Edtech.com's Summary

Carnegie Mellon University is hiring an Assistant Director of Student Financial Aid – Enrollment Management to review FAFSA and CSS Profile applications and make sure aid reaches students accurately and in compliance with federal rules. The role manages key processing streams, resolves complex special-circumstance cases, and serves as a go-to resource for staff and students. The assistant director also looks for process improvements that remove administrative hurdles and speed up awarding and disbursement.

Highlights

Manage end-to-end processing and evaluation of federal and institutional financial aid applications, including FAFSA and CSS Profile, verifying tax information and supporting documents.
Perform federal verification reviews in strict compliance with Department of Education regulations and university policies.
Evaluate and resolve complex special-circumstances appeals using professional judgment and equity-driven frameworks.
Keep pace with changing Title IV regulations to maintain processing accuracy, file-audit standards, and federal compliance.
Analyze data and work with the team to design and put in place processes that remove administrative roadblocks for students.
Respond to inquiries from students, staff, academic departments, and outside service providers, and prepare routine status reports to management on critical daily processes.
Work with campus partners to create a seamless aid experience for students and develop solutions for the more complex cases.
Requires a bachelor's degree in higher education administration or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience, with a master's degree highly desired.
Needs comfort navigating federal databases such as COD, NSLDS, and CPS/SAIG, with advanced PowerFAIDS proficiency strongly preferred.
Calls for a solid understanding of Title IV regulations, verification procedures, and application methodologies (FM/IM preferred), with prior financial aid office experience a strong plus.

Assistant Director of Student Financial Aid – Enrollment Management Full Description

Core Responsibilities include:

Application Processing & Review: Manage the end-to-end processing and evaluation of federal and institutional financial aid applications. This review involves verifying tax information, and other necessary supporting documentation gathered through the financial aid application process.
Federal Verification: Perform meticulous federal verification reviews in strict compliance with Department of Education regulations and university policies.
Professional Judgments: Evaluate and resolve complex special circumstances appeals using professional judgment and equity-driven frameworks.
Process Optimization: Actively analyze data and collaborate with the team to identify, design, and implement better processes that remove administrative roadblocks for students.
Compliance & File Auditing: Keep pace with changing Title IV regulations to ensure the highest standards of processing accuracy and federal compliance.
Student & Partner Support: Work together with campus partners to create an easy, seamless experience for students, while understanding that some situations are more complex and require deep attention. Be able to develop innovative solutions to solve these complex problems.

Adaptability, excellence, and passion are vital qualities within Carnegie Mellon University. We are in search of a team member who can effectively interact with a varied population of internal and external partners at a high level of integrity. We are looking for someone who shares our values and who will support the mission of the university through their work.

You should demonstrate:

Strong attention to detail, strong analytical problem-solving skills, and the resilience to thrive in a high-volume, deadline-driven environment
Excellent communication skills with the ability to maintain composure
Ability to work independently with little direct supervision
Adaptability, ability to prioritize and context switch, reasoning and problem-solving skills are vital qualities within the Student Financial Aid Office.

Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor’s degree, higher education administration, or related field required; Master’s degree highly desired. An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
Experience: Prior experience in a higher education setting preferred, with financial aid office experience a strong plus. Demonstrated expertise in file review and verification is highly desirable.
Technical Expertise: Advanced proficiency using the PowerFAIDS management system is strongly preferred. Comfort navigating federal databases (COD, NSLDS, CPS/SAIG) is essential.
Mindset & Skillset: Must be a forward-thinking problem solver with a strong ability to analyze data, think critically about operational workflows, and collaborate cross-functionally.
Regulatory Knowledge: A solid understanding of Title IV federal regulations, verification procedures, and application methodologies (FM/IM preferred). We highly value adaptability and a strong desire to keep learning and growing with our team.

Requirements:

Successful pre-employment background check

Additional Information:

Sponsorship: Applicants for this position must be currently legally authorized to work for CMU in the United States. CMU will not sponsor or take over the sponsorship of an employment visa for this opportunity. Carnegie Mellon is not a qualifying employer for the STEM OPT benefit: only the 12-month OPT may be used to work at Carnegie Mellon.

Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits.

Benefits eligible employees enjoy a wide array of benefits including comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous retirement savings program with employer contributions. Unlock your potential with tuition benefits, take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off and observed holidays, and rest easy with life and accidental death and disability insurance.

Additional perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, access to our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access, and much more!

For a comprehensive overview of the benefits available, explore our Benefits page.

At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond credentials, we evaluate the role and responsibilities, your valuable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We appreciate your unique skills and the perspective you bring. Your journey with us is about more than just a job; it’s about finding the perfect fit for your professional growth and personal aspirations.

Are you interested in an exciting opportunity with an exceptional organization?! Apply today!

Location

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Position Type

Full Time/Part time

Pay Basis

More Information:

Please visit “Why Carnegie Mellon” to learn more about becoming part of an institution inspiring innovations that change the world.
Click here to view a listing of employee benefits
Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran.
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Assistant Director of Student Financial Aid – Enrollment Management

Edtech.com's Summary

Assistant Director of Student Financial Aid – Enrollment Management Full Description

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