Financial Aid Officer

Company Description

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Why join the Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences?

The Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) is the historic heart of Harvard University. It is the home of Harvard’s undergraduate program (Harvard College, founded in 1636) as well as all of Harvard’s Ph.D. programs (the Harvard Kenneth

C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, founded in 1872), Harvard Athletics and the Division of Continuing Education. The 40 academic departments and 30+ centers of the FAS support a community unparalleled in its academic excellence across the broadest range of liberal arts and sciences disciplines. Together, the FAS seeks to foster an environment of ambition, curiosity and shared commitment to knowledge and truth that elicits excellence from all members of our community and prepares the next generation of leaders through a transformative educational experience.

Financial Aid Officer

Supervise the day-to-day financial aid activities including reviewing and evaluating financial information submitted by applicants to determine aid award in accordance with established federal and university standards and guidelines.

Reporting to the Assistant Director of Financial Aid, counsel and advise a caseload of primarily graduate students on all aspects of financial aid, including budgeting, debt management, federal and private loan borrowing, and loan repayment. Responsible for program compliance with federal regulations. Communicate with students about federal regulations and institutional policies. Review financial aid applications and appeals; determine eligibility and need;

award funds. Verify enrollment and academic standing, and disburse financial aid funds. Work with DCE program offices regarding degree requirements, satisfactory academic progress issues, and graduation.

Review federal loan information through the NSLDS and other federal websites for current and prospective financial aid applicants. Monitor Student Aid Internet Gateway (SAIG); loads ISIRs into Powerfaids and reviews NSLDS post-screenings. Communicate with outside scholarship and loan agencies, and other schools when necessary.

Collaborate on the development and editing of financial aid forms, general student correspondence, website content, office policies and procedures. Actively participate in system testing and troubleshooting changes and updates to new and existing processes, especially Powerfaids. Participate in University-wide Financial Aid Officers (FAOC) meetings, and attend outside training and workshops as needed. Perform other duties as assigned.

This position will be based in Cambridge, MA. Hybrid workplace models in place at DCE with a minimum of 2 days per week on campus. DCE or department may adjust these as necessary or appropriate.

Sitting at a desk for long periods of time.

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required
• Minimum of 3 years’ relevant work experience

• Familiarity with Powerfaids and Net Partner preferred
• Knowledge of Banner, Excel, Salesforce, and Federal Student Aid Systems a plus.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; strong writing and editing skills.
• Experience with non‑traditional/adult students and both undergraduate and graduate programs a plus.
• Must be comfortable working collaboratively with a team of colleagues to manage a demanding workload.
• Attention to detail and accuracy critical.
• Strong organizational and time‑management skills; ability to prioritize and follow through with projects.
• Must handle confidential information with discretion.

• Standard Hours/Schedule 35 hours per week, Monday-Friday, 9-5pm
• Compensation Range/Rate (including Shift Differential if applicable) $70,000-$80,000/annual
• Visa Sponsorship Information Harva…