Assistant/Associate Director of Financial Aid Position Available In Cumberland, Maine

Assistant/Associate Director of Financial Aid
Unity Environmental University
in New Gloucester, ME

Apply Now Type:

Full-Time

Posted:

05/05/2025

Category:

Financial Aid About Unity:

At Unity Environmental University we are on a mission to make environmental education accessible and affordable to all. Our unique model combines a functional hierarchy and project-based structure through our four Sustainable Education Business Units (SEBUs) to promote collaboration and innovation (Distance Education, Sustainable Ventures, and In-Person Education). We prioritize our students’ needs above all else, offering a variety of modalities, including in-person, and online. Our innovative and inclusive culture prepares students to tackle real-world challenges and cultivate the next generation of environmental professionals and leaders who can make a positive impact on our world.

Our Mission:

We are dedicated to delivering quality education and experiences that produce outstanding environmentally competent professionals and inspire individuals from all walks of life to steward sustainable ecosystems.

About The Enterprise Model:

In 2017, Unity Environmental University pioneered a shift in organizational structure by embracing the Enterprise Model. This innovative model strategically segments the university into several Sustainable Education Business Units (SEBUs), each functioning with a high degree of autonomy. Designed akin to a matrix organization, the Enterprise Model combines the benefits of both centralized and decentralized management, enhancing the university’s agility and responsiveness to the dynamic needs of its students and broader societal challenges. This entrepreneurial framework fosters an environment where each SEBU operates as an independent entity, yet is interconnected with the university’s core mission. The SEBUs are empowered to develop specialized programs, services, and products that directly meet the unique demands of their specific audiences. Leadership within the Enterprise Model is both collaborative and authoritative; decisions are made efficiently at various levels, from the President to the Heads of SEBUs and Chief Officers, all incorporating feedback from relevant stakeholders. This model abolishes traditional silos and eschews the need for consensus, ensuring that no single entity can veto the decisions of another, thereby maintaining a streamlined and effective decision-making process. In this model, every faculty member reports to a Dean who oversees their daily work and performance evaluations.

The Opportunity:

The Assistant/Associate Director of Financial Aid ensures that the data processed through financial aid is done with integrity, efficiency, and accuracy. This position assists with the appropriate delivery of financial assistance – federal, state, and institutional-to qualified students, and the proper billing and accounting of student receipts for tuition, fees, and repayment. The Assistant/Associate Director of Financial Aid works with the Financial Aid team to provide excellent service to students and their families through clear and consistent communication. In addition, the Assistant/Associate Director of Financial Aid assists the Director in implementing new processes and efficiencies and works with other units to provide support with a student-first mentality, while following adopted communication channels with various internal and external constituents with a strong focus on institutional priorities.

Day to day responsibilities:

Assist with the financial aid program and student account functions.
Assist with developing, implementing, and maintaining policies and procedures for all Financial Aid functions.
Assists with determining students’ eligibility for assistance and coordinates the disbursement of funds with the Director.
Counsel students and their families regarding availability of financial assistance and eligibility.
Disseminate information to students, staff, and faculty regarding financial aid.
Provide support to admissions through presentations to prospective students and families as well as individual counseling.
Carry out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws. These responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.
Serve as one of the database authorities for multiple campus information systems, including but not limited to Institutionally adopted financial aid system and the student information system.
Develop and run reports to distribute and assign work to Financial Aid specialists.
Ensure that all business processes are documented and current. Implement and modify processes to enhance attainment of goals, increase integration, and maximize efficiency.
Assure that all information is processed according to established time frame standards.
Review all constituent processes and alert the Director when they are not within policies established by the Institution.
Review segmented communication plans in the system and suggest / create processes for updating and augmenting the plans as needed.
Periodically review training and professional development needs of staff.
Work directly with staff and Director for the attainment of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
Assist with the delivery of quality, constituent-oriented services to ensure development and implementation of efficient, effective, and integrated policies, procedures, and systems.
Pro-actively communicate challenges, successes, and failures with leadership.
Other duties as assigned.
Do you have the skills?
Personal commitment to the environmental focus and mission of the Institution.
Bachelor’s Degree. Master’s degree preferred.
3 -5 years of experience
Strong critical thinking and data analysis skills.
Ability to work in a continually-changing environment, to take the initiative to determine best practices, and to implement change.
Supervisory experience.
Budget management skills.
The ability to assimilate and interpret complex data, and sensitivity to issues related to recruitment and retention of a diverse student body.
Strong communication skills.
Must have strong organizational and management skills.
Ability to efficiently operate a personal computer and associated software (Outlook, Word, Excel, etc.)
Ability to communicate effectively and appropriately.
Ability to maintain confidentiality of records and information.
Ability to interact in an effective and appropriate manner with diverse populations, the Unity Environmental University community and the public.
Ability to maintain files accurately, in paper and electronically.
Ability to handle multiple tasks while maintaining quality outputs.
Ability to effectively supervise staff.
Ability to effectively manage student information systems.
Ability to plan project outcomes and give attention to detail.
Ability to develop and implement operating policies and procedures.
Ability to function effectively within a matrix organizational structure, maintaining open lines of communication while being discreet, courteous and well poised.
Are you thinking about applying but unsure if it’s the right fit? We encourage you to reach out anyway. We recognize that everyone brings different experiences and skills to the table. Take a chance and submit your application; you might be exactly who we’re looking for.

Location:

Pineland Farms, New Gloucester, Maine Just a half hour from Portland, Unity Environmental University Headquarters, Unity Environmental University Distance Education, Unity @ Pineland & Sustainable Ventures are based at the Pineland Farms campus. The facilities are within easy access to one of the fastest-growing cities for startups in the country.

Work Schedule:

Work hours are specific to the requirements of this position and can include days, evenings, and weekends. Working extended hours required as needed. Must be flexible and cooperative in fulfilling responsibilities and meeting the Institution’s needs. Although Unity Environmental University employees are generally scheduled to work at their specifically assigned locations, there are times when travel is necessary and employees are required from time to time to attend events, meetings or work temporary assignment at any Unity Environmental University location.

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, it is regularly required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand or walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 lbs. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. The use of either hand for repetitive movements such as grasping, grasping and turning, and fine manipulation is required as is the ability to use the telephone for internal and external communications.

Company Perks:

Unity Environmental University offers a comprehensive and competitive compensation and benefits package for its faculty and staff.

Benefits for eligible employees include:

Paid holidays off
4 weeks of PTO
Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
Short- and Long-term disability
Life Insurance
Retirement Plan with up to 8% match
Relocation Assistance
At Unity College, we dont just accept difference we celebrate it, we support it, and we thrive on it for the benefit of our employees, our students, and our community. Unity College is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer.
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