Assistant Director, Financial Aid

Assistant Director, Financial Aid

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 Posting Details 

Job #  | 042837
Department Code  | 23623-1009
Department  | Office of Financial Aid
Job Title  | Assistant Director, Financial Aid
Location  | Syracuse, NY
Campus  | Syracuse, NY
Commitment to On-Campus Experience  | Syracuse University is committed to delivering an exceptional student experience through vibrant, engaged campus communities. This position is based at the above campus location and requires regular in-person presence to support our students, collaborate with colleagues, and contribute to our thriving academic environment. Syracuse University values the collaboration, mentorship, and spontaneous connections that happen when our community works together on campus. Remote work arrangements are limited 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  | S5
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 will supervise five financial aid counselors each serving approximately 2,000 students receiving financial aid. This role includes providing training and support as counselors conduct needs analysis, determine federal and institutional eligibility, and apply professional judgment when appropriate. The AD will ensure efficient workflow, high-quality customer service, and a positive team environment. As the primary contact for transfer students, the AD will also review reports, and process appeals for this population. The role also oversees the undergraduate main campus merit appeal process, including training, escalations, and appeals. The AD will also administer several internal scholarship programs. Additionally, the Assistant Director will serve as a key resource for staff within and outside the Financial Aid Office.
Education and Experience  | Bachelor’s degree required. Master’s degree preferred
Skills and Knowledge  | Knowledge of federal and state regulations required. Progressive experience in financial aid including supervising staff required. Microsoft products experience needed, PeopleSoft preferred. Excellent communication skills, attention to detail, and ability to analyze data.
Responsibilities  | Lead and support a team of five financial aid counselors by providing ongoing training, guidance, and oversight throughout the financial aid cycle. Ensure staff understand annual responsibilities, performance expectations, and current financial aid regulations. Develop and deliver training for both new and continuing staff to promote efficient, accurate, and student-centered service. Assist with high-volume workloads and resolve complex student and family escalations as needed. Serve as the primary point of contact for transfer students by providing individualized support throughout the financial aid process. Responsibilities include meeting with students, creating and reviewing financial aid award packages, monitoring and analyzing reports, and evaluating and processing appeals. Manage multiple internal scholarship programs, including Junior Achievement, Scholarship in Action, Invest in Success, Remembrance Scholarship, Tepper Scholarship, Maxwell Community Impact Scholarship, and PTK Scholarship. Responsibilities include overseeing program administration, reviewing eligibility requirements, coordinating award processing, and ensuring timely communication and compliance with institutional policies and deadlines. Provide oversight and day-to-day management of the undergraduate main campus merit appeal process, including staff training, case escalations, and appeal review procedures. Coordinate and lead a cross-functional merit appeal committee composed of representatives from across the university, facilitating weekly meetings to review cases, ensure consistent decision-making, and maintain compliance with institutional policies and standards. Advise students and families on Syracuse University financial aid policies, awarding processes, and application requirements. Review CSS Profiles, complete federal verification processes, and provide guidance throughout the financial aid application cycle. Represent the university at FAFSA filing events and financial aid information sessions on and off campus, delivering clear and supportive assistance to prospective and current students and their families.
Physical Requirements  | *
Tools/Equipment  | *
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/113291
Job Posting Date  | 06/04/2026
Application Deadline  |
Full Consideration By  |
Job Category  | Staff
Message to Applicants  | 

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