Assistant Director, Financial Aid Systems - 199275

The Assistant Director of Financial Aid Systems supports the administration, maintenance, and continuous improvement of the University's financial aid systems and technology infrastructure. This position assists in managing Banner Financial Aid and related enterprise applications, ensuring accurate processing, system functionality, data integrity, and compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations.

Working closely with the Director of Financial Aid Systems, the Assistant Director coordinates daily systems operations, supports annual aid year implementation, system testing, reporting, and automation initiatives, and serves as a technical resource for Financial Aid staff. The Assistant Director provides operational leadership for system processes, assists with technology projects, and ensures continuity of operations by serving as the Director's designee when necessary.

Position Duties

• Assist in the administration, maintenance, configuration, and enhancement of Ellucian Banner Financial Aid and related enterprise applications.
• Maintain daily financial aid system operations and monitor automated processes to ensure timely and accurate processing.
• Maintain, monitor, and troubleshoot daily Banner SSRS reports and automated reporting processes to ensure data accuracy and operational efficiency.
• Assist with annual financial aid aid-year setup, including budgets, packaging rules, need analysis configuration, SAP processing, automated workflows, communication management, and awarding parameters.
• Assist in managing third-party financial aid technologies including Next Gen Web Solutions, TeamDynamix Help Desk, Banner Communication Management, and other integrated systems.
• Coordinate system testing for Banner releases, software patches, regulatory updates, new functionality, and third-party system enhancements. \Assist in implementing technology enhancements and process improvements that improve operational efficiency and data quality.
• Toubleshoot system issues, data discrepancies, configuration concerns, and processing exceptions while working collaboratively with the Director, Information Technology Services, and vendors.
• Participate in system implementations and technology projects while documenting testing results and operational procedures.
• Maintain operational knowledge of all Financial Aid processing functions and remain cross-trained to provide support across all operational areas as departmental needs require.
• Manage the University's loan exit counseling process, including system monitoring, communications, compliance, and reporting.
• Coordinate the mid-year Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) review process, ensuring accurate system processing, communication, and compliance.
• Monitor daily processing activity, identify operational issues, and recommend improvements to business processes and system functionality.
• Assist with financial aid reporting, data validation, reconciliation, audit preparation, and compliance activities.
• Maintain and update the Financial Aid website to ensure accurate, timely, and compliant information for students and families.
• Coordinate updates to online forms, system communications, announcements, and other technology-based student communications.
• Assist in maintaining documentation, procedures, job aids, and operational resources supporting Financial Aid Systems.
• Assist in developing and delivering training for Financial Aid staff related to Banner functionality, system processes, regulatory updates, and technology enhancements.
• Serve as a technical resource for Financial Aid staff by providing guidance on system functionality, business processes, and troubleshooting assistance.
• Collaborate with Financial Aid leadership to support annual setup, regulatory implementation, system upgrades, audits, and continuous process improvement initiatives.
• Participate on university committees and project teams as assigned.
• Supervise assigned staff and student employees as appropriate.
• Serve as the Director of Financial Aid Systems' designee during periods of absence, representing the department in meetings, technology initiatives, and cross-functional projects.
• Assist the Director in planning, coordinating, and prioritizing departmental technology initiatives and operational goals.
• Maintain current knowledge of federal financial aid regulations, Banner functionality, emerging technologies, and industry best practices through professional development and training.Performs other such duties as may be assigned from time to time.

Work Hours

Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., with additional hours as needed.

Primarily Remote: Employee performs the majority of job duties remotely, however, occasional work on site is required, based on operational needs.

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution required.
• Minimum of three years of progressively responsible experience in higher education, with experience in financial aid administration preferred.
• Experience at Pace University is highly preferred.
• Experience supporting financial aid systems, enterprise student information systems, or related administrative technologies strongly preferred.
• An equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant experience may be considered.
• Working knowledge of federal, state, and institutional financial aid regulations and the ability to interpret and apply regulatory guidance.
• Working knowledge of Banner Financial Aid or the ability to quickly learn Banner and related financial aid technologies.
• Ability to analyze problems, identify solutions, and support continuous process improvement through technology.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to effectively communicate technical and regulatory information to individuals with varying levels of technical knowledge.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and deliver training, create clear documentation and job aids, and promote consistent business processes across the department.
• Demonstrated commitment to providing exceptional customer service to students, families, faculty, staff, and campus partners while fostering a collaborative and service-oriented work environment.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships with colleagues, Information Technology Services, and other university departments.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing regulations and business needs.
• Commitment to continuous learning, innovation, and professional development.
• Experience with Ellucian Banner Financial Aid or another enterprise student information system preferred.
• Experience with financial aid processing, annual aid year setup, software testing, reporting, or regulatory implementation preferred.
• Experience with Next Gen Web Solutions, TeamDynamix Help Desk, Banner Communication Management, or similar enterprise applications preferred.
• Experience maintaining website content, developing training materials, or coordinating technology-related communications preferred.
• Supervisory, lead work, or project coordination experience preferred.

About the Institution

Ranked in the top 9% of private US colleges that provide the best return on tuition investment, Pace University transforms the lives of its diverse students—academically, professionally, and socioeconomically. Currently, the University enrolls more than 13,000 students in more than 150 bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs. Pace University is at the forefront of creating opportunity. Through the convergence of strong academics, experiential learning, and dedicated advising, Pace University empowers its students and positively impacts its communities.

Benefits Offered

Pace University provides a competitive benefit program designed to offer the following:

• Medical, vision and dental insurance for preventive care or diagnostic and surgical procedures as well as an incentivized medical plan waiver option for those who choose not to participate (FT Employees).
• Income protection in the event an employee is not actively at work, due to illness (FT Employees).
• 403B investment opportunity to save toward financial security in retirement (PT and FT Employees).
• Programs and services that assist in balancing work and personal life (PT and FT Employees).
• Educational opportunities for the employee and eligible members of their family to pursue a degree at Pace or another higher education institution (PT and FT Employees).
• Opportunity for faculty and staff to participate in Pace’s award-winning health and wellness program, Pace Yourself to Wellness, which is designed to inspire employees to engage in healthy habits while optimizing health care resources (PT and FT Employees).
• Discount purchase plans for everything from entertainment, shopping and travel (PT and FT Employees).

AA/EEO Statement

Pace University is committed to achieving full equal opportunity in all aspects of University life. Pursuant to this commitment, the University does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived sex, gender or gender identity; race; color; national origin; religion; creed; age; disability; citizenship; marital or domestic partnership status; sexual orientation or affectional status; genetic predisposition or carrier status; military or veteran status; status as a victim of domestic violence, sex offenses or stalking; or any other characteristic protected by law federal, state or local law, rule or regulation.

Annual Security Report Notice

Pace is committed to ensuring the safety and security of the students, faculty, staff and visitors to the University. In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, the University’s Safety and Security department publishes an Annual Security and Fire Safety Report, which can be accessed here. The report contains information on security policies as well as crime and fire statistics for the University.