Job Description

Carnegie Mellon University is a private, global research university that stands among the world’s most renowned education institutions. With ground-breaking brain science, path-breaking performances, creative start-ups, big data, big ambitions, hands-on learning, and a whole lot of robots, CMU doesn’t imagine the future, we invent it. If you’re passionate about joining a community that challenges the curious to deliver work that matters, your journey starts here!

The Associate Director of Student Financial Aid, reporting to the Director of Student Financial Aid, provides strategic leadership and operational oversight within the Office of Student Financial Aid. This role ensures the effective administration and compliance of federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs, while supporting the office’s mission to deliver equitable and timely aid to students.

The Associate Director retains core responsibilities while assuming expanded oversight in several critical areas, including federal and state aid program management, loan administration, and cross-departmental collaboration. This position supervises staff, coordinates with internal and external partners, and contributes to policy development and operational planning.

As a member of the management team, the Associate Director plays a key role in ensuring regulatory compliance, audit readiness, and continuous improvement in service delivery.

Core responsibilities include:

Program Oversight and Compliance:

• Manages daily operations of the Federal Pell Grant and Federal Loan Programs, including originations, disbursements, reconciliation, and resolution of processing errors.
• Oversees administration of Pennsylvania and out-of-state grant programs, ensuring timely awarding, portal updates, and audit readiness.
• Provides leadership in the administration of exit counseling, private and institutional loans, enrollment reporting, and disbursement operations.
• Ensures compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations and policies across all assigned program areas.

Leadership and Collaboration:

• Supervises staff involved in financial aid processing and program administration, offering guidance and support to maintain high standards of service and compliance.
• Collaborates with internal departments such as Registrar, Bursar, and Admissions, as well as external agencies and partners, to ensure seamless coordination of financial aid activities.
• Serves as a resource for policy interpretation and operational decision-making.

Audit and Reporting:

• Prepares for internal and external audits by maintaining accurate records and ensuring audit readiness across all assigned programs.
• Coordinates responses to audit inquiries and facilitates the timely submission of supporting documentation.
• Provides regular updates to senior leadership regarding program performance, compliance status, and operational challenges.

Other Duties as Assigned:

• Manage or lead special projects as requested by the Director of Student Financial Aid.

Adaptability, excellence and passion are vital qualities at Carnegie Mellon. We are searching for a team member who can effectively interact with a varied population of internal and external partners with a high level of integrity. We seek someone who shares our values and will support the university’s mission through their work.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree required.
• 5 to 7 years of direct and progressively responsible experience in accounting or enrollment, ideally within a financial aid environment.
• A combination of education and relevant experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered.
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree in business, higher education administration, education training or similar field.
• More than 7 years of directly related financial aid experience, preferably at a high select private research university.
  

Requirements

• Successful completion of a pre-employment background check
  

Additional Information:

• Sponsorship: Applicants for this position must be currently legally authorized to work for CMU in the United States. CMU will not sponsor or take over the sponsorship of an employment visa for this opportunity. The university is not a qualifying employer for the STEM OPT benefit: only the 12-month OPT may be used to work at Carnegie Mellon.
• This position will require the ability to travel to other campus locations.
• Weekend and evening hours may be required.

Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits.

Benefits eligible employees enjoy a wide array of benefits including comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insuranceas well as a generous retirement savings program with employer contributions. Unlock your potential with tuition benefits, take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off and observed holidays, and rest easy with life and accidental death and disability insurance.

Additional perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, access to our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access, and much more!

For a comprehensive overview of the benefits available, explore our Benefits page

At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond credentials, we evaluate the role and responsibilities, your valuable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We appreciate your unique skills and the perspective you bring. Your journey with us is about more than just a job; it’s about finding the perfect fit for your professional growth and personal aspirations.

Are you interested in an exciting opportunity with an exceptional organization?! Apply today!

Location

Pittsburgh, PA

Job Function

Admissions and Financial Aid

Position Type

Staff – Regular

Full Time/Part time

Full time

Pay Basis

Salary

More Information:

• Please visit “ Why Carnegie Mellon” to learn more about becoming part of an institution inspiring innovations that change the world.

• Click here to view a listing of employee benefits

• Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran

• Statement of Assurance