Assistant Director Of Financial Aid

Position Summary

As a Christian university, Olivet Nazarene University exists to provide an education with a Christian purpose. We value diversity as a means to enrich and deepen the educational experience, both inside and outside the classroom and online. We are committed to recruit and retain mission-aligned faculty and staff from diverse backgrounds. We strive to be a more inclusive community as we seek to understand and celebrate our unique experiences and perspectives.

The Assistant Director of Financial Aid plays a key leadership role within the Office of Student Financial Services, supporting the Director in daily operations and ensuring smooth, compliant financial aid processes. This individual will oversee financial aid functions, including in the Director’s absence, and help maintain a student-centered, service-driven environment. The role requires strong regulatory knowledge, attention to detail, and a commitment to providing exceptional support to students and campus partners.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality, professional service to students, staff, faculty, and community members, while modeling positive and collaborative communication.
• Import and review ISIR data daily to ensure accuracy and resolve conflicting information.
• Process Parent PLUS, Grad PLUS, and private loan applications; manage changes; and disburse private loan funds upon receipt.
• Ensure accurate grant and loan processing by confirming eligibility, loan amounts, grade levels, disbursement timing, and system data. Troubleshoot loan issues as needed.
• Reconcile federal financial aid accounts with U.S. Department of Education records in the Common Origination and Disbursement system.
• Oversee resolution of C-codes, including Citizenship, UEH, and other verification items.
• Assist the Director with administrative responsibilities such as R2T4 calculations, exit counseling, award payments, over award checks, and approval of packaging sheets.
• Utilize advanced features of Ellucian Colleague (FA module setup, auto-packager configuration, Self-Service setup) to support process efficiency and problem solving.
• Collaborate with the Student Financial Services Customer Service team to address student needs and resolve issues.
• Train newly hired Financial Aid Specialists and provide ongoing support to the team.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Director.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

• A lifestyle in agreement with the ONU Statement of Mission, Faith, and Lifestyle Covenant.
• Commitment to confidentiality and regulatory compliance, including FERPA, Red Flags/GLBA, and PCI-DSS requirements.
• Ability to learn, interpret, and apply federal and institutional financial aid regulations consistently and equitably.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, reflecting professionalism, clarity, courtesy, and Christian character.
• Excellent organizational skills with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Proficiency in Ellucian Colleague, Etrieve by Softdocs, and Microsoft Office (Word and Excel).
• Demonstrated success in process management within higher education, business, or a similar environment preferred.

Additional Information

EDUCATION
Bachelor’s degree in Business or related field preferred, or equivalent work experience.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
1. Full-time, 12-month position, 40 hours per week.
2. Standard office environment on the main campus in Bourbonnais, IL
3. Limited student-facing interaction; no travel required.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
The starting salary for this position is $21.75 per hour and is based on experience and education.

Olivet Nazarene University offers:

• Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental insurance.
• Employer retirement contribution begins on first day of full-time employment and is 100 percent vested at that time.
• Additional auxiliary coverage such as life insurance, disability insurance and AD&D insurance.
• Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick, personal, and bereavement leave and 18 days for the observance of holidays.
• Tuition remission granted to employee, spouse, and dependent children for education within Olivet’s distinguished academic programs.
• Access to an active campus life with a top-notch fitness center, enriching musical performances, competitive athletic competitions, and introduction to the sciences at our Stickler Planetarium.