Assistant Director, Admissions & Financial Aid

Job Description The Assistant Director of Admissions and Financial Aid plays a vital dual role within HGSE’s Admissions & Aid team, supporting the development, delivery, and evaluation of strategies and processes that attract, enroll, and support a talented, diverse student body. This position independently manages a range of admissions and financial aid activities, with a strong focus on, application evaluation, financial counseling, awarding, and operational systems support. Job-Specific Responsibilities Admissions (30%) Develop and execute a portfolio of domestic recruitment initiatives and contribute to the full-cycle admissions process - from marketing and recruitment to yield and matriculation- with a primary focus on experienced professionals across the U.S. Counsel and advise prospective students about application processes, degree programs, and HGSE’s offerings; represent HGSE at recruitment events on-campus, off-campus, and virtually. Evaluate and recommend candidates for admission using discretion and sound judgment for a portfolio of degree programs. Propose and implement innovative recruitment events, contacts, resources, and partnerships; monitor data and trends to assess recruitment and yield efforts and recommend operational improvements. Support the Financial Certification process for admitted international students to ensure timely documentation and compliance. Financial Aid (70%) Independently conduct institutional and federal needs analysis and award financial aid by evaluating complex financial information; manage a caseload of approximately 300 students through recruitment, awarding, enrollment, and graduation, including financial counseling and planning. Manage financial aid refund and student account processing. Assist with management of the Direct Loan program, which includes NSLDS review and SOR processes for part-time students. Review appeals and requests for additional aid; communicate outcomes and provide clear guidance to students. Manage federal verification and related eligibility resolution processes, including review of conflicting information, documentation requirements, database matches, and other federal student aid eligibility issues; counsel students on requirements and resolve complex cases. Assist in developing, testing, and enhancing financial aid management systems (e.g., PowerFAIDS) and integrations with other university systems; analyze and test algorithms and business processes for packaging, compliance, communications, and reporting. Manage multiple fellowship programs in parallel with admissions activities, including fund management, recruitment, application, and selection processes; develop and update related policies and workflows. Support annual audit reporting, compliance, quality assurance, and financial aid operations in line with federal, state, and institutional policies. Contribute to the development and evaluation of communications strategies and materials related to aid; support students in financial literacy, debt management, and financial planning. Assist in training and onboarding of seasonal staff or graduate assistants as needed. #J-18808-Ljbffr Harvard Graduate School of Education