Reporting to the Associate Director of Financial Aid, the Assistant Director will support access and affordability for Bates students by analyzing financial aid applications, calculating eligibility, and awarding financial aid. In addition, they will advise students and parents on financial aid policies, application processes, programs, and associated timelines. The Assistant Director will oversee financial aid awarding and notification for Study Abroad programs and will work closely with campus partners to support recruitment and retention efforts.

Job Duties:

• Provide exceptional customer service and counseling to students and families as they make decisions about college planning and financing.
• Manage a caseload of students and families, serving as their point of contact from initial application to graduation.
• Calculate eligibility for institutional need-based aid and Federal Title IV aid by analyzing US federal income tax forms and other financial documentation.
• Counsel students and parents regarding institutional and federal eligibility requirements, processes, and timelines.
• Oversee financial aid awarding and notification for Study Abroad programs.
• Calculate the cost of attendance and repackaging aid for study abroad participants.
• Communicate with study abroad programs regarding student eligibility and payment information, as well as prepare visa letters for students.
• Certify state scholarships.
• Review outside scholarships and adjust financial aid awards to ensure compliance with federal financial aid regulations.
• Assist in communication outreach to prospective and continuing students.
• Participate in Admission events and make occasional presentations to visitors and campus partners.
• During heavy volume periods, assist with front-line office coverage (phone calls, emails, and drop-in visits).

Minimum Qualifications:

Education

Bachelors degree required.

Experience

1-3 years of financial aid or adjacent experience within a higher education setting.

Skills and Knowledge

• Commitment to equity and inclusion, and serving the needs of a culturally and educationally diverse community.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to interact with students and families in a positive, professional, and highly confidential manner.
• Enthusiasm for higher education and the mission of the liberal arts.
• Strong organizational (time, task, and project management) skills.
• Attention to detail and a sense of humor.
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative and follow-through.
• Commitment to continuous professional growth and learning.
• Proficiency in basic computer applications and comfort using multiple computing platforms, and a willingness and ability to learn technology applications and systems as needed.
• Ability and willingness to work occasional weekends and evenings.

Benefits:

Bates College offers competitive salaries, excellent benefits (health, dental, sick leave, 24 days of vacation, 2 personal days, 13 paid holidays, dependent care subsidy, free parking, access to library and athletic facilities & more), and a supportive, collegial environment in a drug and smoke-free workplace.