Assistant Director of Financial Aid

About Maine College of Art & Design

At Maine College of Art & Design, we believe in fostering a creative and inclusive community where art transforms lives and enriches the world. We are committed to diversity, equity, and social responsibility, ensuring every community member feels respected and valued. We seek a detail-oriented and proactive full-time Assistant Director of Financial Aid to support our mission and provide crucial support to our Financial Aid Office.

Position Overview

The Assistant Director of Financial Aid plays a key role in the Financial Aid Office's daily operations. This position assists the Director in managing financial aid activities, ensuring compliance with regulations, providing student counseling, and overseeing outreach efforts. You will also contribute to process improvements in data analysis and supervise work-study students. This role is essential in supporting MECA&D’s mission of promoting access to financial resources for all students.

Key Responsibilities

Operations Management:

• Assist with daily financial aid operations, including processing applications, awarding aid, and managing disbursements.

Compliance and Audit Support:

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and institutional financial aid regulations, including Title IV programs.
• Assist in preparing for audits and maintaining accurate documentation of financial aid processes.
• Monitor and help implement changes to financial aid policies in response to regulation updates.

Data Analysis and Reporting:

• Maintain financial aid records using management systems like PowerFAIDS and Jenzabar.
• Assist in preparing reports on financial aid disbursements, student eligibility, and outcomes to support institutional goals.
• Analyze data to identify trends and recommend improvements in the financial aid process.

Student Counseling and Outreach:

• Provide direct counseling to students and families on financial aid applications, eligibility, and award packages.
• Participate in outreach events, including workshops, webinars, and open houses, to educate students about financial aid opportunities.
• Collaborate with Admissions and Student A airs to support recruitment and retention goals.

Work-Study Supervision:

• Supervise and mentor financial aid work-study students, providing training and supporting their professional development.

Process Improvement:

• Recommend and help implement process improvements in financial aid operations.
• Ensure financial aid policies promote equity and access for all students, with a focus on underrepresented groups.

Cross-Departmental Collaboration:

• Collaborate with Admissions, Business Services, and Student Accounts to ensure seamless financial aid disbursement and billing processes.
• Represent the Financial Aid Office on campus committees as needed, advocating for student financial needs and institutional goals.

What We’re Looking For

• A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience is required.
• At least 1-2 years of experience in financial aid, student services, or a related administrative role in higher education is preferred.
• Strong knowledge of federal and state financial aid regulations, particularly Title IV programs.
• Familiarity with Department of Education systems (e.g., COD, CPS, NSLDS) and financial aid software such as PowerFAIDS or Jenzabar is preferred.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with diverse students, staff, and families.
• Demonstrated customer service skills and a commitment to supporting student success.
• Willingness to work occasional evenings or weekends during peak periods.
• Ability to work well under supervision and a desire to develop expertise in financial aid processes and regulations.
• A commitment to working in and supporting a diverse environment.

What We Offer

Join a collaborative team where your financial aid expertise supports the education of aspiring artists and designers. We offer competitive benefits, a creative environment, and the opportunity to work in Portland, a vibrant city known for its rich arts and cultural scene.

Benefits include healthcare, dental, vision, life insurance, short- and long-term disability, flexible spending plans, a 403(b) with a 5% match after one year, generous paid time off, and more.

Recognizing that no candidate will possess all the relevant skills and experience, we encourage you to apply if you align with many qualifications and interests in this role. While there is no deadline for submitting your application, the application period will close when the position is filled.

Ready to Apply?

Are you excited about the opportunity to support students in accessing the financial resources they need to succeed at a leading art and design college? If you’re passionate about positively impacting higher education, we’d love to hear from you!

Please submit your application as a single PDF detailing your experience and passion for finance and the arts and email it to employment@meca.edu. The PDF must include:

1. A cover letter that describes how the candidate’s experience, accomplishments, and qualifications intersect with the listed position description;
2. A resumé/curriculum vitae;
3. A diversity statement;
4. A list of four references with contact information, one of which should be a prior supervisor or professor.

Maine College of Art & Design is committed to fully including all qualified individuals. In keeping with our commitment to fostering a culture of equity and belonging, the College will take steps to ensure that people with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation. Accordingly, if reasonable accommodation is required to participate in the job application or interview process, perform the position's essential functions, and receive all other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact Human Resources at hr@meca.edu.

Maine College of Art & Design is a nonprofit organization and an equal-opportunity "at-will" employer committed to providing equal employment opportunities based on an individual's ability and qualifications. We do not discriminate against people based on race, citizenship, ancestry, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, mental or physical disability.