Morningside University is seeking an Assistant Director of Financial Planning to join and support the Student Financial Planning team.  This individual will assist in the administration of financial aid, managing federal and state program funds, and counseling students and families on financial options. This role also supports the daily operations of the office and collaborates with the Director of Financial Planning to ensure compliance with financial aid policies and regulations. The Assistant Director will work closely with students, families, and other departments to deliver excellent customer service and support student access and success.

Key Responsibilities:

Financial Aid Administration

• Assist in awarding financial aid packages to prospective and returning students, following federal, state, private, and institutional guidelines.
• Repackage financial aid for students as needed to reflect changes in eligibility or family financial status.
• Verify FAFSA information using required documentation, including tax transcripts and verification forms.
• Oversee and complete Return of Title IV calculations for students based on federal regulations.
• Reconcile federal and state grant program funds on a monthly basis, including Pell, TEACH, Iowa Tuition Grant, Iowa National Guard, Education Training Voucher, All Iowa Opportunity Scholarship, and Future Ready Iowa Grant, in coordination with AIMS, COD, the Financial Aid Module, and the Business Office Module.

Counseling and Student Support

• Counsel students and families on the financial aid process, eligibility criteria, and available federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs.
• Provide guidance on billing, financial aid, and out-of-pocket payment options.
• Act as a resource for students and families by addressing inquiries, providing financial literacy education, and helping them understand their financial responsibilities.
• Lead workshops, webinars, and informational sessions to enhance financial literacy and awareness of financial aid resources amount students and their families.

Operations and Systems Management

• Maintain and update the FASS system by ensuring accurate record-keeping, managing missing forms, and creating user accounts as needed.
• Oversee updates to the Student Financial Planning website, coordinating with team members and submitting updates to Public Relations and Tech Services as necessary.
• Support the daily operations of the Student Financial Planning Office, contributing to workflow improvements and assisting the Director of Financial Planning in training and mentoring new staff.

Collaboration and Participation

• Attend Student Financial Planning meetings and actively contribute to discussions and initiatives aimed at improving processes and services.
• Collaborate with other campus departments, including the Business Office and Admissions, to ensure seamless service for students.
• Perform additional tasks as assigned by the Director of Financial Planning, supporting department projects and assisting in office initiatives as needed.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Higher Education Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 1–3 years of experience in financial aid administration or a related area in higher education.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with students, families, and colleagues.
• High degree of computer proficiency, including experience with financial aid management software and databases.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to troubleshoot and resolve issues independently.
• A high level of energy, integrity, and a commitment to supporting the mission of Morningside University.

Review of applications for the position will begin immediately and will continue until filled. Successful completion of a criminal background check verification is required. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, sex, religion, creed, race, color, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, genetic information, national origin, or other characteristics protected by state and federal law. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact the Director of Human Resources at welp@morningside.edu.

Please submit a letter of application, resume and 3 professional references to:  employment@morningside.edu