Financial Aid and Admissions Officer

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Why join the Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences?

The Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) is the historic heart of Harvard University. It is the home of Harvard’s undergraduate program (Harvard College, founded in 1636) as well as all of Harvard’s Ph.D. programs (the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, founded in 1872), Harvard Athletics and the Division of Continuing Education. The 40 academic departments and 30+ centers of the FAS support a community unparalleled in its academic excellence across the broadest range of liberal arts and sciences disciplines. Together, the FAS seeks to foster an environment of ambition, curiosity and shared commitment to knowledge and truth that elicits excellence from all members of our community and prepares the next generation of leaders through a transformative educational experience.

Job Summary: Independently perform a variety of financial aid activities including reviewing and evaluating financial information submitted by applicants to determine aid award in accordance with established federal and university standards and guidelines.
 

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

Financial Aid Responsibilities: 

• Serve as a member of the College Financial Aid and Admissions Committees, with primary responsibility for counseling students (typically, about 450) and their families regarding financial aid issues.
• Evaluate financial aid applications for both returning and newly admitted students, using federal and institutional guidelines and methodologies.
• Provide a high level of customer service to students and families as part of the Officer of the Day team, answering general phone and email correspondence at least once per week.
• Participate in the Financial Aid Committee, which responds to requests for reconsiderations of aid awards; serve as assigned students’ representative to the committee.
• Assist in the formulation of policy and procedures, as well as a variety of projects and programs.

Admissions Responsibilities: 

• Read and evaluate admissions applications from assigned geographical regions (approximately, 850). Apply discretion and independent judgment in deciding which qualified students should be presented to the Admissions Committee for possible admission.
• Provide information about Harvard College and its admissions process through information sessions or other events on campus or virtually. Travel may be undertaken independently or as joint travel with other institutions.
• Handle communications with prospective students, applicants, parents, secondary school administrators, and the public.
• Conduct interviews of prospective and current applicants.
• Develop and nurture relationships with alumni/ae interviewers.
• May chair an admissions subcommittee and/or serve as a liaison to an athletics team.

Working Conditions:

• Must be able to work nights/weekends and travel as needed.
• Work is typically performed in an office setting, but may be hybrid, as directed by FAS. Admissions committee members are expected to have reliable internet access.
• This position will be based in Cambridge, MA. Any hybrid work must be performed in a state in which Harvard is registered to do business (such as CT, MA, MD, ME, NH, NY, NJ, RI, and VT).

Physical Requirements:

• Work will require sitting, near vision use for reading and computer use for extended periods of time.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required
• Minimum of 3 years’ relevant work experience

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (both written and verbal), including ability to make presentations to large groups of students, parents, and alumni. 
• Demonstrated commitment to high level of customer service 
• Ability to work well under pressure, strong time management and organizational skills, demonstrated initiative, strong attention to detail, and ability to keep information confidential. 
• Problem solving skills, including ability to develop and analyze options/hypotheses objectively. 
• Demonstrated ability to foster and engage in meaningful collaboration, as well as share knowledge effectively. 
• Proficiency with office productivity and collaboration tools; access to the Internet for remote work (e.g., application reading) needed. Familiarity with PowerFAIDS preferred.

• Standard Hours: 35 hours per week
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education, Criminal

Other Information:

• In order to be considered for this position, please demonstrate basic qualifications are met. 
• Applicants MUST submit a cover letter in addition to their resume in order for their application to be reviewed.
• This position has a 6-month orientation and review period.
• All formal offers will be made by FAS HR.
  
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Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University’s Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 056. Please visit  Harvard's Salary Ranges  to view the corresponding salary range and related information. 

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to: 

• Generous paid time off including parental leave 
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one 
• Retirement plans with university contributions 
• Wellbeing and mental health resources 
• Support for families and caregivers 
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement 
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks 

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page. 

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.