Assistant Director for Student Financial Assistance

As the second-largest independent Catholic university in New England, and one of the fastest-growing private doctoral institutions in the U.S., Sacred Heart University is a national leader in shaping higher education for the 21st century. SHU offers nearly 90 undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and certificate programs on its Fairfield, Conn., campus. Sacred Heart also has a campus in Dingle, Ireland, and offers online programs. More than 10,000 students attend the University’s eight colleges and schools: Arts & Sciences; Communication, Media & the Arts; Social Work; Computer Science & Engineering; Health Professions; the Isabelle Farrington College of Education & Human Development; the Jack Welch College of Business & Technology; and the Dr. Susan L. Davis, R.N., & Richard J. Henley College of Nursing. Sacred Heart stands out from other Catholic institutions as it was established and led by laity. 

Sacred Heart University is a contemporary Catholic university rooted in the rich Catholic intellectual tradition and the liberal arts that cultivates students to be forward thinkers who enact change—in their own lives, professions and in their communities. SHU upholds a universal perspective, welcoming and valuing diverse faith traditions, including those from religious and nonreligious backgrounds. This catholicity, which is the basis of inclusivity, enriches dialogue, deepens understanding and strengthens our commitment to creating a more compassionate and just world.

The Princeton Review includes SHU in its Best 388 Colleges–2023 Edition, and Best Business Schools–2023 Edition. Sacred Heart is home to the award-winning, NPR-affiliated radio station, WSHU, a Division I athletics program and an impressive performing arts program that includes choir, band, dance and theatre. www.sacredheart.edu 
 
To apply

Only applications submitted through the official Careers at SHU site will be accepted for employment consideration. If you are viewing this job advertisement through a different site, please visit Careers at SHU to submit a formal application.

Qualified candidates are invited to submit a complete application and resume via our online application system. A cover letter or statement of interest is also preferred for all staff positions.

Sacred Heart University complies with all federal and state employment laws and regulations. Applicants must be lawfully authorized to work for any employer in the United States. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa for this position.

Position Summary

Assists in the coordination and general counseling needs of Sacred Heart University students, as well as assists in the coordination of student loan programs.

Principal Duties & Responsibilities

• The Assistant Director must project a positive public relations image and be responsive to the university's goals and objectives.
• General student financial aid counseling - application processing, need analysis, verification, awarding, tracking, and reporting.
• Provide counseling for alternative financing and scholarship searches.
• Responsible for data entry, tracking of student information on a database, with emphasis on document imaging through Perceptive Content.
• Assists in student research, mailings, and reports.
• Assists in the planning for and execution of student loan entrance interviews.
• Understanding of the registration process and detailed verification of enrollment status. 
• Check awarded student account information with the Office of Student Accounts.
• Follow up on its students’ loan/work study proceeds.
• Participate in all SFA Office and Divisional activities including but not limited to University Open Houses, Admitted Student Days, Orientation, Welcome Weekends, Information Sessions, etc.
• All other duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Other Attributes

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Previous higher education financial aid experience is preferred.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Bilingual English/Spanish is preferred but not required
• Excellent computer skills. Experience with CSS Powerfaids and/or U.S. Department EDE systems is strongly preferred. 

Unusual Working Conditions

Fast-paced office with very heavy interpersonal communication. Weekend and evening office hours are required.  During holidays, staff are considered essential and are often required to be on campus or work remotely.

This job posting provides an overview of the role's general nature and expected tasks. It is not meant to be a comprehensive list of all duties performed. The university reserves the right to modify or reassign job responsibilities at any time. This posting description does not constitute an employment contract, either explicit or implied.