Middlesex Community College (MA)
Associate Director of Financial Aid
Middlesex Community College (MA), Lowell, Massachusetts, United States, 01856
Overview
Middlesex Community College (MCC), established in 1970, provides access to affordable education to prepare individuals for success and lifelong learning. The College promotes academic excellence, workforce development opportunities, and empowering all learners to become productive and socially responsible members of our communities. MCC offers classes on the Bedford and Lowell campuses and online courses, and is committed to transforming lives as reflected in its strategic plan. Job Description
Title:
Associate Director of Financial Aid Unit:
Non-Unit Professional (NUP) Department:
Financial Aid Reports to:
Director of Financial Aid Date:
September 17, 2025 General Summary:
The Associate Director of Financial Aid is responsible for the comprehensive operation of the student financial aid program and ensures compliance with all regulations while maximizing resources for students and the College. The Associate Director collaborates with the Director of Financial Aid to formulate and determine policies associated with the operation of the Financial Aid Department, including the implementation of all Title IV Federal Student Aid Programs, state and institutional funds, and all other avenues for student financing, procedures, and regulations. The Associate Director handles confidential decision making and policy making matters and oversees the day-to-day supervision of the Financial Aid Office on the Lowell Campus and personnel. Duties and Responsibilities
Decision making and Leadership Responsibilities: Formulates and determines financial aid policy through participation in ongoing discussions and high-level decision making with the Director of Financial Aid to maintain compliance with state and federal regulations Direct fiscal oversight of a $12.1 million state financial aid portfolio; ensures accurate management, disbursement, and reconciliation of funds while maintaining compliance with regulations Fills in for the Director of Financial Aid when the Director is on vacation or absent Collaborates to formulate and create financial aid policies and procedures to ensure quality service and alignment with the College’s mission and student success goals Makes independent decisions regarding financial aid policy advice and complex cases Researches, analyzes, and interprets state and federal financial aid regulations; establishes departmental policies to ensure compliance and excellent customer service Prepares and updates financial aid publications, forms, and brochures Maintains current knowledge of federal, state, and institutional regulations and communicates regulatory changes to staff Supervisory Duties: Direct day-to-day supervision of the Lowell Financial Aid Office staff, including counselors and administrative support Conducts performance evaluations and oversees timesheets and time-off requests Supports onboarding and professional development, including staff selection, training, and information dissemination Resolves personnel matters in coordination with the Director and Human Resources Manages caseload assignments and provides leadership to staff to ensure quality work Assists counselors in complex counseling issues and services for current and prospective students Duties Specific to Financial Aid: Conducts student academic progress reviews to ensure Title IV compliance and student success Oversees academic and financial appeals and official student record adjustments Oversees the Federal Direct Lending Program and COD data transmission, including error resolution Monitors enrollment for accurate disbursement of aid Originates and certifies student loans and handles related processes Manages SAP automation, scheduling, and related programs including special tuition waivers; coordinates with institutional funds Assists with year-end reconciliation and audits; manages system updates and reporting Manages implementation of Banner, SoftDocs Etrieve, and other FA systems Maintains NSLDS monitoring for transfer students; handles book vouchers and processing Represents MCC at functions and in off-campus engagements Relationships with College Community and Outside Entities: Participates in committees related to institutional planning and maintains confidentiality Collaborates with the Registrar to resolve data conflicts with NSLDS and other systems Coordinates with FA Systems Manager on unofficial withdrawals, scheduling, and awarding guidelines Works with Student Success and TRIO programs regarding grants Acts as liaison to state agencies to manage award/cost of attendance information Maintains strong working relationships with Admissions, Registrar, Advising, IT, and other offices Coordinates with Student Accounts and Comptroller to ensure timely return of federal funds Other duties as assigned Requirements
Master’s degree in Education, Business Administration, Accounting, Human Services, or a related field; with a minimum of five years’ experience in financial aid operations or loan processing, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience Broad knowledge of state and federal financial aid programs and record-keeping requirements Comprehensive understanding of federal and state financial aid regulations Knowledge of supervision and personnel practices Ability to form strong coalitions with internal and external constituencies Experience using integrated higher education student information systems Ability to resolve problems and develop relevant alternatives Financial management and strong analytical skills Ability to manage multiple tasks, stay organized, and pay attention to detail Ability to recognize departmental priorities and work cooperatively to achieve them Strong written and verbal communication and public relations skills Ability to work independently and as part of a project team to meet deadlines Additional Information
Salary Range:
$83,000-$93,000; actual salary commensurate with academic background and experience. MCC employees are employed by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and receive benefits, including: Health insurance through the Group Insurance Commission (GIC) Dental and Vision plans Flexible Spending Account and Dependent Care Assistance Life insurance options Retirement options (State Employees' Pension or ORP, and 457(b) or 403(b)) Paid holidays, sick, vacation, and personal time Tuition benefits for employees and dependents Disability and related benefits Professional development opportunities Cell phone discounts and access to mass.gov programs Free employee parking on campus Eligibility for PSLF Location:
Lowell campus with occasional travel to Bedford as needed Hours:
37.5 hours per week; schedule to be determined; eligible for up to one day of telework per the College telework policy Expected Start Date:
November 2025 Application Deadline:
October 8, 2025 Application Instructions
All applicants must apply online by submitting: Cover Letter Resume Names and contact information for three professional references Pre-Employment Requirements
The College will not sponsor applicants for work visas. All offers are contingent upon a clear background check. MCC accepts application materials only through the online system. For accessibility or other needs, contact Human Resources at careers@middlesex.mass.edu.
