Assistant Director, Federal Programs

Assistant Director, Federal Programs

Bookmark this Position Posting Print Preview | Apply for this Job

 Posting Details 

Job #  | 042385
Department Code  | 23623-1009
Department  | Office of Financial Aid
Job Title  | Assistant Director, Federal Programs
Location  | Remote
Campus  | Remote
Commitment to On-Campus Experience  | Syracuse University is committed to delivering an exceptional student experience through vibrant, engaged campus communities. This position is anticipated to be filled on a fully remote basis if the candidate is not identified in the Syracuse/Central New York area. Not all geographical areas within the United States are eligible.  Local candidates may be expected to report to campus as business needs require.  For candidates outside of the region, when travel to the campus is deemed necessary, expenses will be covered by the University in accordance with University Travel Policies.  Remote work arrangements are coordinated in accordance with University policy.
Pay Range  | $62,400
Pay Determination  | Pay rates at Syracuse University are based on a combination of factors including, but not limited to, the job responsibilities; the candidate’s education, training, work experience and key competencies; the university’s strategic priorities; internal peer equity; applicable federal, state, local laws, grant funding and contractual requisites; and external market analyses.
Staff Level  | S4
FLSA Status  | Exempt
Hours  | Standard University business hours

8:30am – 5:00pm (academic year)
8:00am – 4:30pm (summer)
Hours may vary based on operational needs.
Job Type  | Full-time
Unionized Position Code  | Not Applicable

Job Description  | The Assistant Director of Federal Programs supports the Associate Director in the administration of federal and private loan programs within the Office of Financial Aid. This position plays a key role in the setup and management of the annual aid calendar, including academic years, loan periods, and payment period dates. The Assistant Director supervises two loan processors, oversees the day-to-day workflow of loan processing operations, and ensures accurate and timely completion of required reports and processes. In addition to managing federal responsibilities such as NSLDS Transfer Monitoring and the TEACH Grant program, this role oversees the administration of private education loans.

Due to recent regulatory changes The Assistant Director also maintains ELM Select offerings, assists with interpreting and implementing federal regulatory changes, and supports the development and maintenance of policies and procedures to ensure compliance and improve operational efficiency. Additionally, this role supports the Associate Director with special projects, contributes to the strategic direction of federal and private aid initiatives, and assists with reviewing and updating the office’s online reference manual.

Education and Experience  | Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Minimum of 3 years of experience in financial aid administration, with a focus on federal aid programs. Knowledge of federal regulations governing Title IV aid, including Direct Loans, NSLDS, and TEACH. Experience with financial aid management systems (e.g., PeopleSoft, Banner, PowerFAIDS) and third-party platforms (e.g., COD, ELM, NSLDS).

Skills and Knowledge  | Strong supervisory, organizational, and analytical skills. Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook). Experience with ELM Select administration Experience using querying software such as Tableau (or similar product) Familiarity with recent legislative updates Ability to analyze and streamline operational workflows. Demonstrate strong attention to detail, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities, with the capacity to effectively prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. Exceptional organizational skills and adaptability to evolving federal regulations are essential. Proven supervisory experience with effective communication and interpersonal skills is required to lead and support a team. Must possess advanced computer proficiency, including experience with complex financial aid management systems and reporting tools. Thorough understanding of federal and private loan programs, compliance requirements, and student aid processes is highly preferred.

