Pacific College is seeking a dynamic individual for the full-time position of Senior Financial Aid Officer at our New York campus.
*This position is hybrid, with at least 3 days per week required at the New York campus. *
General Job Summary:
The Senior Financial Aid Officer plays a critical role in the administration of financial aid programs, ensuring that students receive appropriate and timely financial assistance. This position is responsible for overseeing complex financial aid processes, providing guidance and support to students and families, and managing the disbursement of federal, state, and institutional aid. The Senior Financial Aid Officer will also be involved in compliance with federal and state regulations and the development of policies and procedures to ensure effective financial aid delivery.
Responsibilities:
Financial Aid Counseling:
- Advise students and their families on various financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs.
- Conduct one-on-one consultations to assess students’ financial needs and recommend appropriate aid packages.
- Provide guidance on completing the FAFSA, verifying financial data, and interpreting financial aid awards.
Program Administration:
- Assist the Assistant Director of Financial Aid (ADFA) in overseeing the administration of federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs, including determining eligibility, awarding aid, and ensuring timely disbursement.
- Ensure accurate processing of financial aid applications and that all required documents are submitted and verified in accordance with regulations.
- Monitor students’ progress toward meeting financial aid requirements, including maintaining eligibility for renewal.
- Assist The ADFA with R2T4 process.
Compliance & Reporting:
- Ensure compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations governing financial aid programs, including Title IV and state aid programs.
- Prepare and submit reports related to financial aid programs, such as institutional, federal, and state audits, and required documentation for regulatory agencies.
- Stay up to date with changes in financial aid regulations and institutional policies.
Financial Aid Technology:
- Utilize financial aid management systems and databases to track, manage, and process student aid applications, awards, and disbursements.
- Lead or participate in the enhancement and implementation of financial aid technology solutions to improve service delivery.
Supervision & Mentoring:
- Mentor financial aid officers and support staff, providing guidance and training.
- Assist in managing workflows and providing support to the team to ensure optimal student service.
Outreach & Workshops:
- Participate in outreach efforts such as financial aid workshops, presentations, and informational sessions for prospective and current students.
Policy Development & Improvement:
- Contribute to the development and continuous improvement of financial aid policies and procedures to streamline processes and enhance student satisfaction.
- Evaluate and recommend enhancements to financial aid procedures to align with best practices.
Customer Service and Other Duties:
- Provide high-quality, responsive customer service to students, families, and other stakeholders, addressing questions and concerns promptly.
- Resolve escalated financial aid issues, ensuring that students and families are satisfied with the resolution.
- Participate in institutional committees and working groups to advance student success initiatives.
- Occasional evening or weekend work may be required for outreach events or during peak financial aid processing periods.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the ADFA.
Qualifications and Skills:
- Bachelor’s degree preferred, preferably in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field.
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in financial aid administration, with at least 2 years in a senior-level role.
- Strong understanding of federal and state financial aid programs, including Title IV regulations, FAFSA, and the Higher Education Act.
- Proficiency in financial aid software systems; Anthology, COD, NSLDS, Campus Ivy’s CORE
- Intermediate skills in Microsoft Office Suite
- Experience in nursing education is preferred.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills with the ability to work effectively with diverse student populations.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Must have attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines effectively.
- Ability to interpret, adapt, and apply guidelines and procedures.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality of records and information.
- Must work well in a team environment.
Application Instructions: To apply, please submit a cover letter describing your qualifications and resume to Danielle Pompa, at [email protected].
Salary Expectations: $26.25 – $31.25 per hour; Commensurate with experience
Work Environment: The work environment characteristics are representative of those an employee encounters while performing essential functions of the job in a typical office/workstation situation. Able to work sitting or standing at a desk and operate a computer using keyboard and reading information on a monitor. This is a hybrid position. Must be able to commute to the New York campus at least three times a week. A dedicated workstation required for remote work.
Reasonable accommodation may be made to accommodate individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
We offer the opportunity to work with a dynamic team of holistic, caring professionals. We are committed to creating a diverse community of faculty, staff, and students. Pacific College of Health and Science is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants are considered on their qualifications for the position without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
Pacific College of Health and Science is one of the oldest and largest accredited institutions training professionals in integrative and traditional Chinese medicine to include acupuncture, holistic nursing, massage therapy, herbal medicine, and medical cannabis. Founded in 1986, Pacific College is home to beautiful campuses and busy clinics in New York, San Diego, and Chicago and a rapidly growing online division. Pacific College features an esteemed faculty with over 200 faculty members from   around the globe, many of whom conduct ongoing research and educate approximately 1,700 students every year.