Description

JOB SUMMARY

Under the direction of the Associate Director for Office Service & Scholarships, the Assistant Director - Law provides program management and administrative coordination for all financial aid services at the School of Law. This position oversees the administration of federal, state, and institutional aid programs, ensuring compliance with regulations and University policies. The Assistant Director serves as the primary resource for students, faculty, and staff on financial aid matters, offering expert guidance and exceptional customer service. Key responsibilities include analyzing financial need, determining financial aid offers, monitoring budgets, and maintaining accurate records. The role also leads operational workflows, develops strategies to improve service delivery, and collaborates with internal and external stakeholders. Additional duties include counseling students on financial literacy, preparing consumer information and promotional materials, and supporting initiatives that enhance student success.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Plans and implements financial aid services and activities for the School of Law; interprets and ensures compliance with State statutes, university policy, and federal regulations; works with other offices, including Admissions, Bursar/Business Office, and Registrar, to ensure accurate and timely exchange of information and awards between school information systems.
2. Serves as an authoritative resource to the school and external offices and staff; provides excellent customer service to students, parents, and the public on matters related to program policies, procedures, and activities. Responds to questions and investigates problems e.g., aid/loan disbursements or eligibility. Requests documentation and additional information as needed.
3. Oversees the Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) and appeals process related to SAP.
4. Reviews financial aid and scholarship applications; analyzes financial need and determines financial aid offer based on standardized procedures, annual allocations, fluctuating applicant pool, and current regulations, including deposit fee deferrals and exceptions.
5. Revises student aid offers according to individual “need”, eligibility, cost of attendance, and available funds; resolves discrepancies pertaining to over-awards, residency or enrollment changes, loan eligibility issues, or other special circumstances.
6. Creates student cost of attendance budgets based on Federal Regulations and the University's best practices.
7. Oversees financial aid data for the school, including updating and verifying student information and assuring the accuracy of data and records. Documents and communicates business needs related to information systems and processes; participates in testing.
8. Performs office management duties for the Program; directs the workflow; coordinates and monitors the processing of necessary paperwork and maintenance of records and filing system to ensure the effective delivery of services for the School of Law, students. Improves work methods and systems to foster a streamlined approach to solving student issues and improve the level of services that are provided.
9. Determines average student award amounts for packaging and determines work-study award allocations for eligible students; monitors expenditures and prepares reports as necessary.
10. Counsel students and families regarding the availability of aid, application procedures, University policies regarding recipients, Federal and State regulations, the process of needs analysis, and necessary documentation.
11. Investigates and resolves complex problems independently or collaborates with Storrs-based support teams, including issues related to citizenship status, visa issues, veteran/military status, system queries, special requests, etc.
12. Makes budget recommendations and monitors approved budget and expenditures.
13. Provides access to individual counseling and group orientation to students with regard to financial literacy and the development of overall strategies for budgeting during the academic year and other related matters.
14. Participates in the planning of policies and procedures and implementation strategies for the student information system.
15. Prepares consumer information and promotional materials, forms, and public relations presentations in collaboration with Storrs and adherence to UConn branding standards; delivers training and presentations for financial services as needed.
16. Engage in public relations and promotional activities for the Financial Aid Office; implement recruiting and promotional strategies within the area of responsibility; participate in securing funding for the Program.
17. Coordinates and monitors the day-to-day administration of the Program; oversees Program coordination and logistics; prepares necessary reports; monitors compliance with policies and procedures.
18. Plans and organizes workshops, training programs, courses, program curricula, and training materials, in accordance with Program goals.
19. Collects and analyzes Program data and participates in evaluating Program effectiveness; identifies problems and makes changes, within prescribed guidelines, or recommends major changes.
20. If applicable, keeps informed of and monitors compliance with state licensing, professional certification, or accreditation requirements.
21. If applicable, oversees training and research activities that may be conducted in the program.
22. Is responsible for special projects/operations which may be ongoing or short-term, and which require planning, coordination, supervision, and thorough knowledge of the Program.
23. Performs related duties as required.

Requirements

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree from a college or university accredited by the U. S. Department of Education or an internationally recognized accrediting organization.
• Five or more years of experience managing financial aid processes in a university or college setting, with a proven track record of at least 2 years taking on advanced responsibilities or leading projects.
• Knowledge of Federal and State regulations pertaining to financial aid.
• Written and oral communication skills to clearly explain financial aid policies and procedures.
• Experience reviewing financial aid documentation and applying established regulations to determine eligibility or performing comparable decision-making functions in a regulated environment.
• Interpersonal skills, including the demonstrated ability to deal effectively with students, the public, the University community, and external constituencies.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Advanced degree.
• Experience performing student administrative and financial aid functions within Oracle Student Administration Systems.
• Experience working in a unionized environment.
• Communicates effectively and has experience working with the changing demographics and needs of law students. 
  Demonstrated ability to independently implement programs, identify and resolve day-to-day program problems.
  Ability to plan and organize workshops/training courses/curricula and training materials appropriate to the program to be served.

APPOINTMENT TERMS

This position requires working under time constraints and the willingness to work irregular and flexible hours. 

This is a full-time, permanent position.  The University offers a competitive salary, and outstanding benefits, including employee and dependent tuition waivers at UConn, and a highly desirable work environment.  For additional information regarding benefits, please visit https://hr.uconn.edu/health-benefits/ and explore the sections under the Benefits & Leaves and Engagement & Learning headers. Other rights, terms, and conditions of employment are contained in the collective bargaining agreement between the University of Connecticut and the University of Connecticut Professional Employees Association (UCPEA).

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.

TO APPLY

Please apply online at https://hr.uconn.edu/jobs, Staff Positions, Search #499394 to upload a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three (3) professional references.

This job posting is scheduled to be removed at 11:55 p.m. Eastern time on February 11, 2026. 

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at https://portal.ct.gov/Ethics/Statutes-and-Regulations.

All members of the University of Connecticut are expected to exhibit appreciation of, and contribute to, an inclusive, respectful, and diverse environment for the University community.

The University of Connecticut aspires to create a community built on collaboration and belonging and has actively sought to create an inclusive culture within the workforce. The success of the University is dependent on the willingness of our diverse employee and student populations to share their rich perspectives and backgrounds in a respectful manner. This makes it essential for each member of our community to feel secure and welcomed and to thoroughly understand and believe that their ideas are respected by all. We strongly respect each individual employee’s unique experiences and perspectives and encourage all members of the community to do the same. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO Employer.