Financial Aid Officer

Job Summary: Supervise the day-to-day financial aid activities including reviewing and evaluating financial information submitted by applicants to determine aid award in accordance with established federal and university standards and guidelines.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

Reporting to the Assistant Director of Financial Aid, counsel and advise a caseload of primarily graduate students on all aspects of financial aid, including budgeting, debt management, federal and private loan borrowing, and loan repayment. Responsible for program compliance with federal regulations. Communicate with students about federal regulations and institutional policies. Review financial aid applications and appeals; determine eligibility and need; award funds. Verify enrollment and academic standing, and disburse financial aid funds. Work with DCE program offices regarding degree requirements, satisfactory academic progress issues, and graduation.

Review federal loan information through the NSLDS and other federal websites for current and prospective financial aid applicants. Monitor Student Aid Internet Gateway (SAIG); loads ISIRs into Powerfaids and reviews NSLDS post-screenings. Communicate with outside scholarship and loan agencies, and other schools when necessary.

Collaborate on the development and editing of financial aid forms, general student correspondence, website content, office policies and procedures. Actively participate in system testing and troubleshooting changes and updates to new and existing processes, especially Powerfaids. Participate in University-wide Financial Aid Officers (FAOC) meetings, and attend outside training and workshops as needed. Perform other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions:

This position will be based in Cambridge, MA. Hybrid workplace models in place at DCE with a minimum of 2 days per week on campus. DCE or department may adjust these as necessary or appropriate.

Physical Requirements:

Sitting at a desk for long periods of time. 

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required
• Minimum of 3 years’ relevant work experience

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Familiarity with Powerfaids and NetPartner preferred
• Knowledge of Banner, Excel, Salesforce, and Federal Student Aid Systems a plus.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; strong writing and editing skills.
• Experience with non-traditional/adult students and both undergraduate and graduate programs a plus.
• Must be comfortable working collaboratively with a team of colleagues to manage a demanding workload.
• Attention to detail and accuracy critical.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills; ability to prioritize and follow through with projects.
• Must handle confidential information with discretion.

Additional Information

• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week, Monday-Friday, 9-5pm
• Compensation Range/Rate (including Shift Differential if applicable): $70,000-$80,000/annual
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education, and Criminal
• Other Information:
  • A cover letter is highly encouraged for consideration.
  • All formal offers will be made by FAS Human Resources. 

About Us

The Division of Continuing Education (DCE) comprises four academic units serving about 30,000 domestic and international students annually, which allow Harvard to meet the learning needs of intellectually curious and highly motivated students from high school through retirement. Established in 1910, the Harvard Extension School (HES) offers access to Harvard faculty for a diverse community of adult learners, enrolling about 15,000 students. HES offers over 1,000 open enrollment courses — 85 percent of which are accessible online — and provides flexibility through noncredit, undergraduate, and graduate courses, including degrees, certificates, and a premedical program. The Harvard Summer School, founded in 1871, offers around 450 credit and noncredit courses both on the Harvard Campus and online, catering to 9,000 high school, college, and adult learners. Additionally, it offers up to 15 international study abroad programs, hosting up to 300 students each summer. Harvard DCE Professional & Executive Development delivers over 140 noncredit programs annually, reaching more than 3,600 participants through online platforms and its executive development center in Cambridge. The Harvard Institute for Learning in Retirement offers about 140 peer-taught courses to approximately 550 active members. 

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University’s Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 056. Please visit  Harvard's Salary Ranges  to view the corresponding salary range and related information. 

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to: 

• Generous paid time off including parental leave 
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one 
• Retirement plans with university contributions 
• Wellbeing and mental health resources 
• Support for families and caregivers 
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement 
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks 

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page. 

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.