Assistant Director of Financial Aid - Siena University

The Assistant Director of Financial Aid supports the administration, delivery, and compliance of Siena University's financial aid programs. Reporting to the Director of Financial Aid, the Assistant Director assists in managing daily operations, ensures accurate and timely processing of aid, and provides exceptional service to students and families. This role plays a key part in achieving enrollment and retention goals through strong collaboration, data accuracy, and student-centered support.

Key Responsibilities

• Operational Support: Assist in the daily operations of the Financial Aid Office, including packaging, awarding, and disbursement of federal, state, and institutional aid.
• Program Administration: Support specific financial aid programs using extensive knowledge of program specific rules and regulations.
• Student Counseling: Advise and guide current and prospective students and their families through financial aid processes with clarity, empathy, and professionalism.
• Compliance: Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and institutional regulations
• Representation: Represent Siena University at on- and off-campus recruitment and counselor events, presenting on financial aid opportunities and processes.
• Collaboration: Work closely with Admissions, Marketing, Finance, Development, Athletics, and other campus partners to ensure accurate awarding and excellent student service.
• Training and Mentorship: Assist in training graduate assistants, student workers, and counselors to promote consistent, compliant, and service-oriented practices.
• Data and Reporting: Assist with data collection, analysis, and reporting for internal and external scholarship awarding or operational decisions.

Annual Salary: $62,410.00

• The hiring salary above represents the University's good faith estimate at the time of posting in compliance with the Albany County Salary Transparency Law.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree required (business, accounting, finance, higher education administration, or related field).
• Experience: 1-2 years of experience in customer service, counseling, student services, or administrative support.
• Customer service excellence: Strong commitment to student-centered service, with the ability to explain complex financial information clearly and empathetically.
• Collaboration: Demonstrated ability to partner effectively with others both internally and externally
• Analytical & communication skills: Strong quantitative, organizational, and interpersonal communication skills. Able to explain complex information in a clear and supportive way. Comfortable presenting to large groups.
• Ethics & confidentiality: High degree of professionalism, accuracy, and discretion in handling sensitive financial and student information.
• Accuracy: high attention to detail and commitment to accuracy
• Time Management: ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
• Technology Focused: proficiency with Microsoft Office and a curious mindset towards learning new software systems.
• Mission Driven: demonstrated commitment to Siena's mission of student access, affordability, and success.

Preferred Qualifications

• Education: Master's degree in Higher Education Administration, Business, or a related field.
• Experience: 2 years of experience in financial aid, higher ed or finance, with some exposure to financial aid, admissions, student accounts, or related administrative processes.
• Technology Fluency: Experience with student information systems or databases such as Ellucian Banner, Slate or similar tools.
• Public engagement: Skilled presenter at recruitment events and counselor programs; capable of translating policy into accessible, engaging language for families.
Process improvement: Familiarity with continuous improvement methodologies to streamline operations and enhance service quality.

Core Competencies

• Student advocate: Delivers caring, student-centered service that supports access and success.
• Collaborative Teammate: Works effectively across campus to ensure a seamless experience for students and families.
• Learner and Problem-Solver: Demonstrates curiosity, initiative, and adaptability in mastering new systems and regulations.
• Ethical Steward: Handles confidential financial and student information with integrity and discretion.
• Effective Communicator: Builds trust through clear, compassionate, and professional communication

A background screening will be required.

Benefits:

Siena University offers a generous benefit package to eligible full-time employees. The benefit package currently includes a retirement plan contribution equal to 10% of an eligible participant's compensation (as defined under the plan) after meeting the plan's eligibility requirements, and tuition reimbursement and exchange opportunities for eligible employees, spouses, and dependents. Eligible university employees currently enjoy a work schedule that includes half-day Fridays in the summer and an expansive holiday schedule, including up to two weeks off during winter break. Other perks currently include complimentary breakfast Thursdays in the dining hall, access to University community lectures and productions, complimentary University gym and library memberships, discounted and complimentary tickets to Siena Division I sporting events, and more. Opportunities for remote work may be available as well.

Siena cares for and values each member of its workforce and actively supports upward mobility. We are a community of Siena Saints, and as we often say, the world needs more Saints.

• Eligibility for individual employee benefits is determined at the time of hire and is subject to the terms and condition of the individual benefit.

Siena University is a Franciscan and Catholic institution and expects members of its community to be knowledgeable about its mission and to make a positive contribution to that mission

Siena University is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.