Assistant Director of Financial Assistance

Villanova University

Assistant Director of Financial Assistance

Posting Details

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Posting Details (Default Section)

Posting Number

20260064S

Position Title

Assistant Director of Financial Assistance

Position Type

Staff

Location

Villanova, PA

Recruitment Type

Internal/External Applicants

Work Schedule

full-time/12-months

Avg Hours Week

Department

295-Office of Financial Assistance

Position Summary

Why work at Villanova?

• Join a mission-driven organization. Since Villanova University’s founding in 1842, we have been inspired by the values of truth, unity, and love, and are a community dedicated to service to others.
• Villanova has been included among the nation’s best colleges and universities. VU’s inclusion again in U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 “Best Colleges” rankings is another indication of the University’s continued prominence and forward momentum.
• Villanova’s most precious asset is our people. As an employee, you will receive a holistic benefits package, generous paid time off, a competitive retirement savings plan, flexible work options, wellness programs including gym membership, professional development, tuition assistance, and more.

Villanova is a Catholic university sponsored by the Augustinian Order. The University is an equal opportunity employer and seeks candidates who understand, respect and can contribute to the University’s mission and values. The Assistant Director of Financial Assistance is primarily responsible for counseling services to be provided to a portion of current as well as prospective students, and their parents, and participates in the process of file review, verification, and awarding of financial assistance to undergraduate students, and graduate students if necessary (excluding law and prospective transfer students). The Assistant Director co-administers all activities related to the PA State Grant and Special Programs as well as all other state grants received by our students. This role serves as the liaison to the Center for Access, Success & Achievement (CASA), serves as primary financial aid counselor for customer service-related issues, and partners with the Associate Director of Financial Aid, to streamline and enhance email, phone, and online correspondence. In addition, this role participates in ongoing professional development and training, representing the University and the OFA through participation in on and off-campus presentations to prospective and current students.

Villanova is a Catholic university sponsored by the Augustinian Order. The University is an equal opportunity employer and seeks candidates who understand, respect and can contribute to the University’s mission and values.

Duties and Responsibilities

• File Review, Verification and Counseling

Participate in the process of file review, verification, and awarding of financial assistance to undergraduate students, and graduate students if necessary (excluding law and prospective transfer students). Provide counseling services to prospective and current students and parents through scheduled as well as walk-in appointments.

• State Grant and PHEAA Program Administration

Administration of all aspects related to the PA (PHEAA) and non/PA State Grant programs, as well as the PHEAA Special Programs and Institutional Assistance Grant program (IAG). Included in this responsibility is the coordination of all communications between the University and the State Grant Agencies related to the issuance of awards to Villanova students, compliance with regulatory requirements, oversight of state grant credits, and reconciliation of these funds throughout the year, and a final reconciliation at the end of each academic year. Responsible for training the staff on all matters related to state grant eligibility and use of the PHEAA Grant system.

• Financial Aid Support

Serve as the primary financial aid counselor for all customer service–related inquiries, providing accurate information, problem resolution, and timely support to students and families. Assist the Associate Director with enhancing service to students and families, maintaining externally facing communications, and streamlined messaging.

• CASA Liaison and Financial Literacy Programming

Serve as a liaison to the Center for Access, Success & Achievement (CASA) and as the primary counselor on all matters related to financial assistance. Develop and implement individual and group programs on financial literacy to strengthen and support the recruitment and retention of these students in concert with the diversity initiatives set forth in the University Strategic Plan.

• Website Content Review

Perform a regular review (at least 2 times a year) of the content of the OFA website and provide input for change to such.

• Provide financial aid presentations to prospective and current students on- and off- campus.
• Perform additional duties and assist with special projects as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree required. (Master’s degree preferred)

Minimum of three years of direct experience in Financial Aid, in addition to the experience requirement listed below, may substitute for the degree requirement.

Experience with all aspects of

• Federal Title IV aid administration and regulations
• Office of Financial Assistance Policies and Procedures
• PHEAA remote access system and state grant program administration and regulations
• Banner/Ellucian experience preferred
• Experience with College Board IDOC, PROFILE, preferred
• Federal Student Aid Systems: NSLDS, COD, FPS

Minimum of two years’ experience in a financial aid office, working directly with students and parents. Experience in counseling, review and verification required.

Preferred Qualifications

Excellent written and oral communication skills

Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills are essential Time management

Attention to detail

Physical Requirements and/or Unusual Work Hours

Special Message to Applicants

Posting Date

03/09/2026

Closing Date (11:59pm ET)

Salary Posting Information

This position falls within salaried grade 13 and the range for this position is $51,000-63,800. The final salary will be determined with consideration of several factors including the selected candidate’s qualifications, department budget availability, market data, and internal equity.

Salary Grade

13

Job Classification

exempt

Census Code

References Needed

References Needed

Minimum Number of References Needed

3

Maximum Number of References Needed

3

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * How did you first hear of this employment opportunity?
• Indeed.com
• Higheredjobs.com
• LinkedIn
• Glassdoor
• Chronicle Vitae
• Academic Keys
• PA CareerLink/JobGateway
• Professional Affiliation/Trade Website
• Diversity Association/Publication Website
• Advertisement in Academic or Professional Publication
• Referred by a current employee
• Referred by a friend, family member, or former employee
• Heard about it at a conference or career fair
• Browsing the Villanova website
• Cabrini University employee
• Other
• * If your answer to the above question is "Other", please specify the source below. If this question does not apply to you, enter N/A.

(Open Ended Question)

• * Do you possess a bachelor's degree?
• No Response
• Yes
• No
• * Do you possess a Minimum of three years of direct experience in Financial Aid?

(Open Ended Question)

• * Do you have a Minimum of two years' experience in a financial aid office, working directly with students and parents?

(Open Ended Question)

Documents needed to complete your application

Required Documents

• Cover Letter / Letter of Interest
• Resume / Curriculum Vitae

Optional Documents

Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

PI282973343