Assistant Director, Admissions and Financial Aid
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Why join the Harvard Graduate School of Education?
The Harvard Graduate School of Education (HGSE) is a diverse community of learners, teachers, and employees who are passionate about changing the world through education and striving for maximum impact in the field of education.
Many choose to work at the Harvard Graduate School of Education because they believe in our mission and are excited by our vision for the future. We have a reputation as a great place to work, for our excellent leadership, and we are a strong community that values diversity. For more information about HGSE, its programs, research, and faculty, please visit: www.gse.harvard.edu.
Job Description
Job Summary
The Assistant Director of Admissions and Financial Aid plays a vital dual role within HGSE’s Admissions & Aid team, supporting the development, delivery, and evaluation of strategies and processes that attract, enroll, and support a talented, diverse student body. This position independently manages a range of admissions and financial aid activities, with a strong focus on recruitment, application evaluation, financial counseling, awarding, and operational systems support.
Job-Specific Responsibilities
Admissions (50%)
- Develop and execute a portfolio of domestic recruitment initiatives and contribute to the full-cycle admissions process — from marketing and recruitment to yield and matriculation — with a primary focus on experienced professionals across the U.S.
- Counsel and advise prospective students about application processes, degree programs, and HGSE’s offerings; represent HGSE at recruitment events on-campus, off-campus, and virtually.
- Evaluate and recommend candidates for admission using discretion and sound judgment for a portfolio of degree programs.
- Propose and implement innovative recruitment events, contacts, resources, and partnerships; monitor data and trends to assess recruitment and yield efforts and recommend operational improvements.
- Support the Financial Certification process for admitted international students to ensure timely documentation and compliance.
Financial Aid (50%)
- Independently conduct institutional and federal needs analysis and award financial aid by evaluating complex financial information; manage a caseload of approximately 300 students through recruitment, awarding, enrollment, and graduation, including financial counseling and planning.
- Review appeals and requests for additional aid; communicate outcomes and provide clear guidance to students.
- Assist in developing, testing, and enhancing financial aid management systems (e.g., PowerFAIDS) and integrations with other university systems; analyze and test algorithms and business processes for packaging, compliance, communications, and reporting.
- Manage multiple fellowship programs, including fund management, recruitment, application, and selection processes; develop and update related policies and workflows.
- Support annual audit reporting, compliance, quality assurance, and financial aid operations in line with federal, state, and institutional policies.
- Contribute to the development and evaluation of communications strategies and materials related to aid; support students in financial literacy, debt management, and financial planning.
- Assist in training and onboarding of seasonal staff or graduate assistants as needed.
Working Conditions:
HGSE is currently developing dynamic workplace models which will actively support a combination of on-campus and remote work (within a state in which Harvard is registered to do business) where business and operational needs allow. You and your manager will discuss the best schedule based on your role and operational need. If your role allows for remote work, please note that all remote work must be performed within a state in which Harvard is registered to do business (CA (Only Exempt), CT, GA, IL, MA, MD, ME, NH, NJ, NY, RI, VA, VT, and WA). Please also note that Harvard will withhold each applicable state’s required tax and other withholdings from your paycheck for the time you work there.
Qualifications
Basic Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required
- Minimum of 3 years’ relevant work experience
- Ability to work overtime including nights and weekends during peak periods
- Ability to travel both locally and nationally
- Any candidate wishing to be considered must supply a cover letter and resume. Please upload as one document.
Additional Qualifications
- Previous experience in a student services office.
- Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, intermediate Excel skills
- Working knowledge of basic admissions principles
- Familiarity with Technolutions Slate or similar CRM system
- Excellent organizational, communications, writing, interpersonal, and customer service skills.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and contribute as member of team,
- Develop relationships with wide variety of internal and external constituencies, provide high-level of customer service
- Ability to balance need to be both detail-oriented and strategic, and work in fast-paced environment.
Additional Information
- Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
- Compensation Range/Rate (including Shift Differential if applicable): $76,000
- Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
- Pre-Employment Screening: Identity
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.