Position Description

This role independently performs financial aid activities including evaluating and analyzing financial information submitted by applicants, counseling students on debt management, financial aid reporting and analysis for students in the Harvard Law School Juris Doctor degree program.

Student Financial Services aims to offer the highest level of customer service while providing a positive, supportive work environment with an emphasis on teamwork. The Associate Director for Program Development and External Relations has primary responsibility for the marketing and communication efforts of the Student Financial Services office, including website content maintenance. The incumbent will supervise the front desk team and advise the office in an effort to align outreach and messaging across the website, emails, phone, and in-person. Serves as liaison to partner offices within HLS, across the University, and externally. The incumbent will also perform need analysis, as well as awarding and counseling of J.D. students.

As the Associate Director for Program Development and External Relations, you will:

• Develop and manage marketing, public relations, and communications strategy. Generally support all messaging on behalf of Student Financial Services, maintain and update the SFS website, lead strategy for online content

• Supervise and mentor two full-time non-exempt staff members responsible for the front desk, financial clearance, loan processing, cash disbursement, and financial aid application processing

• Lead and create financial wellness programming in conjunction with external and internal partners

• Primary liaison for lending partners, including the annual RFP process for the preferred lending program, entrance and exit counseling

• Office representative at School and University-wide meetings

• Participate in internal policy setting and policy documentation to support and improve office operations and processes; plan and implement strategic goals for the SFS office which comply with federal, state, and institutional financial aid requirements and auditing standards

• Conduct need analysis to evaluate financial aid eligibility for students, review appeals for applicants requesting additional financial assistance; counsel prospective and current students, and families on financial planning and financial assistance

• Evaluate and analyze financial information submitted by applicants, ensuring data is accurate and compliant

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience required
• A minimum of 7 years' relevant work experience

Additional Qualifications and Skills

We are looking for people who have:

• Strong communication skills (both written and verbal)

• Supervisory experience

• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, advanced Excel skills

• Advanced knowledge of financial aid processes

Working Conditions

This position is based primarily on campus with the opportunity for remote work based on business needs and manager approval.

Additional Information

Benefits

• Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
• Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
• Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
• Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
• Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
• Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.

Work Format

About Harvard University Law School

Harvard University is devoted to excellence in teaching, learning, and research, and to developing leaders in many disciplines who make a difference globally. The University, which is based in Cambridge and Boston, Massachusetts, has an enrollment of over 20,000 degree candidates, including undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. Harvard has more than 360,000 alumni around the world. The University has twelve degree-granting Schools in addition to the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study, offering a truly global education. Established in 1636, Harvard is the oldest institution of higher education in the United States.

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