The Position:

Assistant Director, Scholarships and Financial Aid

Job Summary:

Assists with the development of initiatives and manages efficient delivery of financial aid from all sources that align with the College’s strategic enrollment plan. Ensures compliance with government regulations to maximize aid for students. Primary responsibilities are with Graduate and Continuing Education (GCE) (75%) and support of traditional undergraduate enrollment (25%).

Characteristic Responsibilities:

• Provide guidance to non-traditional students through the Financial Aid process; exercise independent judgment in response to inquiries regarding financial aid applications and communicate the required student updates to the Federal Processor.

• Assist in government verification procedures, reviews grant award rosters, resolves reported financial discrepancies, update FAFSAs as necessary.

• Review FAFSAs and prepare financial aid offers for GCE applicants and traditional undergraduate as necessary.

• Certify and process for GCE student’s Federal loans, Pell Grants, PA State Grants, and Alternative Loans. Perform periodic reconciliation for all awarded funds.

• Evaluate student credit balances and request financial aid refunds.

• Develop and enhance content for the GCE Financial Education webpages.

• Manage PHEAA programs including Ready to Succeed Scholarship, NG EAP, Summer PA Grant, and GCE PA Grant.

• Collaborate with GCE staff regarding enrollment strategies, new scholarship options.

• Interface with other campus offices (Business Office, Registrar, Business Office) as needed to effectively support office functions.

• Award restricted scholarships to eligible GCE students.

• Coordinate Military tuition benefits with School Certifying Official.

• Use federal/state web resources (NASFAA, COD, PHEAA, NSLDS) to keep up to date on changing aid regulations and processes.

• Respond to requests for financial aid review via Element451 to provide prospective students; provide estimates of eligibility for enrollment decisions.

• Collaborate with Student Accounts to ensure accounts are up to date; resolve processing issues.

• Coordinate with Human Resources the Tuition Remission awarding of funds for GCE eligible staff and dependents and the awarding of all Tuition Remission students for summer terms.

• Assist students with Employer Reimbursement process.

• Provide guidance to GCE staff regarding enrollment changes and financial aid eligibility.

• Prepare Consortium Agreements for students with dual enrollments.

• Attend relevant webinars provided by NASFAA, PASFAA, and PHEAA.

• Other duties as assigned.

Schedule & Benefits: At Muhlenberg, we value your work/life balance and are pleased to offer this full-time, year-round position, with the potential for hybrid remote work. Eligibility for remote work is determined based on departmental needs, position responsibilities, and supervisor approval. Muhlenberg offers a highly competitive benefits package, including but not limited to, generous holidays (including three days off for Thanksgiving and an extended winter break between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day), vacation (22 days per year), sick leave, eight weeks paid parental leave, Life Sports Center membership, tuition opportunities at the undergraduate and graduate level, medical, dental and vision coverage, flexible spending plans, short-and long-term disability, life insurance, and retirement. Waiting periods may apply. In addition, as a 501(c)(3) non-profit institution, Muhlenberg is a qualifying employer under the federal government’s Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.

The College & Surrounding Area: Founded in 1848, Muhlenberg College is a private, residential, liberal arts college offering baccalaureate and graduate programs. At Muhlenberg, we are committed to a campus community that ensures students, faculty, and staff of all backgrounds feel welcome, respected, valued and included. The College provides an intensely challenging, supportive environment centered around a rigorous academic curriculum designed to prepare students for lives of leadership and  meaning in a dynamic, global society. The academic program is amplified by a range of innovative programming: comprehensive and intentional residence-life programming, expansive experiential learning requirements, and an innovative coaching program designed to maximize every student’s performance and potential.

Part of eastern Pennsylvania’s scenic Lehigh Valley, Allentown is a diverse city of 125,000, Pennsylvania’s third-largest, located just 60 miles north of Philadelphia and 90 miles west of New York City. The Lehigh Valley, which also includes neighboring cities Bethlehem and Easton, is one of the fastest growing regions in the state and the Northeast, leading Pennsylvania in population growth for people aged 18–34. Home to a vibrant arts scene, extensive parks and recreational opportunities, a rich blend of diverse cuisine, and so much more, visit Life in the Lehigh Valley | Muhlenberg College and check out Allentown here.

Qualifications:

While no one person may possess all the qualifications listed below, the ideal candidate will have many of the following professional experiences and characteristics:

• Bachelor’s Degree required.

• 1 year of experience or more is preferred.

• Must demonstrate an ability to manage and organize office functions; ability to multi-task and to ensure compliance with deadlines.

• Previous experience in a financial aid role; knowledge of Powerfaids and Workday a plus.

• Ability to type and use other office equipment and technical systems.

• Must be available for occasional evening and weekend programming and work outside of regular office hours for information sessions (Less than 10%).

• Previous experience in an academic environment a plus.

• Discretion with confidential documents and financial information.

• Familiarity with personal computer operation, word processing software, and Excel.

• Sensitive to and supportive of the needs and experiences of others through the use of initiative and good judgment.

• In office presence is preferred as this is a front facing position; hybrid work schedule negotiable.

• Demonstrated commitment to fostering an inclusive academic and professional environment where all members of our campus community are respected, valued, can succeed, and thrive.

• Successful completion of satisfactory background checks including but not limited to education verification, criminal background, and child abuse clearance.

To apply, upload your complete application package as a single PDF document. A complete application package includes: 1) cover letter; 2) resume; 3) a separate statement speaking to how your professional experience will contribute to a more inclusive community at Muhlenberg; and 4) names/contact information for three professional references. Application review will continue until the position is filled. To initiate your application, use the APPLY button.

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An Equal Opportunity Employer, Muhlenberg College is committed to valuing and enhancing diversity and encourages applications from individuals who can contribute to the diversity of our community. Muhlenberg College does not discriminate against any person based on age, ancestry, color, disability, gender, gender identity, genetics, national or ethnic origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, veteran status or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local laws, in its education programs and activities, including admissions and employment. Muhlenberg College does not discriminate on the basis of sex as required by Title IX.

Legal Notice

Muhlenberg College Annual Crime Reporting- As provided by the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act of 1998, prospective employees of Muhlenberg College are entitled to request and receive a copy of the College Annual Security Report (ASR). The ASR can be accessed at http://www.muhlenberg.edu/annualsecurityreport . This report includes crime statistics on certain reportable crimes, as well as Muhlenberg College Safety Policies. The report also includes institutional policies concerning campus safety and police, such as policies concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault and other matters. Anyone wishing a paper copy of the ASR may contact the Campus Safety Office at 484-664-3112.