Reed College
Reed College

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Assistant Director of Financial Aid and Systems Specialist

Financial Aid


The Assistant Director of Financial Aid provides a student-centered, seamless financial aid experience for prospective and current students and families. This position uses strong analytical and technical skills and counsels and advises students and parents on the various financial aid programs and application processes, assists with the administration of one or more federal or institutional aid programs, and evaluates aid applications to determine eligibility according to regulation and policy. This position reports to the Executive Director of Financial Aid, under the division of the Vice President and Dean of Admission and Financial Aid, and primarily works on campus interfacing with faculty, staff, and students.


Reed College offers an exceptional benefits package, including comprehensive and cost-free medical and dental insurance for you, and a 60% discount on medical and dental insurance for your dependents, 403(b) retirement plan with 10% employer contribution (after one year of service), educational assistance for employees and their children, 22 days of paid vacation, paid holidays, half-day Fridays in the summer, and many other campus amenities. This is a full-time, exempt role with typical work hours of 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with a one hour unpaid lunch. 


Pay for this position is $65-$70k per year. Pay offers are dependent on experience and are determined in conjunction with an internal pay equity assessment. This position is on exempt grade 6.

Who You Are

  • You have strong analytical and troubleshooting skills with the ability to evaluate data and other information to choose the best solution and make recommendations. Experience with writing structured query language (SQL) is a huge plus.
  • You are comfortable using technology and are comfortable using and learning new systems.
  • You have an impeccable track record of integrity and the highest professional and ethical standards for handling confidential information.
  • You have proven success in working with diverse populations and non-native speakers of English.
  • You excel at setting priorities and managing multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment while meeting deadlines.
  • You are an active listener and an empathetic communicator. 
  • You maintain professionalism in challenging situations.
  • You are flexible and open to change, especially when the change is for the better.
  • You take ownership of your responsibilities and follow up with others when needed.
  • You have strong interpersonal skills and the ability to be effective in developing rapport and working with partners across campus.
  • You are open to representing the college at events, including occasional work on weekends.
  • You have in-depth knowledge of financial aid federal regulations, compliance, and best practices.
  • You are someone that thrives on being organized and creating documentation. 

What You’ll Do

  • Analyze and review financial aid applications using established College guidelines, utilize institutional and federal methodology and federal and state regulations
  • Determine institutional grant aid eligibility for international applicants
  • Evaluate unusual/mitigating circumstances documentation or appeal information provided by students and or parents and exercise professional judgment by making adjustments or revisions to cost, contributions, need, or dependency status as exceptions to documented process/policies
  • Autonomous execution of assigned projects and initiates with a defined scope, moderate levels of complexity and external visibility.
  • Monitor compliance for one or more federal, state, or institutional aid programs, under the supervision of the Associate Director
  • Counsel students and parents regarding financing a Reed education, financial aid eligibility, application procedures, available financial aid programs, costs, and financial management strategies

Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree and three years of significantly progressive experience in a higher education financial aid office or experience in lieu of degree
  • Knowledge of Federal Title IV student financial aid programs and regulations

Application Instructions

Click below to apply. You will be directed to Interfolio to begin your application. A resume and cover letter is required. You can submit this document in any format, but pdf works best. 

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Background Check Requirement

A criminal conviction record check is required for all college staff positions as a condition of employment for selected candidates. Employment offers are contingent upon the successful completion of this background check. A conviction does not automatically disqualify a candidate; each case is reviewed based on the nature of the conviction and its relevance to the responsibilities of the position.