Assistant Director, Financial Aid

Assistant Director, Financial Aid

This position supports the Director of Financial Aid in successful analysis, awarding, verification, and disbursement of student financial aid. The Assistant Director of Financial Aid will interact with students over the phone, in person, and via email communication in a courteous and professional manner to provide timely information in response to inquiries and requests about students' financial aid options. This position administers key functions to ensure seamless student financial aid services, contributes to effective enrollment management, and assures students' satisfaction.

Duties

• Manage the delivery of high-quality financial aid counseling services, ensuring team adherence to accuracy, customer service standards, and compliance across all institutional, federal, and state aid programs.
• Direct the administration of complex federal, state, and institutional aid programs, overseeing the full lifecycle from origination and disbursement to reconciliation and regulatory reporting.
• Lead outreach and student support initiatives to streamline the collection of documentation, proactively addressing bottlenecks to ensure timely financial aid packaging.
• Maintain rigorous oversight of data integrity and system quality, establishing periodic audit protocols for records and fund status.
• Collaborate with cross-functional campus departments and external agencies to resolve complex eligibility issues and program compliance challenges.
• Drive professional development and regulatory currency for the team by monitoring changes in financial aid legislation, systems, and best practices.
• Represent the Financial Aid department by presenting at orientations and managing escalations.
• Perform strategic administrative tasks, policy development, and other duties as assigned.
• Uphold University mission through work performed.

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree and current experience in the federal and state aid delivery system.
• A minimum of five (5) years of related experience in a similar position is considered equivalent to graduation from a four-year college or university.
• A minimum of three years of current experience with administering financial aid programs.
• Thorough knowledge of federal and CA state financial aid programs and regulations.
• Ability to interpret and apply complex federal and state regulations in awarding student aid.
• Understanding and deep appreciation of sound customer service principles.
• The desire to learn all aspects of student financial aid.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, familiarity with imaging processes, web-based systems and applications.
• Familiarity with ELM, NSLDS, COD.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's Degree or Bachelor's Degree in Business or Finance.
• Five years of position-related experience.
• Proficiency with PeopleSoft.

Compensation & Benefits

This is a Regular, Exempt, 40 hour per week position. Expected Pay Rate: $72,384 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.

Equal Opportunity

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. Pepperdine is religiously affiliated with the Churches of Christ and is committed to the highest employment and academic standards within a context that celebrates and extends the spiritual and ethical ideals of the Christian faith.

Offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a criminal, education, and employment screening.