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Working at Lewis & Clark College

The campus is located on 137 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds in Portland’s southwest hills. Our strong commitment to sustainability is reinforced through recycling programs, energy conservation, alternative transportation options, and farm to fork initiatives. For benefit-eligible positions, we offer a competitive benefits package that includes options for health, dental, vision, tuition, life insurance, retirement and more.

Lewis & Clark College is committed to achieving a diverse workforce. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to status as a protected veteran or a qualified individual with a disability, or other protected status, such as race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status or age.

PRIMARY PURPOSE

The Associate Director of Financial Aid for GSEC & LAW within the Office of Financial Aid reports directly to the AVP for Financial Aid. This role is primarily responsible for managing relationships with the Graduate School of Education and Counseling (GSEC) and Lewis & Clark Law School including administrative staff, program directors, and students, reviewing financial aid applications, performing needs analysis, and determining eligibility for various aid programs. The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical skills, a deep understanding of federal and institutional financial aid policies, and the ability to counsel students effectively. To be successful in this position, the individual must excel at managing relationships across campus, managing complex financial aid cases, maintaining compliance with federal regulations, and communicating financial aid information clearly to students from diverse backgrounds.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Financial Aid Management and Analysis

●       Review financial aid applications for Graduate School of Education and Counseling (GSEC) and Law School students, performing needs analysis to determine eligibility for federal, state, and institutional aid.

●       Recalculate financial aid eligibility based on updated information, ensuring compliance with federal and institutional policies.

●       Use professional judgment to adjust the cost of attendance on a case-by-case basis for students with unique circumstances.

●       Maintain relationships with and regularly connect with GSEC and Law School administrative staff and program directors to ensure aid awarded is aligned with the student program and meets federal compliance requirements.

Award Preparation and Disbursement

●       Prepare and issue financial aid awards for a caseload of GSEC and Law School students, incorporating federal, state, and institutional funding sources.

●       Consult with the Assistant Vice President (AVP) as needed for complex cases and adjustments based on changes in student eligibility.

●       Monitor changes in student eligibility and revise awards accordingly, ensuring compliance with all applicable regulations.

Student Counseling and Communication

●       Counsel students individually and in groups regarding the financial aid process, explaining eligibility, loan repayment strategies, and budgeting.

●       Advise students on financial aid over the course of their academic programs, helping them understand how aid works and how to manage their financial obligations.

●       Support students in navigating complex or confidential financial aid situations, providing clear guidance on documentation requirements and professional judgment requests.

Program and Compliance Management

●       Manage federal and institutional programs, including AmeriCorps, VA/Yellow Ribbon, and consortium agreements, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations.

●       Track, report, and reconcile financial data for designated programs, ensuring all reporting requirements are met.

Verification and Flag Resolution

●       Resolve federal application flags by working with students to gather and verify necessary documentation for awarding federal aid.

●       Perform federally required verification of financial aid applications, reviewing tax documents and other materials to ensure accuracy and compliance.

●       Clear flags and update financial aid data based on verified information, recalculating aid eligibility as necessary.

Other Duties as Assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, & BEHAVIORS

●       Proficient in federal and institutional financial aid policies and procedures, including knowledge of programs such as Federal Direct Loans, VA/Yellow Ribbon, and consortium agreements.

●       Extremely knowledgeable in financial aid systems and software, including Ellucian Colleague, Perceptive Content, Informer, and MS Office (Word, Excel) for data management and reporting.

●       Excellent analytical skills, with the ability to interpret complex financial information and federal regulations to determine aid eligibility.

●       Superior communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to convey complex financial aid concepts clearly to diverse audiences.

●       Excellent public speaking and presentation skills for effectively delivering information at events and workshops to large and small groups.

●       Proficient in managing multiple tasks and priorities in a high-volume, fast-paced environment, ensuring deadlines are consistently met.

●       Extremely adept at performing needs analysis and resolving conflicting information or application flags

●       Thorough understanding of institutional and federal policies related to the use of professional judgement including appropriate use cases and documentation.

●       Superior ability to work independently while following established guidelines and ensuring compliance with federal and institutional regulations.

●       Excellent attention to detail, with the ability to identify discrepancies, correct errors, and ensure accuracy in financial aid applications and awards.

●       Commitment to promoting inclusion in the workplace, with the ability to work effectively and compassionately with students and families from diverse backgrounds, ensuring equitable access to financial aid.

●       Extremely responsible and proactive in managing financial aid programs and student counseling, ensuring that all regulatory requirements are met.

●       Superior interpersonal skills, with a collaborative approach to working with colleagues including deans, directors, and faculty at the GSEC and Law schools, students, and external stakeholders to achieve common goals.

●       Excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities, particularly in complex or sensitive situations requiring professional judgment.

REQUIRED EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE

●       Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution.

●       2 years of experience working in a financial aid office, managing a caseload of students and programmatic responsibilities, and/or coordinating aspects of the financial aid process.

●       Advanced experience with Microsoft Office (Word and Excel) and Google Docs for reporting and data analysis.

●       Proficient experience with software systems such as Ellucian Colleague, Perceptive Content, and Informer.

●       Experience working with federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs and understanding of compliance regulations.

PREFERRED EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE

●       5 years of experience working in a financial aid office with responsibility for managing a caseload of students and programmatic responsibilities.

●       Experience with Ellucian Colleague and Perceptive Content (Image Now).

●       Completion of financial aid-related certifications (e.g., NASFAA or other industry-specific credentials) is preferred

●       Spanish language reading, writing, and speaking skills.

WORK SCHEDULE

●       Full Time

●       37.5 hours/week

●       Benefits Eligible: Yes

●       Travel: Occasional travel to training workshops and/or conferences

●       Hybrid/Remote possible depending on the needs of the office

PAY RATE

●       FLSA Status: Exempt

●       Depending on Experience

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

●       General office environment

●       Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk, working on a computer

●       Communicate effectively via phone, email, online meetings, and in person

●       Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times

Directions for Cover Letter

Please include a cover letter describing your interest in joining Lewis & Clark and the ways you can contribute to a culture of inclusion on our campus.

Lewis & Clark College adheres to a nondiscriminatory policy with respect to educational programs, activities, employment, and admission.  We do not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, sex, religion, age, marital status, national origin, the presence of any physical or sensory disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other basis prohibited by applicable federal, state, and local laws.  The Associate Vice President of Human Resources has been designated to handle inquiries regarding employment- and disability-related non-discrimination policies.  Title IX inquiries may be directed to the Title IX coordinator or deputy Title IX coordinators

(https://www.lclark.edu/about/title_ix_compliance). 

Reasonable Accommodation

Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job or to perform your job. Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process or work procedures, providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment. 

Background Check

Lewis & Clark College will conduct a background check on the finalist, which will include a criminal record check. If a conviction is discovered, a determination will be made whether the conviction is related to the position for which the individual is applying or would present safety or security risks before an employment decision is made. A criminal conviction does not necessarily automatically bar an applicant from employment.

Eligibility to Work

In order to comply with US Homeland Security Department regulations, all employees must complete an I-9 form in Workday prior to or no later than the first day of work and bring originals (no photocopies) of their supporting documentation to Human Resources no later than the 3rd business day of employment. Failure to have a completed I-9 form on file with the College will result in immediate termination of employment.