Posting Number:

0603115

Recruitment Type:

Open to All Applicants

Position Title:

Assistant Director of Student Financial Services

Position Type:

Staff

Benefits Status:

Benefits Eligible

FLSA:

Non-Exempt

Hiring Range:

$21.50-$23.94 per hour, plus excellent benefits. Location Tacoma, WA 98447.

Department:

Student Financial Services

Posting Date:

07/23/2026 Closing Date When a sufficient number of qualified applicants have been identified.

Work Schedule:

M-F, 8am - 5pm.

General Description:

The Assistant Director of Student Financial Services manages and oversees several critical financial aid programs while serving as a resource for students and families regarding financial aid and billing. This position reports to the Director of Financial Aid Operations.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

Essential Functions and Responsibilities Advises students and parents on the financial aid application process as well as federal, state, and institutional policies and regulations. Assists students and families in completing application materials including the FAFSA/WASFA, promissory notes, and required verification items. Advises students and families via phone, email, Google Meet, and in person. Assists in answering office email on an as needed basis. Provides front desk coverage on an as needed basis. Participates in campus wide events, such as New Student Registration and New Student Orientation. Attends and presents at high school financial aid nights. Completes verification in accordance with Title IV regulations. Assists in the review and processing of special circumstances requests from students and families. Performs other duties as assigned. Programmatic Responsibilities Oversees and manages the nightly disbursement process, troubleshooting errors to ensure compliance and timely receipt of financial aid. Oversees and manages the financial aid refund process, ensuring compliance and timely receipt of financial aid funds. Provides soft collections on students with past due balances, assisting with the completion of outstanding requirements and the acquisition of additional financial assistance. Updates cost of attendance budgets for students studying away and meets with them prior to departure regarding costs and financial aid eligibility. Programmatic responsibilities are always subject to change based on the needs of the office.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Comfortable with public speaking. Superb interpersonal and customer service skills. Knowledge of and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Ability to relate appropriately to a diverse array of students and their families. Comprehensive knowledge of federal, state, and institutional financial aid regulations and guidelines, especially Title IV aid and student loan repayment. Ability to operate a personal computer and various software programs and US Department of Education databases, including Banner, Microsoft Word and Excel, COD, NSLDS, and the FAFSA Partner Portal. Ability to work and research independently and take initiative but also function as part of a team. Detail-oriented and results-driven. Must possess strong analytical and mathematical skills.

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree or 2 years of financial aid experience. Education may substitute for some experience. High school diploma or GED. Finalist applicants must satisfactorily complete pre-employment background checks.

Preferred Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree.

Work Conditions:

Physical Requirements:

Special Instructions to

Applicants:

Other Information:

PLU is a small, private university where caring means more than kindness and consideration — it means a bold commitment to expanding well-being, opportunity, and justice. Because PLU is a community committed to the creation and advancement of knowledge through diversity and inclusion, the university actively recruits a diverse faculty, staff, and student body. PLU is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from members of historically underrepresented and minoritized groups, women, veterans, persons with disabilities, and others who would bring broadly diverse perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds in educational, research or other work activities. PLU offers an excellent benefits package including tuition remission for employees and their dependents, retirement plan, medical, dental, paid vacation and sick leave, major holidays off (including Christmas/New Year's break), additional flexible time off, and many other great university benefits. PLU is a qualifying employer under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program as a 501©(3) tax-exempt organization. Click here for detailed benefits information. For general application questions or if you need accommodations at any point in the application and/or interview process, please contact the Human Resources Office at 253-535-7185 or humr@plu.edu.