Inside Higher Ed
Associate Director of Financial Aid
Inside Higher Ed, Lowell, Massachusetts, United States, 01856
Overview
Associate Director of Financial Aid – Middlesex Community College (MCC), Non-Unit Professional (NUP), Department: Financial Aid. Reports to: Director of Financial Aid. Location: Lowell campus with occasional travel to Bedford. Posted: Sep 17, 2025. Closes: Oct 8, 2025. Type: Full-time. Position ID: 192967. 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 for the Financial Aid Department, including the implementation of Title IV Federal Student Aid Programs, state and institutional funds, and other avenues for student financing, procedures, and regulations. The Associate Director handles confidential decision making and policy matters and provides day-to-day supervision of the Financial Aid Office on the Lowell Campus and personnel. Duties And Responsibilities
Formulates and determines financial aid policy through 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; ensure accurate management, disbursement, and reconciliation of funds in compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations. Fills in for the Director of Financial Aid when the Director is on vacation or absent from the College. Collaborates with the Director to formulate and implement financial aid policies and procedures to provide quality service and support the College’s mission of student success. Make independent decisions regarding financial aid policy advice and complex financial aid cases. Research, analyze, and interpret state and federal financial aid regulations; establish departmental policies and procedures for compliance and excellent customer service to a diverse student population and families. Prepare and update financial aid publications, consumer information, instructional materials, training manuals, forms, applications, and brochures. Maintain current knowledge of regulations and communicate changes to staff. Supervisory Duties
Direct day-to-day supervision of the Lowell Financial Aid Offices and staff, including Counselors and administrative support. Conduct performance evaluations and manage HR processes to ensure proper office coverage. Assist in onboarding and professional development, including staff selection, training, and dissemination of information via webinars and presentations. Resolve personnel matters through communication with staff, the Director of Financial Aid, and Human Resources as appropriate. Manage and direct assignment of caseloads and provide leadership to ensure workflow, quality, and accuracy. Support counselors with complex counseling issues related to costs, resources, the FA application process, and financing options. Duties Specific To Financial Aid
Review academic progress and communicate to ensure Title IV compliance, student success, and college retention. Oversee academic and financial appeals and official student record adjustments to ensure Title IV compliance. Oversee the Federal Direct Lending Program and the COD data transmission; resolve errors and coordinate reconciliations. Monitor enrollment for accurate disbursement of financial aid and originate/certify loans, including R2T4 calculations and related tasks. Manage SAP automation, nursing system setup, and coordinating tuition/fee waivers; oversee year-end fund reconciliation and other audit-related tasks. Oversee Banner, SoftDocs Etrieve, and other FA systems; participate in annual setup and regulatory change analyses. Monitor NSLDS data for transfer students and handle related reporting and awarding guidelines. Assist with annual and term-based processing and participate in MCC events and outreach as needed. Relationships With College Community And Outside Entities
Participate in committees shaping institutional plans and maintain confidentiality in financial aid matters. Collaborate with the Registrar to resolve data conflicts and monitor transfer student accounts in NSLDS. Coordinate with FA Systems Manager on unofficial withdrawals, Banner setup, and awarding guidelines; work with Student Success and TRIO programs on grant processes. Liaise with Massachusetts Commission for the Blind, Rehabilitation Commission, and Department of Children and Families to exchange award/cost of attendance information. Maintain strong working relationships with Admissions, Registrar, Advising, IT, and other college offices; coordinate with Student Accounts and the 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 closely 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 and application of federal and state financial aid regulations. Experience in supervision and personnel practices, training methods, and communication techniques. 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 and recommendations. Financial management and strong analytical skills; ability to manage multiple tasks and remain organized and detail oriented. Ability to communicate effectively, establish public relations for the college, and interact with a variety of people; work independently and on project teams to meet deadlines. Salary, Benefits, Location, and Schedule
Salary Range: $83,000-$93,000; actual salary commensurate with academic background and experience. State employee benefits (health, dental, vision, life, retirement, and more). Location: Lowell campus with occasional travel to Bedford. Hours: 37.5 hours per week; telework up to one day per policy. Expected Start Date: November 2025. Application Deadline: October 8, 2025. Application Instructions
All applicants must apply online by submitting: Cover Letter, Resume, and names/contact information for three professional references. Pre-Employment Requirements: Middlesex Community College will not sponsor applicants for work visas. Offers contingent upon a thorough background check. Materials must be submitted through the online application system. For accessibility needs, contact Human Resources at careers@middlesex.mass.edu or 781-280-3546. Note: This is a reflective refinement of the original job description to improve formatting while preserving all substantive content.
