Widener University Commonwealth Law School is currently seeking an Assistant Director of Financial Aid on the Harrisburg, PA campus. This role reports to Director of Financial Aid, located on the Chester Campus, and provides support to the Enrollment Service Office (Bursar/Financial Aid) of Commonwealth Law. Responsible for managing the daily functioning of the Financial Aid Office on the Harrisburg campus, the individual will have system management experience with a highly automated financial aid management system. The individual will assist the Director in the development of policies and procedures, and will have significant knowledge of the overall operation of the Financial Aid function of the School of Law. The Assistant Director assists the Director in representing the office to external constituents.

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

Essential duties:

Ensures the effective operation of the financial aid office by utilizing knowledge and expertise in office procedures and systems management and applying that knowledge to the operation of the automated financial aid management system including the Communications module, Direct Loan and ISIR processing and the Student Financial Aid module of Ellucian Colleague.
Analyzes and processes student application files ensuring compliance with Federal, State and institutional requirements. Determines award eligibility for financial aid including Federal and private education loans and University based aid.
Ensures compliance with state and federal regulations by assisting in the preparation of required reports concerning financial aid: reconciles Pennsylvania and Delaware State Grant Rosters, monitors reports of Federal Work Study earnings for all programs and Federal Pell grants for Legal Studies students.
Counsels prospective students, and families on financial aid and financing alternatives.
Represents the financial aid office at Recruitment events.
Assists with federally mandated group entrance and exit counseling for incoming and graduating students.
Calculates Return of Title IV funds ensuring compliance with Federal regulations and applies institutional policy for withdrawn students.
Ensures compliance and stays current with Federal regulations pertaining to Financial Aid administration.
Maintains contact with other institutions to complete consortium agreements.
Performs other job-related duties as assigned or directed
Secondary responsibilities:

Engages with other offices (Admissions, Registrar, Payroll) to ensure smooth flow of communication and information.
Assists with the review and request updates of the department's website content and financial aid forms available for download for students.
Assists with research and creation of student cost of attendance and budgets based on federal regulations and best practices.
Assists with administration of the Widener Scholar Loan program as needed.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (education/training and experience required):

Required:

Bachelors’ degree and three (3)+ years of progressive financial aid experience demonstrating a broad knowledge in a specialized field directly related to the position’s responsibilities; or any equivalent combination of education and experience.
One year progressively responsible managerial/supervisory experience with exposure to budget management, strategic planning and human resource management
Extensive knowledge of federal and state laws and regulations that govern student financial aid
Demonstrated ability to utilize a personal computer, applicable software, e-mail and the Internet
Experience in the use of an administrative database system in the administration of a financial aid program
Demonstrated ability to interact effectively with students, support and professional staff, faculty, and external constituents
Must be organized, flexible, and able to handle several tasks simultaneously.
Superior interpersonal skills and excellent oral and written communication skills.
Preferred:

Experience in utilizing an administrative database, Ellucian preferred.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND/OR UNUSUAL HOURS:

Lift up to 20 lbs.
Evenings and weekends required.
Valid Driver’s License required.
Ability to be mobile between workstation and various campus buildings and locations
Requires domestic travel.