Career Center

Bridgewater State University is an inclusive community dedicated to the lifelong success of all students, focused on the continuous improvement of its people, and responsible for leading innovation that benefits Southeastern Massachusetts, the commonwealth, and the world. Bridgewater's accessible environment of teaching and learning stimulates critical thinking, pursuit of new knowledge, and deeper understanding, the cultivation of meaningful and diverse interpersonal relationships, and fostering an appreciation for global engagement, all aimed at transforming lives and improving the human condition.

The missions of the Financial Aid office are to assist students and families in navigating the world of Higher Education and the costs associated with obtaining a degree. Successful candidates will be staff members that can work with their colleagues to help meet the mission of the Financial Aid office in serving and supporting our racially and ethnically diverse campus community.

The Staff Assistant is a member of the Financial Aid Department residing within the Office of Financial Aid. The Financial Aid Staff Assistant reports to the AVP of Student Financial Assistance and Enrollment Management and has the primary responsibilities of managing the office and front support staff.

The Staff Assistant, Financial Aid Advisor provides student-focused support at a campus that prioritizes the success of our racially and ethnically diverse campus community. The Financial Aid Advisor can provide an understanding of registration, billing and financial aid policies and procedures, as well as the ability to explain policies and procedures to current students, prospective students, and families.

In addition, the Staff Assistant, Financial Aid Advisor will be responsible for ensuring smooth daily operations, effective administration, and clear communications. The Staff Assistant must work closely with the AVP of SFA & EM to ensure that compliance is always maintained.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED: AVP Of Student Financial Assistance & Enrollment Management

SUPERVISION EXERCISED: Support Staff – AFSCME Union

This is a full-time, 12-month APA position and is subject to the terms of that union agreement.

1. Provides assistance to students and families with loans, grants, scholarships and the financial aid application process, and reviews applications to assure accurate and complete information.
2. Delivers exemplary customer service to prospective and continuing students and families in planning and coordinating the funding of their education.
3. Maintain a current working knowledge of the financial planning processes of financial aid, assist with billing and payment options and VA Benefits, as well as Residential Life, Admissions, Academic Advising and Registrar processes and how they relate to the students finances in order to fully and accurately advise.
4. Interprets, implements, and maintains up-to-date knowledge of Federal and State guidelines governing financial aid programs.
5. Assist with preparing Institutional, Federal and MA State Audit reporting requirements. Coordinate progress reports and monthly reporting.
6. Utilizing workshops, individual appointments, web tools, email, social media and telephone to disseminate accurate and clear information while counseling, advising and directly supporting students and their families with finance and related processes. Events may include weekends.
7. Collaborate with other offices and departments to provide appropriate resources to students, represent Financial Aid at various programs on and off campus, and serve on college committees as appropriate.
8. Draft and edit correspondences, publication support, including proofreading policies, daily communications, website content management, submitting and promoting events, and managing the financial literacy programing and events. Events may include weekends.
9. Assist the Assistant Vice President and collaborate with other departments in developing strategies that support the goals and objectives of the department, division and university in enrollment, retention, student satisfaction and other related areas.
10. Coordinate the rotation schedule for the administrative staff and engage administrative team to support departmental projects as needed.
11. Process invoices, payments, corporate card reports, reimbursements, and purchase office supplies.
12. Performs other related duties as assigned.

To be successful in the role, you will need:

Bachelor's Degree

Experience in service of racial equity (e.g. mentorship of racially minoritized students; service on committees; advising student organizations that represent racially minoritized groups or social justice causes)

Commitment to customer service excellence/support to enhance an environment of equity, diversity and inclusion

Strong presentation, interpersonal, networking, and organizational skills

Strong organizational, multitasking, and time-management skills

Attention to detail

Ability to take initiative

Ability to contribute in a team environment

Demonstrated ability to work independently, meet deadlines

Takes responsibility to accomplish job assignments within reasonable deadlines

Experience and comfortability with using multiple computer systems

Bridgewater State University complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified applicants and employee with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for the application process, please complete and submit this electronic form: https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?BridgewaterStateUniv&layout_id=18

Please be aware that employment at Bridgewater State University is contingent upon completion of a successful background check.

Bridgewater State University (BSU) is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer which actively seeks to increase the diversity of its workforce. We are dedicated to providing educational, working and living environments that value the diverse backgrounds of all people.

Please note the following information is required to complete your application for this position: