Associate Director of Financial AidThe George Mason University Office of Student Financial Aid invites qualified candidates to apply for a full-time Associate Director of Financial Aid position.In addition to a first-class culture at Virginia's largest Public University, this position offers:While some remote work may be considered, this position will also require on-campus presence as well;Competitive salary;Outstanding benefits including:Health & life insurance, multiple industry leading retirement plans available including state VRS Hybrid Retirement Plan, accrued paid days off per year, paid holidays, paid winter break (subject to annual approval), paid sick leave, professional development, tuition reimbursement at GMU, and employee assistance programs.George Mason University has a strong institutional commitment to the achievement of excellence and diversity among its faculty and staff, and strongly encourages candidates to apply who will enrich Mason's academic and culturally inclusive environment.About the Position:The Associate Director of Financial Aid Compliance and Operations will be responsible for administering all aspects of student financial aid programs, including developing policies and procedures, managing staff, and individual program management. The primary responsibilities of this position will be to manage the daily functions of the Office of Financial Aid and ensure compliance with all federal and state regulations surrounding aid. The Associate Director of Financial Aid will provide quality customer service to applicants and the community throughout the entire student aid process. Responsibilities:Assist the Director of Student Financial Aid, including day to day operations and assisting with audits and reporting, both at the federal and state levels;Run SQL scripts to monitor financial aid processes and student enrollment to prevent over-awards;Will serve as a backup for the Associate Director of Funds Management, requiring learning George Mason packaging process and procedures;Develops policies and procedures to comply with federal and state program requirements;Review student appeals regarding Satisfactory Academic Progress and request for an override to independent status;Will perform staff management functions: directly manage employees assigned to the team (includes hiring, onboarding, training, performance management of financial aid counselors);Serve as a point of contact in the absence of the Director;Key collaborations will include: collaborating extensively with academic and administrative colleagues in the aiding of new and continuing students;As part of the Financial Aid Office leadership team, collaborates and sets objectives and goals for the Financial Aid Office; seeking to improve current processes to effectively serve students in meeting their educational goalsFinancial Aid Leadership Responsibilities: as a senior member of the Financial Aid team, contribute to efforts related to planning, policy and procedure development, quality assurance and effectiveness, and team management;Advising students and parents about financial aid eligibility, application procedures, available financial aid programs, educational costs, and financial management strategies, including loans, financing options, and other financial-aid related matters (further including debt management and financial planning);Participate in program reviews/audits; design and coordinate regular periodic assessments of financial aid programs, services and internal operation controls and reports. Provide findings and recommendations for improvement to the Director;Processes Return of Title IV (R2T4) calculations;Monitors FSA website and list serves for changes in regulations;Provides federal and state compliance training to staff (webinars, workshops);Reviews and disseminates all regulatory information (federal and state) to the Financial Aid Office staff;Monitors communications from U.S. Department of Education, SCHEV, IFAP, and NASFAA concerning regulatory information and disseminates to the Office of Financial Aid;Serve as the primary contact for student escalations;Participate in training of ever changing federal, state and institutional regulations; review and make recommendations to ensure institutional policies and procedures are updated on a regular and consistent basis;Provide professional development training on financial aid regulations, changes, and functions to new and existing staff members;Develop and assess professional development program for entry and mid-level Financial Aid staff members; andPerform other duties as assigned.Required Qualifications:Master's degree and/or equivalent combination of education and experience;Extensive experience working full time in a financial aid office and demonstrated management/leadership experience, preferably in a large university;High levels of competency in Financial Aid Administration (Title IV, State Aid Programs, Institutional Aid-both merit and need-based) and Student Information Systems (Ellucian Banner preferred);Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel and the ability to analyze large quantities of information;Strong organizational, interpersonal, collaborative and computer software skills;Critical thinking and problem-solving skills;Possess a strong desire to provide the highest level of service to students and their families an energetic and positive approach to work, and be a team player;Candidates should expect in-depth contact with students and families via e-mail, telephone and in-person; and demonstrate success in managing these communications with skill and finesse;Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a high-volume and ever-changing environment; andExcellent verbal and written communication skills; and attention to detail.Preferred Qualifications:Advanced degree in Higher Education Administration or Student Affairs;Experience with Ellucian Banner financial aid software;Experience with Salesforce case management software;Experience with using a call center software phone system;Experience with Return to Title IV (R2T4) calculations;Possess a strong desire to provide the highest level of service to students and their families, have an energetic and positive approach to work, and be a team player;Demonstrated success in managing in-person, telephone, and email communications with skill and finesse;Experience with these systems would be beneficial: Salesforce, Oracle/SQL; andAbility to communicate in Spanish.George Mason University is dedicated to the goal of building a culturally diverse and pluralistic community committed to teaching and working in a multicultural environment, and strongly encourages applications from women, minorities, people with disabilities and veterans.

For full consideration, applicants must apply at https://jobs.gmu.edu/; complete and submit the online application; and upload a cover letter, resume, and a list of three professional references with contact information.

"Great Careers Begin at Mason! George Mason University is an innovative, entrepreneurial institution with national distinction in both academics and research. Mason holds a top U.S. News and World Report "Up and Coming" spot for national universities and is recognized for its global appeal and excellence in higher education.Mason is currently the largest and most diverse university in Virginia with students and faculty from all 50 states and over 135 countries studying in over 200 degree programs at campuses in Arlington, Fairfax and Prince William, as well as at learning locations across the commonwealth. Rooted in Mason's diversity is a campus culture that is both rewarding and exciting, work that is meaningful, and opportunities to both collaborate and create.If you are interested in joining the Mason family take a look at our current opportunities and catch some Mason spirit at jobs.gmu.edu/!George Mason University, Where Innovation is Tradition."