Assistant Director, Financial Aid Systems

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.