Associate Director, Financial Aid Services

Widener University is currently seeking an Associate Director in the Financial Aid Services Office. Reporting to the Director, this role serves as supervisor to professional and support staff and directs support to students enrolled on the Chester Campus of the University.

The successful candidate will be an experienced financial aid professional familiar with current trends and challenges in financial aid, who understands the principles of need-based aid and non-need based aid , and who thrives in a fast paced environment

Why work at Widener? At Widener University, we strive to deliver a comprehensive benefits package developed to attract and retain talent. We offer employees the opportunity to participate in a variety of benefit program including health & welfare, retirement accounts, tuition programs at Widener University, life insurance, paid time off, and flexible work arrangements for many roles.

Widener University is committed to fostering an environment in which faculty, staff, and students from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences are welcomed and can thrive. The university holds a deep commitment to an inclusive culture that supports the work of faculty and staff members across the institution, and works closely with the Chief Diversity Officer to facilitate that commitment.

Widener University has established a COVID-19 vaccination policy that requires all faculty and staff who will be on our campuses to be fully vaccinated and compliant as a condition of employment. Our goal is that all members of the Pride may safely experience Widener's hands on, inclusive, and personalized learning environment in person.

In addition to the above COVID-19 statement, all employees, who do not already have an approved exemption, are also required to receive a booster dose no more than 7 days after you become eligible.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (including, but not limited to):

Essential duties:

• Supervises financial aid office counseling staff and support staff and develops strategies to manage multiple work streams, ensuring that they are conducted within existing policy, procedural and compliance guidelines; that best practices are followed, and technology and automation are leveraged at every opportunity,
• Ensures compliance with aid policies, including need analysis methods and packaging procedures; internal and external compliance and risk management, NCAA Title III regulations; and all Title IV federal rules
• Ensures all aspects of awarding aid are completed accurately and timely.
• Responsible for training, and performance evaluation of direct report staff.
• Works collaboratively with office team, and other areas in the division of enrollment, to ensure high levels of customer service and the accurate, compliant and timely processing of financial aid
• Demonstrated experience with internal and external audits
• Works collaboratively within the enrollment services group which comprises financial aid, and other support areas (registrar, bursar, collections and loan offices)
• Occasional evening and weekend work required

Secondary responsibilities:

• Assists Director with preparing statistical data and required federal, state and university reports on an ongoing basis.
• Stays ahead of and is familiar with current trends and challenges in financial aid, including regulatory changes and updates;
• Represents Widener University and the Student Financial Aid Services office at institutional, state, and national committees, forums, and meetings.
• Presents at recruitment events on and off campus

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (education/training and experience required):

Required:

• A bachelor’s degree;
• Seven plus years of progressively responsible and successful leadership in financial aid administration;
• Knowledge of federal, state, private financial aid programs, reporting, and regulations;
• Knowledge of best practices and broad experience in developing and administering need-based aid programs;
• Strong managerial and administrative skills;
• Exceptional and creative communication and critical thinking skills;
• Exceptional analytical and accounting skills experience;
• Strong problem solving and time-management skills;
• Superior interpersonal skills and outstanding leadership skills;
• Demonstrated experience and proficiency with Microsoft Office products;
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity and to serving the needs of a diverse population; and
• Demonstrated working knowledge of electronic financial aid systems including COD, FAA Access, CPS, SAIG, and NSLDS.

Preferred:

• Experience with Pennsylvania State programs;
• Ellucian Colleague system experience preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND/OR UNUSUAL HOURS:

• Occasional weekend work supporting campus events;
• Ability to work at a computer for long periods of time (2 hours);
• This role may be eligible for a flexible work arrangement.

Qualified candidates must submit a resume and cover letter for consideration. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Only those selected to interview will be contacted.

Widener has a strategic commitment to building an inclusive university community whose diversity enriches the lives of all members and where our students are prepared for living in a pluralistic and ever-changing world. As a leading metropolitan university, Widener strives to embody the values that are inherent in our mission: civic engagement, access, inclusion, academic excellence, innovation and leadership.

Widener University, an independent, metropolitan, doctoral-intensive University, connects curricula to social issues through civic engagement. Dynamic teaching, active scholarship, personal attention and experiential learning are key components of the Widener Experience. Located in Chester, PA, Widener's main campus is nestled between Philadelphia, PA and Wilmington, DE, with Law Schools located in both Harrisburg and Wilmington.