Job Summary:
The Associate Director of Student Financial Services (SFS) plays a critical leadership role in advancing Alvernia University’s mission to provide transformative, accessible, and equitable education. The position ensures operational excellence, regulatory compliance, and personalized financial guidance for all students.
This role supports strategic planning, supervises professional staff, and ensures seamless coordination between financial aid, billing, and student accounts to enhance the overall student experience.
The Associate Directors will lead within specialized areas — Counseling, Compliance, and Operations — collaborating as an integrated team to strengthen service delivery, promote fiscal stewardship, and drive continuous improvement.
Essential Functions:
Mission, Culture & Leadership
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Model Alvernia’s Franciscan values through compassionate service, ethical leadership, and commitment to fostering a welcoming and respectful community for all.
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Cultivate a student-first culture that prioritizes transparency, accessibility, and proactive communication.
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Supervise, mentor, and evaluate staff, fostering professional growth, accountability, and collaboration.
Student Experience & Financial Counseling
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Provide expert counseling to students and families on financial aid, payment options, and financial literacy, supporting informed decision-making and retention.
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Oversee the implementation of Financial Wellness and Literacy Initiatives, ensuring resources are accessible and relevant to diverse student populations.
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Establish service standards and response-time benchmarks for inquiries, ensuring timely and accurate information delivery.
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Evaluate and improve communication strategies, leveraging CRM systems and digital platforms for engagement and self-service access.
Regulatory Compliance & Risk Management
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Interpret and apply complex federal, state, and institutional financial aid regulations; maintain compliance with Title IV, FERPA, and consumer information requirements.
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Coordinate compliance audits, program reviews, withdrawal processes, and reconciliation processes with federal, state, and institutional partners.
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Assists to ensure timely submission of required reports, including FISAP, IPEDS, Common Data Set, AICUP, and internal dashboards.
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Maintain and regularly update policy and procedure manuals consistent with NASFAA standards of excellence and NACUBO financial accountability guidelines.
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Partner with Institutional Research and Business Affairs to identify risk areas, implement controls, and monitor adherence to compliance frameworks.
Data, Technology & Systems Management
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Serve as a functional lead for financial aid technology and system integrations, ensuring data integrity and process efficiency across PowerFAIDS, PowerCampus, Slate, NSLDS, COD, and EdConnect.
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Oversee file imports/exports, disbursements, and reconciliation processes to ensure data accuracy and timeliness.
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Collaborate with IT to automate key workflows (e.g., verification, awarding, disbursement) to reduce manual intervention and improve service delivery.
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Develop and maintain analytics dashboards to monitor application volume, awarding patterns, and retention-linked aid metrics.
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Identify opportunities for continuous process improvement and lead system enhancements or implementation projects.
Collaboration & Strategic Integration
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Partner closely with Enrollment Management, Registrar, Student Accounts, Admissions, and Residence Life to support student persistence and satisfaction.
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Contribute to institutional enrollment and retention strategy by analyzing aid distribution, discount rate, and net tuition revenue.
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Represent SFS on university committees related to policy, enrollment strategy, compliance, and student success.
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Coordinate staff training and cross-functional workshops to ensure a cohesive understanding of SFS policies and procedures across departments.
Professional Development & Representation
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Maintain professional membership in organizations such as NASFAA, PASFAA, and PHEAA, and participate in ongoing professional development to stay informed of regulatory changes.
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Lead or contribute to internal training initiatives focused on compliance, customer service, and diversity awareness.
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Represent the university at recruitment and outreach events, including open houses, orientations, and community engagement programs.
Specialized Leadership Focus
The Associate Director serves as a content expert while contributing to the full operation of Student Financial Services:
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Counseling: Leads all aspects of student financial counseling, financial literacy, and proactive outreach strategies that enhance retention and student satisfaction.
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Compliance: Oversees compliance audits, Title IV aid administration, risk management, and policy development, ensuring institutional integrity.
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Operations: Directs systems management, technology integration, process automation, and data analytics to strengthen operational efficiency and accuracy.
Qualifications/Education:
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Commitment to Alvernia University’s mission and values.
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Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration, Business, or related field preferred.
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Minimum of 3–5 years of progressive financial aid or student financial services experience.
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Minimum of 2 years of supervisory experience with proven ability to lead and motivate teams.
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Comprehensive knowledge of Title IV regulations, state grant programs, and institutional aid administration.
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Strong proficiency in PowerFAIDS, PowerCampus, NSLDS, COD, EdConnect(or equivalents), and Microsoft Office applications.
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Demonstrated ability to interpret data, assess business processes, and implement strategic improvements.
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Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and conflict-resolution skills.
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Ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines and adapt to a dynamic regulatory environment.
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Availability to work evenings, weekends, and travel as required.
Physical Requirements:
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Attendance is required in order to perform the duties of this job.
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Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
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Must be able to lift 15 pounds at times.
Employee Benefits:
Join a team that values your well-being! We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support you and your family:
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Robust Health Coverage: Choose from three offered medical plans, plus dental and vision.
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Financial Security: Enjoy University-paid life/AD&D insurance and long-term disability, with options for short-term disability and supplemental coverage for you and your family (including accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity plans). Flexible spending accounts are also available.
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Exceptional Retirement: Start saving immediately with our 403(b) Retirement Plan. You'll get 100% immediate vesting, a University gift contribution, and a generous match up to 5% of your deferrals.
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Time Off & Flexibility: Take advantage of 20 paid holidays each year, including 5 floating holidays, and the possibility of flexible or hybrid work options for many roles.
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Invest in Your Future: Enjoy tuition remission benefits for yourself and your dependents.
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On-Campus Wellness: Benefit-eligible employees on our main campus receive free access to our Medical & Counseling Center.
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Employee Meal Plan: This plan provides convenient, flexible dining options on campus at a reduced cost.
