American University
Assistant Director Financial Aid
American University, Washington, District of Columbia, us, 20022
About the University
American University is a student-centered research institution located in Washington, DC, with highly-ranked schools and colleges, internationally-renowned faculty, and a reputation for creating meaningful change in the world.
Job Title Assistant Director of Financial Aid
Job Details
Department: Financial Aid Systems and Operations
Time Type: Full time
Job Type: Regular
FLSA Status: Exempt
Work Modality: Hybrid 01 (On Campus 3-4 Days/Week)
Union: Excluded
Location: Washington, DC; employees may work from the District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia, or on‑site at the university.
Job Description This is a key position in the overall management of American University’s financial aid programs. The incumbent’s primary responsibilities are the evaluation, awarding, and reconciliation of financial aid programs for one or more of the major financial assistance programs (Federal Direct Loan, Federal PLUS Loan, Federal Work‑Study Program, Federal PELL Grant program, Federal SEOG, etc.). The incumbent determines the financial aid eligibility of prospective and current students, ensures compliance with federal and institutional guidelines, and advises and counsels students, prospective students, parents, and colleagues regarding federal, state, and institutional financial assistance programs.
Essential Functions
System Management:
Responsible for managing and administering all aspects of federal, institutional and state aid programs, including the administration of the Financial Aid Office’s portfolio of State Grant and external scholarships. This includes overseeing a program budget of over $6 million and up to $150 million in federal funds, conducting reconcilation of awards, certification of expenditures, and ensuring university compliance with federal, state and institutional guidelines.
Policy Review:
Determines eligibility extent, type, and amount of various types of financial aid, reviews student eligibility for renewal, updates ERP to reflect accurate fund availability, ensures award usage is compliant with state and external awardees’ intent, evaluates appeals for amounts and types of financial aid awards, and, using professional judgment, adjusts awards based on individual family circumstances while complying with federal and institutional guidelines.
Training and Counseling:
Recruits, trains, and supervises a full‑time financial aid counselor, maintaining concrete knowledge of institutional and federal regulations as well as office policies and procedures related to administration of state and external scholarships.
Communication and Information Dissemination:
Provides financial advice and counseling to prospective and enrolled students, parents, and AU administrators regarding the donor/restricted scholarship process, application of payment, budgeting, and financial planning each semester. Explains federal/institutional regulations, methods of compliance, and procedures and policies, and collaborates with other university departments such as Student Accounts, Development, Payroll, Registrar, and Academic Units on behalf of students.
Supervisory Responsibility Reporting directly to this position is one Financial Aid Counselor.
Competencies
Evaluating and Implementing Ideas
Developing Plans
Making Accurate Judgments and Decisions
Championing Customer Needs
Building and Supporting Teams
Managing Talent
Position Type / Expected Hours of Work
Full‑time
35 hours per week
Salary Range
$68,000 – $73,000 annually
Required Education and Experience
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent
3–5 years of relevant experience
Excellent written and verbal communication skills required
Preferred Education and Experience
Master’s degree or equivalent
Working knowledge of automated systems
Other Duties Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Benefits AU offers a competitive benefits package, including a 200% matching retirement plan, tuition benefits for full‑time staff and their families, several leadership development certificates, and recognition by the American Heart Association as a fit‑friendly worksite.
Other Details
Hiring offers for this position are contingent on successful completion of a background check.
American University is an E‑Verify employer.
Equal Opportunity Statement American University is an equal‑opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual’s genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively "Protected Bases") in its programs and activities.
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Job Title Assistant Director of Financial Aid
Job Details
Department: Financial Aid Systems and Operations
Time Type: Full time
Job Type: Regular
FLSA Status: Exempt
Work Modality: Hybrid 01 (On Campus 3-4 Days/Week)
Union: Excluded
Location: Washington, DC; employees may work from the District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia, or on‑site at the university.
Job Description This is a key position in the overall management of American University’s financial aid programs. The incumbent’s primary responsibilities are the evaluation, awarding, and reconciliation of financial aid programs for one or more of the major financial assistance programs (Federal Direct Loan, Federal PLUS Loan, Federal Work‑Study Program, Federal PELL Grant program, Federal SEOG, etc.). The incumbent determines the financial aid eligibility of prospective and current students, ensures compliance with federal and institutional guidelines, and advises and counsels students, prospective students, parents, and colleagues regarding federal, state, and institutional financial assistance programs.
Essential Functions
System Management:
Responsible for managing and administering all aspects of federal, institutional and state aid programs, including the administration of the Financial Aid Office’s portfolio of State Grant and external scholarships. This includes overseeing a program budget of over $6 million and up to $150 million in federal funds, conducting reconcilation of awards, certification of expenditures, and ensuring university compliance with federal, state and institutional guidelines.
Policy Review:
Determines eligibility extent, type, and amount of various types of financial aid, reviews student eligibility for renewal, updates ERP to reflect accurate fund availability, ensures award usage is compliant with state and external awardees’ intent, evaluates appeals for amounts and types of financial aid awards, and, using professional judgment, adjusts awards based on individual family circumstances while complying with federal and institutional guidelines.
Training and Counseling:
Recruits, trains, and supervises a full‑time financial aid counselor, maintaining concrete knowledge of institutional and federal regulations as well as office policies and procedures related to administration of state and external scholarships.
Communication and Information Dissemination:
Provides financial advice and counseling to prospective and enrolled students, parents, and AU administrators regarding the donor/restricted scholarship process, application of payment, budgeting, and financial planning each semester. Explains federal/institutional regulations, methods of compliance, and procedures and policies, and collaborates with other university departments such as Student Accounts, Development, Payroll, Registrar, and Academic Units on behalf of students.
Supervisory Responsibility Reporting directly to this position is one Financial Aid Counselor.
Competencies
Evaluating and Implementing Ideas
Developing Plans
Making Accurate Judgments and Decisions
Championing Customer Needs
Building and Supporting Teams
Managing Talent
Position Type / Expected Hours of Work
Full‑time
35 hours per week
Salary Range
$68,000 – $73,000 annually
Required Education and Experience
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent
3–5 years of relevant experience
Excellent written and verbal communication skills required
Preferred Education and Experience
Master’s degree or equivalent
Working knowledge of automated systems
Other Duties Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Benefits AU offers a competitive benefits package, including a 200% matching retirement plan, tuition benefits for full‑time staff and their families, several leadership development certificates, and recognition by the American Heart Association as a fit‑friendly worksite.
Other Details
Hiring offers for this position are contingent on successful completion of a background check.
American University is an E‑Verify employer.
Equal Opportunity Statement American University is an equal‑opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual’s genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively "Protected Bases") in its programs and activities.
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