Assistant Director, Student Aid Operations

Job Description:

Under the supervision of the Director of Financial Aid Operations, the full-time Assistant Director, Student Aid Operations manages key aspects of federal student aid, private student loans, and institutional financial aid in Boston. Ensuring timely, accurate processing and strict compliance with institutional, state, and federal regulations, this role empowers students and families to navigate educational financing seamlessly. At Berklee, your work directly supports the next generation of creative leaders.

Key Responsibilities

Aid Processing, Reconciliation & Compliance:

• Timely Loan & Aid Administration: Process federal and private loans alongside institutional aid to ensure funds are available prior to term billing deadlines, maintaining accurate records as awards evolve.
• Application Review & Award Coordination: Review loan applications for completeness, outreach to students and parents regarding missing requirements, and partner with Student Aid Awarding to ensure outside scholarships remain within federal limits.
• Reconciliation & Regulatory Compliance: Execute fund reconciliation and COD reporting while maintaining strict adherence to federal, state, and institutional financial aid policies.

Student Advising & Campus Collaboration:

• Student & Family Support: Resolve aid and loan inquiries directly with students and families, delivering empathetic, clear financial guidance.
• Outreach & Cross-Campus Alignment: Participate in financial aid advising outreach for current and prospective students while providing timely status updates to One Stop Student Services and campus partners.

What You'll Bring

• Education & Experience: Bachelor’s degree required; 1–3 years of financial aid experience in a fast-paced higher education environment preferred.
• Regulatory & System Knowledge: Solid understanding of federal and state financial aid programs, regulations, and need analysis; familiarity with PowerFAIDS strongly preferred.
• Analytical & Organizational Skills: Strong analytical and organizational abilities, keen attention to detail, and the capacity to manage competing deadlines cooperatively within the Student Financial Services team.
• Communication & Inclusivity: Clear verbal and written communication skills, with a demonstrated capacity to build effective relationships across diverse identities, perspectives, and experiences.

Why Choose Berklee?

• Student-Centered Impact: Help talented musicians, dancers, and performing artists access transformative education through seamless financial aid operations.
• Cultural Access: Enjoy nightly, unrivaled access to world-class music, theater, and dance performances across our Boston campus venues.
• Total Rewards: Outstanding health and dental coverage, an institutional 403(b) retirement match, tuition assistance, generous PTO, and a paid winter break.

Hiring Range: $49,000 to $66,000; salary dependent on relevant experience and education.

Please visit the Berklee Total Rewards page for a complete listing of benefits.

 

This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” employment relationship.

 

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Equal Employment Opportunity at Berklee: 

We support an inclusive workplace where everyone excels based on personal merit, qualifications, experience, ability, and job performance.  Berklee affirms that inequality is detrimental to our faculty, staff, students, and the communities we serve. Our goal is to make lasting change through our actions. Berklee is committed to providing fair and equitable consideration of all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, ancestry, age, national origin, place of birth, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, genetic information, or status as a member of the armed forces or veteran of the armed forces, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.

As part of this commitment, Berklee will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact the Human Resources Team at hroperations@Berklee.edu or call 617-747-2375.

*Currently enrolled Berklee students are not permitted to apply for staff or faculty positions.*

Employee Type:

Staff