The Associate Director serves as lead Financial Aid administrator, processor, and counselor for students regarding all GSEP and Pepperdine financial aid programs. The Associate Director of Financial Aid works with the Financial Aid Advisors, Program Administrators, members of Student Accounts, members of the Enrollment Services Team, University Office of Financial Assistance, and members of University Enterprise Information Systems to provide administrative and planning support and leadership for the GSEP Financial Aid Office.

Duties

• Process loan certifications of private educational loans. Monitor student enrollment status and aid eligibility. Serve as a liaison with lenders and guaranty agencies and students to resolve loan certification and eligibility issues or processing issues. Follow up with lenders and guarantors regarding status of loans. Monitor disbursement process and perform daily reconciliation with University Accounting Office for all student loan disbursements and deposits. Lead fiscal year-end loan account reconciliation process. Keep current regarding federal regulations and program changes regarding Federal Stafford loans through reading informational materials and attending conferences and workshops. Transmit and receive loans to/from guarantors and process Electronic Loan Transfers (EFTs) for Federal and private educational loans. Meet with lender/guaranty agency representatives to discuss the School's customer service and administrative needs. Monitor all of these same loan processing needs for Online Psych (GRD2 Career) as well as on ground programs (GRAD Career).
• Resolve financial aid eligibility issues with federal government offices (e.g., NSLDS and COD). Analyze applications and review documents such as: tax returns, citizenship, and verification. Serve as back up to Financial Aid Advisors to advise students by telephone, via e- mail and in person regarding financial aid programs, eligibility and the financial aid application process. Conduct financial aid workshops for prospective students at the graduate campuses. Resolve problems proactively with other Student Services staff in order to provide excellent service to students and the smooth delivery of financial aid. Process system updates annually such as rolling over the financial aid year cycle, developing packaging equations, and building student expense budget formulas. Apply professional judgment and knowledge of institutional and federal policies in determining the most appropriate and equitable decisions, reviewing appeals on changes in student or family financial condition. Accountable for administering, calculating, and reconciling Return of Title IV funds as a result of student withdrawals. Monitor all of these same Financial Aid processing needs for Online Psych (GRD2 Career) as well as on-ground programs (GRAD Career). 
• Supervise departmental employees: Financial Aid Specialists and Financial Aid Advisors. Includes assigning work, monitoring workload, training, and professional development. Review financial aid processes and participate in the development of more efficient computer based methods to manage workload. Attend appropriate workshops and conferences and maintain professional memberships. Participate in teams, committees and other group activities, including participation in graduation ceremony activities. Serve as main GSEP liaison to University Financial Assistance committee. Work with the University's Enterprise Information Systems team to ensure GSEP Financial Aid PeopleSoft information and processes are accurate and up-to-date. - Create and implement policies and procedures to ensure compliance with institutional and federal policies. Participate and prepare documentation for annual internal audits. 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. One year of supervisory experience in higher education. Three years of experience in financial aid, including at least two years in the administration of federal student aid. In-depth knowledge of federal financial aid programs, including Federal Unsubsidized, Grad PLUS, and Private Loans. Experience in need analysis and packaging of student financial aid. Basic knowledge of California state financial aid programs, including Cal Grant and Chaffee Grant. In-depth knowledge of federal regulations governing financial aid programs, including FSA eligibility and compliance issues. Knowledge of multiple financial aid systems, and document imaging systems. Skills in mainframe computer applications and in operating a personal computer utilizing word processing, spreadsheet and database software. Ability to analyze and integrate financial and other student information in order to assist with problem solving and decision making. Strong customer service skills and ability to maintain a professional manner and confidentiality when dealing with sensitive student information. Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize and balance multiple priorities and competing deadlines. Strong communication skills in order to communicate effectively, both in writing and orally, with students, faculty and staff. Adaptable to changing financial aid regulations, which may affect policies and procedures. Ability to analyze and interpret federal tax documents. Ability to work independently, as well as work in a team-oriented environment. Ability to sustain productive, mutually respectful and collaborative working relationships with staff, faculty and students. Ability to utilize current technologies as a means of obtaining financial aid information, including listservs, internet and online services. Desktop computer and laser printer. Heavy use of computer programs. Telephone, including voicemail. Calculator. Photocopy machine. Optical imaging system.

Preferred: Masters degree. Five years of experience in higher education and three years of supervisory experience.

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: $75,000 - $80,000 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.