JOB SUMMARY

The Director of Financial Assistance is a full-time, 12-month position and reports directly to the Director of Admission & Enrollment Management.  The Director of Financial Assistance is responsible for overseeing the strategic planning, implementation, and day-to-day operations of the school’s financial assistance program. This position requires the Director of Financial Assistance to work closely with other members of the Admission and Business Offices.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

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.

• Work with both the admission and business offices to develop an annual plan for awarding tuition assistance within the budget approved by the Board of Trustees.
• Review all applications for tuition assistance and evaluate them against best practices, documentation, intangibles and available budget.
• Apply professional judgment to balance the needs of the school and families.
• Act as family contact during application process and afterwards, ensuring family situations are sufficiently understood to provide an appropriate amount of tuition assistance, and ensuring that families understand their grants.
• Responsible for preparation and updating of an analytical tool that the Financial Assistance Committee will utilize to provide input on suggested tuition assistance grants and determine final grants.
• Responsible for maintenance of database for tuition assistance grants, currently in Clarity.
• Maintain accurate and confidential records and ensure compliance with all internal policies and external regulations.
• Responsible for financial assistance data analysis, reporting and presentation.
• Facilitate Financial Assistance Committee meetings, ensuring the participants have full information and can make decisions efficiently.
• Maintain and administer a comprehensive program for supplemental support, including notification to families about the resources available and logistics of how support is granted, and communication and coordination with applicable school personnel.
• Manage the process to award all need-based scholarships and provide continued support to scholarship recipients.
• Develop and update financial assistance marketing and informational materials.
• Give informational presentations and webinars to various school constituents and prospective families.
• Build strong relationships with families, helping to foster a culture of access, transparency, and compassion.
• Maintain strict confidentiality and impartiality.
• Promote the School’s statement of mission and philosophy.

MARGINAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Marginal duties of this position include the following. Employees in this position perform some or all of the following tasks.

Other duties may be assigned.

• Attend Staff Development Meetings as needed
• Attend School Functions as needed
• Attend Board meetings as needed

• Serve on Financial Assistance Committee
• Attend Conferences
• Attend Chapel

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

No supervisory duties assigned. All school employees have some responsibility for supervising students and assisting in maintaining a safe environment

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree
• 5+ years of experience in financial aid administration, admission, or related field, preferably in an independent school setting.

Job Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Deep understanding of financial aid processes and tools.
• An extremely well organized, detail-oriented individual who has a high energy level together with an accompanying sense of urgency. 
• Bright, hardworking and enthusiastic with a serious commitment to excellence.
• Industrious, independent-minded and determined, with a drive to achieve results.
• Ability to multi-task and balance competing priorities.
• Strong analytical, written and verbal communication skills including presentation and computer skills. Proficiency in Excel is required.
• Familiarity with complex individual and business tax returns.
• Experience with financial aid platforms and student information systems.
• Well-developed interpersonal skills to deal effectively with a wide range of constituents, including those at very senior levels.
• A team player with strong interpersonal skills to productively, professionally and empathetically communicate with students, parents, the entire school community and wide variety of school constituents.
• A person of unquestioned integrity who has an impeccable reputation, who honors commitments, and who deals with people in a straightforward and personal way.
• Culturally competent and committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion.