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Middlesex Community College

Associate Director of Financial Aid

Middlesex Community College, Lowell, Massachusetts, United States, 01856

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Overview

Middlesex Community College (MCC), established in 1970, provides access to affordable education to prepare individuals for success and lifelong learning. We promote academic excellence, provide workforce development opportunities, and empower all learners to become productive and socially responsible members of our local and global communities. The College offers services essential to attract, reward, and retain talented faculty and staff. MCC supports a work environment where employees feel supported and empowered to best serve our student population. Classes are offered on the Bedford and Lowell campuses, as well as a robust online course offering. MCC is committed to transforming lives as we educate, challenge, and support all students as evident in our strategic plan. Job Description

Title : Associate Director of Financial Aid 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 policies for 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 the day-to-day direct supervision of the Financial Aid Office on the Lowell Campus and personnel. Responsibilities

Responsibilities include leadership, supervision, and financial aid operations. 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, ensuring 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 financial aid policies and procedures to ensure quality service and alignment with the College's mission and student success. Makes independent decisions regarding financial aid policy and complex financial aid cases. Researches, analyzes, and interprets state and federal financial aid regulations; establishes departmental policies to ensure compliance and excellent service to a diverse student population. Prepares and updates financial aid publications, materials, forms, applications, and brochures; maintains knowledge of regulations and communicates changes to staff. Oversees and administers the Federal Direct Lending Program; manages COD data transmission, resolves errors, and oversees Direct Loan reconciliation. Monitors enrollment to ensure accurate disbursement of financial aid. Originates and certifies student loans, completes R2T4 calculations, book advancements, and related tasks. Manages SAP automation, nursing system setup, and awarded funds; coordinates tuition and fee waivers for adopted and foster children; assists with year-end reconciliation. Assists with audit data review and provides policy analysis for audit responses. Manages implementation and updates to FA systems (e.g., Banner, SoftDocs Etrieve); participates in annual system setup and regulatory changes. Maintains monitoring of transfer student accounts on NSLDS. Participates in MCC functions, conducts presentations, and represents MCC off-campus. Supervisory Duties

Direct day-to-day supervision of the Lowell Financial Aid Offices, including staff at all levels. Conducts performance evaluations and manages timesheets and time-off processes with HR. Supports onboarding and professional development, including staff selection, training, and information dissemination. Resolves personnel matters with staff, Director, and HR as appropriate. Manages caseload assignments and provides leadership to staff, ensuring quality and accuracy. Assists counselors with complex counseling issues related to costs, resources, and the FAFSA process. Duties Specific to Financial Aid

Ensures Title IV compliance through academic progress reviews and communications. Handles academic and financial appeals and official student record adjustments to ensure compliance. Oversees Federal Direct Lending and COD data transmission; manages reconciliation and error resolution. Monitors enrollment for accurate aid disbursement. Oversees and tasks related to student loans, including certifications and disbursements. Manages SAP automation and related systems; coordinates tuition/fee waivers and other funds as required. Assists with year-end fund reconciliation and audits. Manages reporting and system updates for financial aid software and data integrity. Works with campus offices and external entities to support awarding processes and compliance. Qualifications

Master's degree in Education, Business Administration, Accounting, Human Services, or closely related field; with a minimum of five (5) years of experience in financial aid operations or loan processing, or equivalent. Broad knowledge of state and federal financial aid programs and record-keeping requirements. Comprehensive understanding and application of federal and state financial aid regulations. Knowledge of supervision, training methodologies, and personnel practices. Ability to form coalitions with internal and external constituencies. Experience using integrated higher education student information systems. Ability to resolve problems and develop alternatives and recommendations. Financial management and strong analytical skills. Ability to manage multiple tasks with organization and attention to detail. Ability to recognize departmental priorities and collaborate to achieve them. Effective written and verbal communication; ability to interact with a variety of people. 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. Benefits include health, dental, vision, retirement, paid holidays, tuition benefits, and more. Location: Lowell campus with occasional travel to Bedford as needed. Hours: 37.5 hours/week; telework up to one day per week per policy. Expected Start Date: November 2025 Application Deadline: October 8, 2025 Application Instructions

All applicants must apply online by submitting: 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 clear results of a background check. Background checks will be conducted on all final candidates, as deemed necessary. Middlesex Community College accepts online applications only. For accessibility assistance, contact Human Resources at careers@middlesex.mass.edu or 781-280-3546.

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