Associate Director of Financial Aid The 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 salaryOutstanding 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, 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 for the Office of Student Financial Aid provides senior-level guidance, coordination, implementation, communication and operational support for strategic priorities to align with the Office of Student Financial Aid vision and direction. They are responsible for planning and directing administrative and operational activities for the Office of Student Financial Aid. This position reports to the Director of Student Financial Aid. 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;Will serve as backup for the Associate Director of Funds Management, requiring learning George Mason packaging processes and procedures;Will run SQL scripts to monitor financial aid processes;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;Financial 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;Providing outstanding customer service while demonstrating patience and understanding to students and families who are seeking and/or receiving financial aid; Advising students 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); andCounseling students and parents regarding financing an education at the university (heavy contact with students and families via e-mail, phone and in-person). Required Qualifications: A Master's degree or Bachelor's degree and experience equating to a master's degree is required (master's degree is preferred);Candidate must have extensive experience (typically 5-7 years) working full time in a financial aid office and demonstrated management/leadership experience (typically 2 years), preferably in a large university;This position requires 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;Experience with these systems would be beneficial: Salesforce, Oracle/SQL;Excellent verbal and written communication skills; and attention to detail;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; andAbility to work independently and as part of a team in a high-volume and ever-changing environment. Preferred Qualifications: Master's 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; 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."