Assistant Director, Federal Work Study

Department

ESA College Aid

About the Department

Reporting directly to the Assistant Vice President of Enrollment and Student Advancement, the Financial Aid office at the University of Chicago provides exceptional customer service to all students and families requesting assistance in financing their education. The Office of Financial Aid has a staff of 20, including advisors, counselors, and assistant directors. For more information visit https://financialaid.uchicago.edu/.

Job Summary

Oversee and manage all aspects of the Federal Work-Study program, ensuring timely and accurate reporting, awarding, and processing of the Federal Work-Study program. Serves as a liaison between the College, graduate schools, the Office of Financial Aid, Career Advancement, off-campus partners, Human Resources, and Financial Services for all Federal Work-Study processes and programming. Ensure compliance with federal, state, local, and financial aid requirements surrounding the Federal Work-Study program and student employment.

Responsibilities

• Manages all aspects of the Federal Work-Study program for the University of Chicago
• Responsible for bi-weekly, monthly, and annual accounting and reconciliation of the Federal Work-Study program
• Assists in the completion of institutional reporting, year-end audits, and federal reporting requirements, as needed.
• Serves as a resource for students, on- and off-campus partners, departmental liaisons, and employing agencies regarding student employment.
• Creates and maintains federal, state, and institutional financial aid policies and procedures for the Federal Work-Study program; trains University staff and partners on Federal Work-Study best practices and guidelines.
• Counsels students and families; performs need analysis; completes the verification process on selected files; reviews appeals; and packages awards by assigning different types of financial aid to meet demonstrated needs.
• Represents the Office of Financial Aid at various on- and off-campus events as needed, including occasional evening and weekend hours.
• Coordinates timely responses to all email and telephone contacts from students.
• Analyzes the maximum aid needed to students yet remain within government guidelines and overall budget limitations for aid distribution.
• Communicates financial aid policies and programs to currently enrolled students with moderate guidance.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

---

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree.
• Advanced degree.

Experience:

• Background in a financial aid office setting.
• Familiar with reconciling federal aid programs

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• General knowledge of Microsoft Office.
• Exemplary knowledge of Oracle’s Campus Solutions (PeopleSoft) software.
• Processing of knowledge of Common Origination and Disbursement Web Site (COD) and National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS).
• Advanced knowledge of Workday’s human resources applications.
• Knowledge of federal and state financial aid programs and regulations.
• Extensive knowledge of the Federal Work-Study program.
• General knowledge of federal, state, and local laws governing student employment.
• Familiarity with Education Department systems. 

Preferred Competencies

• Superb written and verbal communication skills.
• Provide superior customer service to a wide variety of constituents in a fast-paced environment.
• Exceptional analytical, verbal, and written communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Handle several projects simultaneously and work well under pressure.
• Work independently and as part of a team.
• Maintain confidentiality.

Working Conditions

• This position has a hybrid work schedule. Weekly in-office presence as needed on UChicago’s main campus in Hyde Park.
• Work independently for periods of 8 hours or more.
• May be asked to work on 1-2 weekends per year.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter (preferred)
• Reference Contact Information (3)(required)

Job Family

Student Affairs & Services

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly Hours

37.5

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Pay Rate Type

Salary

​
FLSA Status

Exempt

​
Pay Range

$60,000.00 - $75,000.00

The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Eligible

Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

 

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

 

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.  A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.  Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

 

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.