should not be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, activities, and/or qualifications required or expected of employees assigned to this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change and new ones may be assigned at any time, with or without notice. #J-18808-Ljbffr