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Middlesex Community College (MCC), established in 1970, provides access to affordable education to prepare individuals for success and lifelong learning. The College promotes academic excellence, workforce development opportunities, and empowering all learners to become productive and socially responsible members of our communities. MCC offers classes on the Bedford and Lowell campuses and online courses, and is committed to transforming lives as reflected in its strategic plan. Job Description
Title:
Associate Director of Financial Aid Unit:
Non-Unit Professional (NUP) Department:
Financial Aid Reports to:
Director of Financial Aid Date:
September 17, 2025 General Summary:
The Associate Director of Financial Aid is responsible for the comprehensive operation of the student financial aid program and ensures compliance with all regulations while maximizing resources for students and the College. The Associate Director collaborates with the Director of Financial Aid to formulate and determine policies associated with the operation of the Financial Aid Department, including the implementation of all Title IV Federal Student Aid Programs, state and institutional funds, and all other avenues for student financing, procedures, and regulations. The Associate Director handles confidential decision making and policy making matters and oversees the day-to-day supervision of the Financial Aid Office on the Lowell Campus and personnel. Duties and Responsibilities
Decision making and Leadership Responsibilities: Formulates and determines financial aid policy through participation in ongoing discussions and high-level decision making with the Director of Financial Aid to maintain compliance with state and federal regulations Direct fiscal oversight of a $12.1 million state financial aid portfolio; ensures accurate management, disbursement, and reconciliation of funds while maintaining compliance with regulations Fills in for the Director of Financial Aid when the Director is on vacation or absent Collaborates to formulate and create financial aid policies and procedures to ensure quality service and alignment with the College’s mission and student success goals Makes independent decisions regarding financial aid policy advice and complex cases Researches, analyzes, and interprets state and federal financial aid regulations; establishes departmental policies to ensure compliance and excellent customer service Prepares and updates financial aid publications, forms, and brochures Maintains current knowledge of federal, state, and institutional regulations and communicates regulatory changes to staff Supervisory Duties: Direct day-to-day supervision of the Lowell Financial Aid Office staff, including counselors and administrative support Conducts performance evaluations and oversees timesheets and time-off requests Supports onboarding and professional development, including staff selection, training, and information dissemination Resolves personnel matters in coordination with the Director and Human Resources Manages caseload assignments and provides leadership to staff to ensure quality work Assists counselors in complex counseling issues and services for current and prospective students Duties Specific to Financial Aid: Conducts student academic progress reviews to ensure Title IV compliance and student success Oversees academic and financial appeals and official student record adjustments Oversees the Federal Direct Lending Program and COD data transmission, including error resolution Monitors enrollment for accurate disbursement of aid Originates and certifies student loans and handles related processes Manages SAP automation, scheduling, and related programs including special tuition waivers; coordinates with institutional funds Assists with year-end reconciliation and audits; manages system updates and reporting Manages implementation of Banner, SoftDocs Etrieve, and other FA systems Maintains NSLDS monitoring for transfer students; handles book vouchers and processing Represents MCC at functions and in off-campus engagements Relationships with College Community and Outside Entities: Participates in committees related to institutional planning and maintains confidentiality Collaborates with the Registrar to resolve data conflicts with NSLDS and other systems Coordinates with FA Systems Manager on unofficial withdrawals, scheduling, and awarding guidelines Works with Student Success and TRIO programs regarding grants Acts as liaison to state agencies to manage award/cost of attendance information Maintains strong working relationships with Admissions, Registrar, Advising, IT, and other offices Coordinates with Student Accounts and Comptroller to ensure timely return of federal funds Other duties as assigned Requirements
Master’s degree in Education, Business Administration, Accounting, Human Services, or a related field; with a minimum of five years’ experience in financial aid operations or loan processing, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience Broad knowledge of state and federal financial aid programs and record-keeping requirements Comprehensive understanding of federal and state financial aid regulations Knowledge of supervision and personnel practices Ability to form strong coalitions with internal and external constituencies Experience using integrated higher education student information systems Ability to resolve problems and develop relevant alternatives Financial management and strong analytical skills Ability to manage multiple tasks, stay organized, and pay attention to detail Ability to recognize departmental priorities and work cooperatively to achieve them Strong written and verbal communication and public relations skills Ability to work independently and as part of a project team to meet deadlines Additional Information
Salary Range:
$83,000-$93,000; actual salary commensurate with academic background and experience. MCC employees are employed by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and receive benefits, including: Health insurance through the Group Insurance Commission (GIC) Dental and Vision plans Flexible Spending Account and Dependent Care Assistance Life insurance options Retirement options (State Employees' Pension or ORP, and 457(b) or 403(b)) Paid holidays, sick, vacation, and personal time Tuition benefits for employees and dependents Disability and related benefits Professional development opportunities Cell phone discounts and access to mass.gov programs Free employee parking on campus Eligibility for PSLF Location:
Lowell campus with occasional travel to Bedford as needed Hours:
37.5 hours per week; schedule to be determined; eligible for up to one day of telework per the College telework policy Expected Start Date:
November 2025 Application Deadline:
October 8, 2025 Application Instructions
All applicants must apply online by submitting: Cover Letter Resume Names and contact information for three professional references Pre-Employment Requirements
The College will not sponsor applicants for work visas. All offers are contingent upon a clear background check. MCC accepts application materials only through the online system. For accessibility or other needs, contact Human Resources at careers@middlesex.mass.edu.
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