Director of Financial Aid

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The above hiring range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Associate Dean of Admissions and Outreach, the Director of Financial Aid has responsibility for and administers the Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation (GSAPP) student financial aid programs.

The incumbent manages and supervises all financial aid processes for awarding student grants and scholarship packages (merit and need based); works closely with the University's Student Financial Services on the awarding of scholarships, stipends, and loans; responsible for disbursement of student travel stipends; develops and monitors the Financial Aid Office budget; monitors college work‑study expenditures; works closely with the Office of Academic Affairs to ensure students' satisfactory academic progress before disbursement of Financial Aid; reconciles financial aid and stipend disbursements with the GSAPP Finance Office; interprets and applies federal laws and regulations, University policies and regulations, and state regulations relating to the delivery of student financial assistance; maintains accurate and detailed financial aid data to assure timely and accurate submission of required reports and analyses to University leadership, Dean, Associate Deans, Program Directors and other senior administrators; develops and directs financial aid strategies within the framework of federal and state regulations that are consistent with GSAPP's recruitment, enrollment and retention objectives; accurately maintains the student information system (SIS), Slate and other related database to reflect aid allocations; ensures GSAPPs systems are used effectively and that processes and product enhancements are developed which are technologically up‑to‑date and contributes to student satisfaction; ensures that students are informed about their eligibility for GSAPP financial aid, develops application forms and processes, and oversees the evaluation of applications; responsible for the timely and effective awarding of all types of financial aid offered by GSAPP; supports students with questions related to external support and facilitates access to relevant University resources and offices; maintains confidentiality of information exposed to in the course of business regarding students, supervisors or other employees.

This position requires the kind of teamwork, supervision, and personal interaction; therefore, regular and predictable on‑site attendance is a job requirement.

Responsibilities

Responsible for all aspects of Financial Aid including knowledge of Federal Regulations for loan disbursement. Manage and supervise all financial aid processes for awarding student grants and scholarship packages (merit and need based); work closely with the University's Student Financial Services on the awarding of scholarships, stipends, and loans; responsible for disbursement of student travel stipends; develop and monitor the Financial Aid Office budget; monitor college work‑study expenditures; work closely with the Office of Academic Affairs to ensure students' satisfactory academic progress before disbursement of Financial Aid.

Oversee compliance and audit, in collaboration with the Finance Office, responsible for the regular and timely reconciliation of Financial Aid awards and budgets. (30%)

Ensure the effective use of the School's digital systems, such as Slate, Student Information System (SIS), PowerFaid, Canvas and others; create forecasting and projection models for use in financial aid disbursement and budget planning. Use data‑driven models—data mining and predictive models—to increase efficacy and efficiency of financial aid award processes. Survey and report on internal stakeholders (current students, faculty, staff, etc.) and the external market (prospective students, alumni, employers, etc.) to remain in‑sync with trends.

Maintain detailed financial aid data to assure timely and accurate submission of required reports and analyses to University leadership, Dean, Associate Deans, Program Directors and other senior administrators. Work collaboratively with key stakeholders throughout the School to set and evaluate financial aid policies and programs. Create and implement strategies for future award cycles.

Establish a sustainable, evidence‑based model for financial aid that utilizes both merit and need based institutional aid to recruit a high quality and diverse student body. Collaborate with the Office of Student Affairs to enhance student success and retention and Associate Deans ensure optimization of the School's various financial aid endowments with respect to restricted financial aid awards. (30%)

Ensure that students are informed about their eligibility for GSAPP financial aid, develop application forms and processes, and oversee the evaluation of applications in collaboration with the Dean, Program Directors, Faculty, and Senior Leadership.

In collaboration with the Office of Communications, develop messaging for prospective and current students related to the current tuition fees and Cost of Attendance, scholarship opportunities within GSAPP and externally, financial wellness tools or workshops, and other related resources. Support students with any Financial Aid questions (including external support) and facilitate access to relevant University resources and offices. (30%)

Other duties as assigned. (10%)

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree required. Minimum 4‑6 years' related professional work experience.

Excellent analytical and organizational skills; Strong interpersonal and written communication skills; Team player with empathy, respect for others and a collaborative approach; Ability to respectfully lead and guide others, while also being a good listener who is open to new ideas; Ability to maintain a high‑level of confidentiality and working relationships with others.

Understands, is sensitive to, and respects the diverse academic, socio‑economic, ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds, disabilities and sexual orientation of students, faculty, administrators, and staff; fosters collaboration and consensus building.

Excellent knowledge of management information systems and software programs, and comfort in working with academic and financial aid databases.

Training, education and certifications are strongly desired. Experience in higher education, Architecture or related fields and specifically in a university system or industry, is highly desirable.

Preferred Qualifications

Master's degree preferred.

Success in facilitating effective partnerships with and between constituencies applying effective techniques to achieve meaningful impact.

Track record of institutional change and skill in developing vision and strategies that inspire others.

Demonstrated experience-structuring programs to best serve the School's educational goals while meeting federal and state legal requirements.

Intermediate understanding of federal and state employment law and University policies and procedures.

Ability to act independently, take initiative, build consensus, and exercise sound judgement.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.