Director of Undergraduate Financial Aid

Yale College Admissions

80051BR
University Job Title
Director 3
Bargaining Unit
None - Not included in the union (Yale Union Group)
Time Type
Full time
Duration Type
Regular
Compensation Grade
Administration & Operations
Compensation Grade Profile
Leader (28)
Wage Ranges
Click here to see our Wage Ranges
Work Location
Central Campus
Worksite Address
246 Church Street
New Haven, CT 06510
Work Week
Standard (M-F equal number of hours per day)
Searchable Job Family
Administration
Total # of hours to be worked:
37.5
Position Focus:
The Undergraduate Financial Aid Office administers all financial aid from any source to all undergraduates who qualify. Leading a staff of fifteen, with one senior associate director and two associate directors serving as direct reports, the Director ensures that Yale follows best practices for expedient and accurate financial needs analysis involving federal and institutional methodologies. Also ensures that financial aid is administered fairly and equitably, and that the office is both in compliance with all federal, and state regulations and within the scope of institutional policies. Ensures that the Undergraduate Financial Aid Office consistently provides prompt and courteous service to students and families.

The Director of Financial Aid provides strategic leadership and ethical management to a diverse team of financial aid professionals and clerical and technical staff members. The successful candidate will maintain a professional culture that fosters collaboration, inclusion, teamwork, respect, and excellence. Accordingly, the Director will provide mentorship, training, and career development opportunities for the financial aid team. They will evaluate the office\xe2\x80\x99s current business processes, workflow, policies, and procedures with an eye toward improving efficiency and the delivery of services in a sustainable way for staff. Technology upgrades and integration will be a key part of these efforts.

The Director works closely and collaborates with the University Director of Financial Aid Office compliance team in matters related to institutional and federal policies and procedures, ensuring full federal compliance in the awarding of all Title IV aid, and will be prepared to defend the approach used as part of the annual A-133 audit. In addition, is responsible for all undergraduate financial aid reporting to internal and external constituencies, including the federal government (IPEDS, College Navigator, as two examples); professional organizations (COFHE, The College Board, etc.); the media; and Yale\xe2\x80\x99s Office of Institutional Research.

The Director will work closely with the Provost, the Dean of Yale College, the University Director of Financial Aid, and the Dean of Undergraduate Admissions and Financial Aid to establish effective financial aid policies, practices, and communication strategies, and will provide leadership in the national conversation on access and affordability in higher education. Together with the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, will develop messaging and recruitment strategies to communicate Yale\xe2\x80\x99s affordability clearly and consistently to potential undergraduates and will participate in conversations about the use of financial aid to recruit a broad, diverse, and highly qualified class. As the public face of the office, meets regularly with key partners in Student Financial Services to provide excellent service to Yale students and families. Similarly, will work closely with Undergraduate Admissions, the Office of Student Engagement, residential college leadership, the Athletic Department, the Registrar\xe2\x80\x99s Office, the Office of International Students and Scholars, the Development Office, and other key University stakeholders to provide students clear and open access to resources and programs aimed at navigating the college experience. In addition, meets regularly with the student-based Financial Aid Working Group and broader groups of students to understand student concerns and ensure that students are served and supported.

Working collaboratively with many external partners, the Director also will build strong, transparent relationships while representing the UFA. They will represent Yale on both a national and international level by speaking publicly occasionally and participating in various policy discussions, conferences, and recruiting events.