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Associate Director of Financial Aid – Middlesex Community College (MCC), Non-Unit Professional (NUP), Department: Financial Aid. Reports to: Director of Financial Aid. Location: Lowell campus with occasional travel to Bedford. Posted: Sep 17, 2025. Closes: Oct 8, 2025. Type: Full-time. Position ID: 192967. 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 for the Financial Aid Department, including the implementation of Title IV Federal Student Aid Programs, state and institutional funds, and other avenues for student financing, procedures, and regulations. The Associate Director handles confidential decision making and policy matters and provides day-to-day supervision of the Financial Aid Office on the Lowell Campus and personnel. Duties And Responsibilities
Formulates and determines financial aid policy through 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; ensure accurate management, disbursement, and reconciliation of funds in compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations. Fills in for the Director of Financial Aid when the Director is on vacation or absent from the College. Collaborates with the Director to formulate and implement financial aid policies and procedures to provide quality service and support the College’s mission of student success. Make independent decisions regarding financial aid policy advice and complex financial aid cases. Research, analyze, and interpret state and federal financial aid regulations; establish departmental policies and procedures for compliance and excellent customer service to a diverse student population and families. Prepare and update financial aid publications, consumer information, instructional materials, training manuals, forms, applications, and brochures. Maintain current knowledge of regulations and communicate changes to staff. Supervisory Duties
Direct day-to-day supervision of the Lowell Financial Aid Offices and staff, including Counselors and administrative support. Conduct performance evaluations and manage HR processes to ensure proper office coverage. Assist in onboarding and professional development, including staff selection, training, and dissemination of information via webinars and presentations. Resolve personnel matters through communication with staff, the Director of Financial Aid, and Human Resources as appropriate. Manage and direct assignment of caseloads and provide leadership to ensure workflow, quality, and accuracy. Support counselors with complex counseling issues related to costs, resources, the FA application process, and financing options. Duties Specific To Financial Aid
Review academic progress and communicate to ensure Title IV compliance, student success, and college retention. Oversee academic and financial appeals and official student record adjustments to ensure Title IV compliance. Oversee the Federal Direct Lending Program and the COD data transmission; resolve errors and coordinate reconciliations. Monitor enrollment for accurate disbursement of financial aid and originate/certify loans, including R2T4 calculations and related tasks. Manage SAP automation, nursing system setup, and coordinating tuition/fee waivers; oversee year-end fund reconciliation and other audit-related tasks. Oversee Banner, SoftDocs Etrieve, and other FA systems; participate in annual setup and regulatory change analyses. Monitor NSLDS data for transfer students and handle related reporting and awarding guidelines. Assist with annual and term-based processing and participate in MCC events and outreach as needed. Relationships With College Community And Outside Entities
Participate in committees shaping institutional plans and maintain confidentiality in financial aid matters. Collaborate with the Registrar to resolve data conflicts and monitor transfer student accounts in NSLDS. Coordinate with FA Systems Manager on unofficial withdrawals, Banner setup, and awarding guidelines; work with Student Success and TRIO programs on grant processes. Liaise with Massachusetts Commission for the Blind, Rehabilitation Commission, and Department of Children and Families to exchange award/cost of attendance information. Maintain strong working relationships with Admissions, Registrar, Advising, IT, and other college offices; coordinate with Student Accounts and the 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 closely 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 and application of federal and state financial aid regulations. Experience in supervision and personnel practices, training methods, and communication techniques. 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 and recommendations. Financial management and strong analytical skills; ability to manage multiple tasks and remain organized and detail oriented. Ability to communicate effectively, establish public relations for the college, and interact with a variety of people; work independently and on project teams to meet deadlines. Salary, Benefits, Location, and Schedule
Salary Range: $83,000-$93,000; actual salary commensurate with academic background and experience. State employee benefits (health, dental, vision, life, retirement, and more). Location: Lowell campus with occasional travel to Bedford. Hours: 37.5 hours per week; telework up to one day per policy. Expected Start Date: November 2025. Application Deadline: October 8, 2025. Application Instructions
All applicants must apply online by submitting: Cover Letter, Resume, and names/contact information for three professional references. Pre-Employment Requirements: Middlesex Community College will not sponsor applicants for work visas. Offers contingent upon a thorough background check. Materials must be submitted through the online application system. For accessibility needs, contact Human Resources at careers@middlesex.mass.edu or 781-280-3546. Note: This is a reflective refinement of the original job description to improve formatting while preserving all substantive content.
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