Responsibilities 
Collaborate with the Associate Director of Federal Programs to create and maintain the financial aid calendar, using published academic calendars to define academic years, loan periods, and payment periods for Federal Pell Grants and Direct Loans. Incorporate program-specific variations and cohort needs, including Borrower-Based Aid Year structures for summer awarding. Update and monitor all related dates in the Student Information System (PeopleSoft), using queries and data reports to proactively identify and resolve discrepancies throughout the year. Supervise and support two loan processors, managing workload distribution and deadlines in alignment with the aid year cycle and processing peaks. Review batch and manual awarding reports to identify and correct errors, ensuring timely and accurate processing. Provide guidance to the loan and counseling teams on complex aid eligibility scenarios. Assist directly with loan processing during peak periods, including support for summer and Winterlude awarding, Pell and loan troubleshooting, and reconciliation tasks. Monitor and help manage increasing private loan volume, much of which requires manual processing. Oversee the NSLDS Transfer Monitoring process by identifying students requiring monitoring, ensuring timely submission to NSLDS, and reviewing response files. Evaluate responses to confirm whether students are receiving aid at other institutions, and resolve any conflicts related to annual or aggregate loan limits. Make necessary adjustments to awards in compliance with federal regulations and coordinate communication with counselors and affected students. Manage the administration of the Federal TEACH Grant program. Identify eligible students at the time of admission or transfer, ensure proper coding prior to awarding, repackage aid if necessary, and confirm ongoing eligibility through SAP and other federal requirements. Assign and track TEACH Exit Counseling for program completers. Maintain ELMSelect loan presentation and offerings by reviewing lender usage reports provided by ELM. Update lender listings based on recent student borrowing trends, ensuring transparency and providing a historical record of lenders selected by students.
Physical Requirements  | Not Applicable
Tools/Equipment  | Not Applicable
Application Instructions  | In addition to completing an online application, please attach a resume and cover letter.
About Syracuse University  | Syracuse University is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings, and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic heart of New York State, with a global footprint, and over 150 years of history, Syracuse University offers a quintessential college experience.

The scope of Syracuse University is a testament to its strengths: a pioneering history dating back to 1870; a choice of more than 200 majors, 100 minors, and 200 advanced degree programs offered across the University’s 13 schools and colleges; over 15,000 undergraduates and over 6,000 graduate students; more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries; and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, please visit http://www.syracuse.edu.

About the Syracuse area  | Syracuse is a medium-sized city situated in the geographic center of New York State approximately 250 miles northwest of New York City. The metro-area population totals approximately 500,000. The area offers a low cost of living and provides many social, cultural, and recreational options, including parks, museums, festivals, professional regional theater, and premier shopping venues. Syracuse and Central New York present a wide range of seasonal recreation and attractions ranging from water skiing and snow skiing, hiking in the Adirondacks, touring the historic sites, visiting wineries along the Finger Lakes, and biking on trails along the Erie Canal.

EEO Statement  | Syracuse University is an equal-opportunity institution. The University prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender, national origin, citizenship, ethnicity, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law to the extent prohibited by law. This nondiscrimination policy covers admissions, employment, and access to and treatment in University programs, services, and activities.

Commitment to Supporting and Hiring Veterans  | Syracuse University has a long history of engaging veterans and the military-connected community through its educational programs, community outreach, and employment programs. After World War II, Syracuse University welcomed more than 10,000 returning veterans to our campus, and those veterans literally transformed Syracuse University into the national research institution it is today. The University’s contemporary commitment to veterans builds on this historical legacy, and extends to both class-leading initiatives focused on making an SU degree accessible and affordable to the post-9/11 generation of veterans, and also programs designed to position Syracuse University as the employer of choice for military veterans, members of the Guard and Reserve, and military family members.

Commitment to a Respectful and Welcoming Community  | Syracuse University fosters a welcoming learning environment where students, faculty, administrators, staff, curriculum, social activities, governance, and all aspects of campus life reflect a broad range of perspectives and experiences. The University community values the many similarities and differences among individuals and groups. At Syracuse, we are committed to preparing students to engage with and appreciate the richness of backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences that shape our society. To achieve this, we strive to cultivate a community that respects and encourages open dialogue, understanding, and mutual respect.

Quick Link  | https://www.sujobopps.com/postings/111498
Job Posting Date  | 11/14/2025
Application Deadline  |
Full Consideration By  |
Job Category  | Staff
Message to Applicants  | 

Applicant Documents

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

621 Skytop Road | Suite 1001 | Syracuse, NY 13244 – 5300 | 315.443.4042
© 2017 - Syracuse University, All Rights Reserved. | Accessibility | Privacy | Accreditation | syr.edu

 To ensure the security of your data, you will be logged out due to inactivity in 3 minutes at
 .

 Any data not saved will be lost.

 Click 'OK' to keep your session active.