Assistant Director, Graduate Programs, Financial Aid in Bristol, Rhode Island at Roger Williams University

Roger Williams University
Title: Assistant Director, Graduate Programs, Financial Aid

Location: Bristol, RI

Category: Professional and Clerical

Job Type: Full-time Regular

Posted On: Tue Oct 27 2026

Job Description:

Reporting to the Associate Director of Financial Aid, the Assistant Director, Graduate Programs, Financial Aid is responsible for supporting the day-to-day administration of financial aid programs for the University's Graduate Programs, School of Law, and Extension School. The Assistant Director collaborates with the Associate Director and University partners to ensure efficient financial aid operations, support enrollment initiatives, and provide exceptional service to students and families.

Financial Aid Administration and Operations

Assist the Associate Director with daily financial aid operations and the administration of federal, state, institutional, and private financial aid programs.

Review student financial aid applications, verify eligibility, and determine financial aid awards in accordance with applicable regulations and University policies.

Support the development and maintenance of financial aid policies, procedures, and operational improvements.

Assist with financial aid system setup and maintenance in PowerFAIDS and Colleague.

Maintain accurate financial aid records and support institutional and regulatory reporting requirements.

Respond to student inquiries received through the Graduate Programs, School of Law, and Extension School financial aid email inbox.

School of Law, Graduate Programs, and Extension School Support

Collaborate with the Associate Director and representatives from the School of Law, Graduate Programs, and Extension School on financial aid initiatives, communications, and student concerns.

Assist Associate Director with the preparation of School of Law Reports

Assist with the administration of the School of Law Loan Repayment Assistance Program (LRAP).

Support Federal Work-Study administration and applicable community service requirements.

Support the administration of Graduate Assistantships

Student Counseling and Support

Counsel prospective and continuing Graduate Programs, School of Law, and Extension School students and families regarding financial aid eligibility, FAFSA completion, award packages, financing options, and payment plans.

Explain financial aid policies, eligibility requirements, and student responsibilities while providing accurate and timely assistance.

Review student financial aid circumstances and provide guidance regarding available resources and financing options.

Respond to student and family inquiries, resolve financial aid concerns, and provide accurate and timely information.

Outreach and University Collaboration

Assist the Associate Director in developing financial aid presentations, informational materials, and outreach initiatives.

Coordinate with the School of Law, Graduate Programs, and Extension School to support financial aid participation in orientations, open houses, recruitment programs, and other University events.

Collaborate with Admissions, Enrollment Management, and academic departments to support recruitment and retention initiatives.

Maintain knowledge of financial aid regulations and higher education trends and participate in University committees and departmental initiatives as assigned.

Serve as a backup to the Deputy Director and Associate Director in supporting the administration and coordination of the Prisoner Education Program (PEP) in collaboration with the Extension School.

Assist the Deputy Director and Associate Director with the planning, implementation, and ongoing administration of Workforce Pell initiatives.

Additional Responsibilities

Participate in any initiatives for the department and the division, as assigned.

Job Requirements:

Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business administration, higher education administration, or a related field.

Minimum of three years of professional financial aid experience, preferably in higher education.

Working knowledge of federal and state financial aid regulations, Title IV programs, and financial aid eligibility requirements.

Experience with financial aid management systems and proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.

Strong analytical, organizational, communication, and customer service skills.

Ability to interpret financial aid information, prepare accurate reports, manage competing priorities, and work independently and collaboratively.

Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with students, families, and University partners from diverse backgrounds.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with PowerFAIDS and Ellucian Colleague.

Experience administering financial aid for Graduate Programs or School of Law students.

Familiarity with Federal Work-Study, institutional scholarships, and financial aid reporting.

At the University's discretion, the education and experience prerequisites may be accepted where the candidate can demonstrate, to the satisfaction of the University, an equivalent combination of education and experience specifically preparing the candidate for success in the position.

Additional Information:

Roger Williams University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and committed to a diverse workforce. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or any other basis protected by applicable state and federal law. For information on our Non-discrimination policy, visit here.

RWU prohibits all forms of discrimination on the basis of sex in its education programs and activities and is required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX) and its implementing regulations not to discriminate in such a manner. Complaints of Title IX sexual harassment should be reported to the Title IX Coordinator at the contact information listed below. Details regarding the formal complaint process can be found here: Title IX Sexual Harassment Policy and Procedures. All complaints of sexual harassment will be taken seriously and responded to promptly. TITLE IX COORDINATOR: Dr. Jen Stanley, 1 Old Ferry Road, Bristol, RI 02809 / Phone Number: (401) 254-3123 /Email Address: jstanley@rwu.edu