The recruitment for this position is being managed by NES search firm https://nessearches.com/dirfinaid-yale/
Essential Duties
1. Directs one or more functional areas within an administrative department of the University and ensure compliance with University policies and procedures. 2. Directs analytic and research support for educational policies and planning and develops and approves administrative policies affecting assigned functional areas of the University. 3. Directs and establishes parameters for major projects for the department and University. 4. Interprets federal policies and regulations and educates staff and administration about regulations, restrictions, and the legal responsibilities of the University. 5. Directs and implements policy and program modifications and develops standards to ensure compliance with federal, state and local regulations. 6. Develops and administers an operating budget for the assigned department consistent with University policies and procedures. 7. Develops cost savings objectives and goals; authorizes major purchases and negotiates contracts that range from routine to complex in nature. 8. Establishes and implements long- and short-range goals for the functional area consistent with University goals and objectives. 9. Directs the development of related automated systems to support the function; determines office policies and procedures for use of automated systems. 10. Directs the evaluation and selection of vendors and negotiates contract details including work steps and pricing with the vendors on behalf of the assigned functional area. 11. Works with internal and external contacts to solve problems that range from routine to complex in nature. 12. Represents the University in discussions and negotiations with various governmental agencies. 13. Directs a staff of exempt and nonexempt employees. 14. May perform other duties as assigned.
Required Education and Experience
Bachelor\'s Degree in related field. Seven years of experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Required Skill/Ability 1:
Strong interpersonal skills. Effective communicator orally & in writing w/diverse populations. Strong team building skills. Record in successfully managing a diverse staff. Ability to negotiate challenging & sensitive issues fairly. Keen understanding of the admissions process, particularly at a selective private institution.
Required Skill/Ability 2:
Expert-level knowledge of compliance & regulatory policies & practices in financial aid. Comprehensive understanding of federal & institutional methodology at a highly selective institution. Familiarity w/reg. changes & emerging issues in higher education. Proven ability to administer FA services while exercising good professional judgment.
Required Skill/Ability 3:
Knowledge of and expertise with online financial management systems (such as Banner, Jenzabar, COD, CPS, NSLDS, SAIG, and other programs used by the Department of Education), electronic data exchange, Excel, Word, and automated financial aid systems. Familiarity with software systems that support recruiting, communications, & admissions review.
Required Skill/Ability 4:
Evidence of creative strategic thinking. Demonstrated ability to solve problems, plan/implement/evaluate solutions. Strong analytical & report writing skills Demonstrated ability to analyze/summarize/present complex issues & data for discussion & action. Ability to act as a spokesperson for Yale & interact with a variety of individuals.
Required Skill/Ability 5:
Desire to educate & counsel students & families on personal finance matters relating to college attendance, w/a mind towards developing programs for special populations, financial literacy. Approachable, accessible, flexible & insightful, w/the ability to accept constructive criticism, possessing an infinite amount of patience and a sense of humor.
Preferred Education, Experience and Skills:
Advanced degree. Eight years\xe2\x80\x99 experience. Demonstrated success in financial aid management, preferably at a college/university w/a substantial need-based financial aid program. Appreciation of the liberal arts & desire to make a world-class education affordable to students. Knowledge of Slate.
Weekend Hours Required?
Occasional
Evening Hours Required?
Occasional
Drug Screen
No
Health Screening
No
Background Check Requirements
All candidates for employment will be subject to pre-employment background screening for this position, which may include motor vehicle, DOT certification, drug testing and credit checks based on the position description and job requirements. All offers are contingent upon the successful completion of the background check. For additional information on the background check requirements and process visit "Learn about background checks" under the Applicant Support Resources section of Careers on the It\'s Your Yale website.
COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement
Thank you for your interest in employment at Yale University. Please also note that the university has a COVID-19 vaccination and booster requirement for all students, staff & faculty which is described in the COVID-19 Vaccine Program. As you search our open positions, you will see that all postings list their on-site addresses which gives more detail on the on-campus work location of the role.
Posting Disclaimer
The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the essential functions that will be required of the position and should not be construed as a declaration of specific duties and responsibilities of the particular position. Employees will be assigned specific job-related duties through their hiring departments.
EEO Statement:
University policy is committed to affirmative action under law in employment of women, minority group members, individuals with disabilities, and protected veterans. Additionally, in accordance with Yale\xe2\x80\x99s Policy Against Discrimination and Harassment, and as delineated by federal and Connecticut law, Yale does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment against any individual on account of that individual\xe2\x80\x99s sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, age, disability, status as a special disabled veteran, veteran of the Vietnam era or other covered veteran. Inquiries concerning Yale\xe2\x80\x99s Policy Against Discrimination and Harassment may be referred to the Office of Institutional Equity and Accessibility (OIEA).

W.L. Harkness Hall, 3rd Floor, Room 303
100 Wall Street, New Haven CT 06511
203-432-0849
equity@yale.edu

Note
Yale University is a tobacco-free campus