The Associate Director of Graduate Financial Aid, reporting to the Director of Residential MBA Admissions & Graduate Financial Aid, is responsible for managing the financial aid budget for all graduate programs within the Questrom School of Business. Manages, maintains, and tracks a $10 million financial aid scholarship budget and loan processing totaling approximately $7.5 million. Serves as subject matter expert, providing guidance and expertise to all Questrom staff and graduate students , as well as other offices at Questrom. Represents Questrom School of Business on major university wide financial aid committees. Provides counseling for students and applicants regarding general financial aid availability, student loans (federal and private) all for graduate programs within Questrom School of Business which includes more than 1,300 students. Takes the lead in creating and revising publications, forms, and websites relating to financial aid and participates in recruiting events. This position also assists with marketing the University and its graduate business programs through participation in recruiting events on campus. Acts as primary liaison between the Questrom School of Business (students, staff and faculty) and the central Financial Aid office.

Essential Function 1 (30%):

Communication with Stakeholders and Administrative Departments: Under the guidance of the Director of Residential MBA Admissions & Graduate Financial Aid, take the lead in developing and executing financial aid strategy in support of students in the Full-Time MBA, Professional Evening MBA, Online MBA, and three specialty master’s programs as relates to recruitment and retention goals. Serve as primary liaison between the Questrom School of Business and key University administrative areas, principally the Office of Financial Assistance, Development and Alumni Relations Office, Student Accounting Services, Student Loan Department and Student Employment Office. Serve in a leadership/consultant role within the MBA Center, MS & PhD Center, and the Feld Center and provides the voice for Questrom throughout the University departments on matters of financial aid. Work with UIS to ensure reliability of databases. Advocate on behalf of students with OFA and Student Accounting Services in order to ensure optimal customer experience for students.

Essential Function 2 (35%):

Financial Control: Manage, track, and monitor budgets totaling more than $10 million in school-based aid to ensure awarding strategies are consistent with School resources. Support the Director in stewarding and awarding endowed funds totaling $3 million to effectively incorporate BU Revenue-Sharing program while maximizing donor satisfaction. Update University Information System and local databases to maintain accuracy to ensure proper communication with students and to permit effective management of overall budget. Provide financial aid information for accreditation reviews. Oversee statistical reports for surveys. Research and resolve financial aid and student account problems. Reconcile financial aid reports. Act as principal pathfinder and resource for resolution-seeking needs related to compatibility issues of University systems with new programs and new scholarship delivery. Make federal loan awards and administer credit approvals and cash advances. Responsible for overseeing the entire allocation of financial aid for Questrom graduate programs.

Essential Function 3 (35%):

Student Advising: Thru advanced, in-depth professional knowledge, serve a population of more than 1,300 graduate students, as well as additional prospective students and applicants, in facilitating their navigation through the financial aid process. Assist students in appropriate budget planning and advise on best methods to finance education with lowest borrowing cost. Utilize problem solving skills to counsel students in distress/crisis over financial difficulties and fear of debt and loan repayment. Manage confidential student matters and private financial aid. Advocate on behalf of students in order to ensure optimal student experience. Identify key barriers in order to troubleshoot on behalf of students with private lending agencies and act as an advocate with other university offices, such as the Office of Financial Assistance and Student Accounting Services.

Required Skills

A cover letter is required for consideration.

Bachelor's degree required with 8 years of experience, Master's degree with 5 years of experience preferred; preferred 4-6 years of work experience in higher education financial aid; ability to work independently and make decisions autonomously, as well as work collaboratively; great attention to detail; excellent communication skills.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, natural or protective hairstyle, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military service, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, or because of marital, parental, or veteran status. We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

Required Experience

A cover letter is required for consideration.

Bachelor's degree required with 8 years of experience, Master's degree with 5 years of experience preferred; preferred 4-6 years of work experience in higher education financial aid; ability to work independently and make decisions autonomously, as well as work collaboratively; great attention to detail; excellent communication skills.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, natural or protective hairstyle, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military service, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, or because of marital, parental, or veteran status. We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.