Pepperdine’s new College of Health Science seeks an entrepreneurial and experienced servant leader who is dedicated to building and implementing Financial Aid best practices and helping to set strategy for the College’s student Financial Aid operations.

The Assistant Director, Financial Assistance is responsible for supporting students with all aspects of the financial assistance process for the College of Health Science (CHS) academic programs. This position also provides assistance with federal and institutional aid processing and administers key functions to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations, and seamless student financial assistance services, contributes to effective enrollment management, and fosters a culture of exceptional service within the office.

Duties

• Oversee, establish, and strategically enhance processes for the day-to-day operations of the financial aid department.
• Develop a buildout of, and continue to improve, the College's Financial Aid operations, standards, performance guidelines, policies and procedures, and metrics to ensure compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations.
• Review and analyze various daily, weekly and monthly reports to ensure accuracy, discern errors, and maintain a high level of student service through the financial assistance process.
• Judiciously manage the analysis and reconciliation of student financial aid programs, e.g. disbursements in compliance with federal and state regulations. Prepare and submit annual reports.
• Respond to student inquiries and guide them through the financial assistance process for the complete student lifecycle. 
• Maintain accurate and detailed spreadsheets, files, and records, verify accuracy of information, research discrepancies, and records information.
• Provide excellent customer service, anticipate the needs of students and work proactively to problem solve and communicate with students, faculty, staff, and outside agencies, as appropriate, to serve students' best interests and resolve issues. Assist with the application follow-up, communication processes, and federal and institutional assistance packaging.
• In coordination with Admissions Counselors, update information sessions and new student orientation presentations and participate in the sessions as needed for prospective and current students. Conduct financial assistance workshops, including financial literacy education (budgeting, managing debt, and understanding loan repayment options, etc.), as needed. 
• Serve as a liaison with faculty, staff, University offices, and outside agencies on behalf of students to resolve issues, including financial assistance, student accounts, and enrollment eligibility issues. 
• Monitor CHS website to ensure accurate information regarding financial assistance events, application deadlines, requirements and resources, and new program details as needed. 
• Perform other duties as assigned. 
• Uphold University mission through work performed. 

The above information has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

Skills and Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor's degree.
• A minimum of 4-7 years of current progressive experience in student aid in a college/academic environment with a detailed working knowledge of financial aid requirements, processes and workflows.
• Experience managing budgets, preparing reports, and analyzing financial aid data.
• Fluid understanding of federal, state, and institutional financial regulation. Familiarity with FAFSA, Pell Grants, Federal Work-Study, student loans (Direct Loan Program, PLUS Loans), and institutional scholarship and grant programs.
• Excellent written/oral/interpersonal communication and customer service skills.
• Knowledge of customer service standards and procedures.
• Strong ability to plan, prioritize, and organize short and long-term tasks.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Google Docs, familiarity with imaging processes, web-based systems and applications.

Preferred:

• Master’s Degree
• Certified Financial Aid Administrator (CFAA) or similar certifications offered by professional organizations like the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA)
• Entrepreneurial or management experience
• Advanced knowledge of PeopleSoft Student System

Qualified individuals should be able to articulate a strong commitment to diversity, and have the ability to work effectively with individuals from different backgrounds.

Offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a criminal, education, and employment screening. The University conducts such screenings in compliance with applicable laws and with the objectives of evaluating risk and supporting a safe environment for students, faculty, staff, and guests; safeguarding key University assets including people, property, information, and the University’s reputation; and providing comprehensive job-related information to University leaders to enable them to make prudent hiring decisions. Qualified individuals with criminal histories will be considered for employment in compliance with applicable laws, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance.

This is a Regular, Exempt, 40 hour per week position.

Expected Pay Range: $68,640 - $72,000 per year 

The above pay range reflects what Pepperdine University reasonably expects to pay for this position at time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on relevant factors such as work experience, market conditions, education/training, and skill level. In addition to base pay, Pepperdine offers a robust and highly competitive benefits package.

Pepperdine is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of any status or condition protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.