When Bay Path opened its doors to students in 1897, it had a very clear goal: to provide a practical, affordable, and career-oriented education to prepare students to not only meet the needs of companies, organizations, and communities but to also thrive in their professions, identify and realize their dreams, and make a lasting difference in the world. From the beginning, Bay Path prided itself on being entrepreneurial, constantly pushing the boundaries of the academic experience to fit the student...to start them on the road of success. That spirit and philosophy is best reflected in our shared vision, "At Bay Path, every learner's dreams of a better career, a richer life, and a brighter future will be realized."
Recognizing that our learners come first, we know it is equally important that we develop, cultivate, and sustain a culture that binds us together as a community. As part of the University's ongoing commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, we draw upon our eight Core Values-beliefs that provide the internal framework and a moral compass for how we work and interact with each other.
Bay Path University, an independent and not-for-profit institution, was named Among Fastest Growing Baccalaureate Colleges and Graduate Programs by The Chronicle of Higher Education Almanac, and is a member of the Women's College Coalition. With a main campus in Longmeadow, MA, and a satellite location in East Longmeadow, MA, Bay Path offers undergraduate, graduate (for women and men) degrees, and professional certificates.
For 125 years, we have been committed to preparing our students to navigate a constantly changing world. Whether it is one of our innovative academic programs, groundbreaking online learning platform, or We Empower Learners and Leaders initiative, we educate our students in ways that will help them to grow, learn to adapt, and always to flourish. Be part of the change. Be Bay Path.
We invite you to visit our website at www.baypath.edu where you can learn more about Bay Path University.
Job Description:
JOB SUMMARY:
This full-time permanent position reports to the Senior Assistant Director of Financial Aid and oversight by Executive Director of Student Financial Services. Responsibilities include advising and counseling students on the availability of financial aid; managing a caseload of student files for the analysis and awarding of financial aid; monitor the progress and status of award applicants; plan and execute follow up procedures with the goal of ensuring student's financial aid applications are completed in a timely manner. Ensure efficiency in day-to-day operations of the Financial Aid Office.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
- Provide counseling to students/families on available financial aid programs, policies and procedures along with payment options.
- Maintains current knowledge of federal and state regulatory changes and institutional policies and procedures.
- Determine student need and eligibility for federal, state and institutional funds.
- Manages both an undergraduate and graduate student caseload for financial aid packaging and verification.
- Reviews and adjusts student aid awards due to enrollment credit changes.
- Reviews students flagged by the Department of Education for nearing their federal student loan limits utilizing the National Student Loan Data System, (NSLDS).
- Works with students on a personal basis regarding documentation and application deadlines in person, email, phone or zoom.
- Respond and resolve financial aid questions and concerns from students, and the University community.
- Manages all student communications through PowerFAIDS.
- Address financial aid questions and concerns from students, and the University community.
- Knowledge of exercising professional judgment for students with unusual circumstances.
- Works collaboratively with SFS frontline staff and provides backup support.
- Assists with annual financial aid audit.
- Attend various trainings as required.
- Some nights or weekends as required during key times of the year.
- Perform any other duties or tasks as assigned by the Executive Director of SFS and/or Senior Assistant Director of Financial Aid.
OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Required to assist with specific college-wide events outside of normal work hours and days (i.e., prospective and new student events, including orientations and commencement).
- Develop professional contacts with counterparts at other local institutions.
- Actively seek continued professional self-development on an annual basis.
- Attend and participate in required meetings.
Requirements:
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor's degree preferred.
- High level of organization and analytical ability.
- 1-3 years experience in the Higher Education industry.
- Spanish speaking preferred.
- Ability to perform detailed work with minimal errors.
- Demonstrated service and team orientated attitude.
- Knowledge of PowerFAIDS and Jenzabar systems.
- Ability to work across multiple systems with accuracy and attention to detail.
- Able to work with and maintain confidential material and convey a positive, professional image.
- Able to perform work with frequent deadlines and external pressure to complete assignments.
- Proficient computer skills including Microsoft Office and Excel.
- Excellent accounting, written, oral and interpersonal skills.
- Willingness to work flexible and extended schedule including evenings or weekends when necessary.
- Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and within FERPA and HIPPA guidelines.
- Ability to adhere to University policies and procedures.
- Should be committed to a culture of diversity and respect and inclusion; demonstrated ability to build working relationships with people having a wide variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences different from one's own.
- General knowledge of the University's mission, purpose and goals and the role of a Financial Aid Counselor in achieving those goals.
Additional Information:
Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Bay Path University is a diverse community devoted to proactively nurturing a campus-wide culture that promotes and ensures equity, respect, inclusion and safety for all members regardless of race, color, national origin, age, gender, religion, sexual orientation and gender identity, socio-economic background, or physical ability. We are one University that opens our hearts and minds to conversations, to learning and to creating a community that is welcoming of all. Regardless of position, it is expected that each employee will embrace this commitment and demonstrate an attitude of respect toward and acceptance of all members of our community.
Application Instructions:
Applicants for this position should attach a cover letter, resume / curriculum vitae, and any other relevant information pertaining to this position and your candidacy. Please apply online. Faxes and emails will not be accepted.
Bay Path University is dedicated to building a culturally diverse and pluralistic faculty committed to teaching and learning in a multicultural environment and strongly encourages applications from minorities, women and all underrepresented backgrounds. An Equal Opportunity Employer, Bay Path University is committed to fostering diversity in its student body, faculty, and staff.
Bay Path University is a smoke and tobacco-free community.
All offers of employment are contingent on satisfactory background checking.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), if you have a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a position please email us at HR@baypath.edu or call 413-565-1157.
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