Assistant Director of Financial Aid

The Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) seeks an Assistant Director of Financial Aid.  The Assistant Director of Financial Aid manages multiple financial aid programs, assists with the review and development of policies and procedures ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations and institutional requirements, and provides compassionate, student-centered service and expert guidance to financial aid applicants and their families throughout the financial aid application process; determines eligibility within the parameters of institutional, state, and federal requirements.  This is a full-time, on-campus position based at MIAD’s campus in the Third-Ward Milwaukee.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

1. Exercise independent judgment in the management of operational details of the financial aid process including but not limited to:
   1. Review incoming financial aid applications and any supporting documentation needed to determine the accuracy of the financial and household information reported on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This requires knowledge of not only federal financial aid regulations but Internal Revenue Service (IRS) tax laws and how they relate to federal financial aid.
   2. Complete assigned duties with a high degree of accuracy and strict attention to details to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations and institutional policy and procedures.
   3. Daily manage and reprioritize responsibilities while experiencing interruptions. 
2. Provide financial aid counseling to students and their families in-person, virtually, on the phone, and in writing on all aspects related to financial aid applications and processes, student eligibility, financial aid awards, and financial planning for educational expenses. 
3. Manage the student financial aid awarding of all funds, both creating and renewing financial aid packages.
4. Assumes responsibility for some of institution’s funding sources.  Including monthly reconciliation.
5. Assist the Veterans Affairs (VA) certifying official with the administration of veterans’ education benefits.
6. Provide Exit Counseling Information to students who are graduating, withdrawing, or dropping below half-time enrollment. 
7. Assists with updating and posting Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) results each semester
8. Assist with preparation for annual audit(s).
9. Represent the Financial Aid Office by serving on various campus committees. 
10. Maintain comprehensive knowledge of federal, state, and institutional regulations, policies, and procedures.
11. Provide leadership, guidance, and support to department and collaborate with Director of Financial Aid on key policy and procedural decisions.
12. Collaborate with Admissions, Academic Advising, the Dean of Students office, Business Office, Registrar and other student services areas to resolve students’ issues. 
13. Ensure the confidentiality of student information in full compliance with FERPA regulations and institutional policies.
14. Participate in prospective and new student events, as required.
15. Actively participate in professional development and training opportunities.
16. Effectively manage assigned duties using a variety of technological resources and promoting a student-oriented financial aid office
17. Support a respectful, professional environment where all individuals are treated fairly and courteously.
18. Performs other duties as assigned by the Director of Financial Aid in support of the Financial Aid office and our students.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

·        Bachelor’s degree required.

·        3+ years of successful financial aid experience.

·        Demonstrated knowledge of federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs and regulations.

·        Experience with federal systems used to determine student eligibility, including EdConnect, National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS), Common Origination and Disbursement (COD), FAFSA Processing System (FPS).

·        Experience with PowerFAIDS and Jenzabar is preferred.

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:

·        Strong customer service orientation.

·        Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to interact effectively with a wide range of individuals and personalities.

·        Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.

·        High degree of accuracy and attention to detail in all tasks and communications.

·        Strong organizational and time management skills, especially in a high-volume, deadline-driven environment.

·        Capacity to learn and adapt to new technologies and software systems.

·        Cultural competency and ability to work respectfully with individuals from various backgrounds and lived experiences.

Application Process and Deadline:

Qualified applicants should submit the following information in one (1) pdf document via email to: financialaidsearch_group@miad.edu with the subject line: Financial Aid – Last name, First Name

ü  A letter of interest/cover letter

ü  A resume

ü  Three (3) professional reference names and contact information.

Initial review of applications will begin August 25, 2025 and will continue until the position has been filled. 

MIAD offers an attractive benefits package, including health, vision, and dental insurance.

All final candidates must successfully complete reference and background checks.  Only pending charges or convictions that are substantially related to the position being considered will be taken into account during the employment decision-making process.  Conviction records that are not substantially related to the position or to campus safety will not be considered in hiring decisions.