Assistant Director of Student Financial Services

Job no:R-0000003279Position Title:Assistant Director of Student Financial ServicesFaculty or Staff:StaffFull Time or Part Time:Full timeIn-Person, Hybrid, or Remote:HybridMinimum Starting Rate of Pay:$54,425.00Rate of pay commensurate with experienceStart Date:05/15/2026Job Description:I. PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:The Assistant Director of Student Financial Services plays a crucial role in supporting Mount Holyoke College's commitment to making education affordable and accessible. This position is responsible for advising students and families on financial aid options, managing a caseload of students, and ensuring compliance with federal and institutional guidelines. Through personalized counseling, professional judgment, and collaboration, you will help students navigate the financial aid process from start to finish, ensuring they receive the financial support they need to pursue their academic goals. Additionally, you will play a pivotal role in recruitment efforts, traveling to high schools, engaging with diverse communities, and representing the College on a national and international scale.II. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:Financial Aid Counseling and Strategic Analysis:Provide expert guidance to students and families, ensuring they fully understand financial aid policies and processes, thereby facilitating a meaningful and successful Mount Holyoke College (MHC) educational experience.Oversee an assigned caseload of students, managing their financial aid journey from initial application through final award, including verification of family data, resolving discrepancies, and ensuring compliance with federal and institutional policies.Evaluate and process financial aid appeals, using professional judgment in line with College policies, to determine appropriate financial support for each student.Foster a customer-centered environment by promoting high-quality service, community engagement, and strong relationship-building with students and families.Take ownership of one or more financial aid/SFS programs as assigned, including regulatory compliance, operations, service and outreach, staff training, and development. Responsibilities may shift based on office needs and strategic priorities.Stay at the forefront of industry developments by participating in continuous professional development, and share knowledge through the facilitation of training for direct reports, ensuring the office remains up-to-date on financial aid policies and loan servicing regulations.Travel and Recruitment:Travel up to 6-8 weeks annually, primarily in the fall, to visit high schools and present key messages about Mount Holyoke College to diverse audiences. Adapt communication strategies to effectively engage with different student populations and their families.Represent Mount Holyoke College at national and, when applicable, international recruitment events, including college fairs, interviews, group information sessions (both in-person and virtual), and off-campus events, ensuring prospective students receive a comprehensive understanding of the College's value proposition.Special Projects and Other Duties as Assigned:Contribute to special projects that align with the goals and strategic vision of the Financial Aid office and Student Financial Services, taking on additional responsibilities as needed to support the office's initiatives and campus- wide priorities.III. SKILLS/ KNOWLEDGE/ CERTIFICATIONS:1. RequiredBachelor's degreeMinimum of 2 years of professional financial aid experience, including student counseling and financial aidfile reviewExpertise in state, federal and institutional financial aid programs and complianceAbility to handle deadline and programmatic pressures in a fast paced student-centric environmentUnderstanding of institutional and federal methodologiesStrong analytical skillsCommitment to quality customer service for all students and their familiesAbility to work independentlyProven team playerExcellent interpersonal and communication skillsAbility to handle confidential information and/or issues using discretion and good judgmentEvening/weekend work and business travel may be requiredDemonstrated ability to support a community of diverse perspectives and cultures in an inclusive environment.2. PreferredPowerFAIDS experience strongly preferredV. SUPERVISION:N/AVI. EDUCATION:Four-year college degree or equivalentAlternatives to formal education and paid work experience may be considered as equivalent qualifications to include military service/training, volunteering, activism, and other non-traditional programs and experiences related to the position.VII. PHYSICAL/ MENTAL/ WORK ENVIRONMENT DEMANDS:Must be able to remain in a stationary position; often sitting or standingMust move about to accomplish tasks; from one worksite to another or within an office settingMust make repeating motion that may include wrists, hands, and/or fingersMust lift and move objects weighing up to 25 poundsMust be able to communicate, converse, and exchange information with othersMust be able to gather, classify, and organize information and workMust be able to concentrate on complex tasks and/or on tasks for prolonged periods of timeMust be able to adapt well in the face of workplace stressors (ie. complaints, interruptions, competing priorities)Must drive motor vehicles and/or heavy equipmentDISCLAIMER:This job description may not be inclusive of all assigned duties, responsibilities, or aspects of the job described, and may be amended at any time at the discretion of the Employer.Hiring Range: $54,425 - $61,229What We Offer:403(b) Retirement Plan (College contributes 10.5% of salary)Comprehensive medical, dental and vision insuranceFlexible Spending Account (FSA)Disability and Leave BenefitsLife Insurance (College paid coverage 1x salary)Employee Assistance ProgramTuition Benefits (to Mount Holyoke College or others)Generous Paid Time OffAccess to Kendall Sports & Dance ComplexBackground Checks:Mount Holyoke College is committed to providing a safe and secure environment, supported by qualified employees that will allow all of its students, faculty, staff and those associated with them to successfully carry out the mission of the college. As a condition of employment, the College will conduct appropriate background checks for all new hires. Mount Holyoke has designated the Office of Human Resources as the office responsible for ensuring that background checks (CORI, SORI, Credit History, & Driver Credential) are completed and utilized in the hiring process and Five College Office of Compliance and Risk Management as the office responsible for facilitating background checks as articulated in this policy.Special Instructions for Applicants:Apply online; application materials must include:A cover letter summarizing interests and qualificationsA complete resume or curriculum vitaeFor faculty positions, statements on mentoring, teaching, and research will also be required.