Career Center

Director, Financial Aid, Cornell SC Johnson College of Business

Cornell SC Johnson College of Business:

Leading at the intersection of people, business, and technology, the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business is one of the most comprehensive business schools in the nation and includes many areas of expertise not found in any other leading institution. The college is comprised of the university's three accredited business schools, each of which is recognized as among the best in higher education: the Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management, the Samuel Curtis Johnson Graduate School of Management, and the Cornell Peter and Stephanie Nolan School of Hotel Administration. Our academic research; industry and community engagement; and undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs all reflect the future of business: flexible, collaborative, and cross-disciplinary. The college community includes 232 research faculty, 46,000 alumni, and nearly 3,300 undergraduate, professional, and graduate students. The SC Johnson College of Business has an unparalleled resource base from which to draw--within the college, Cornell Tech in New York City, and Cornell University broadly.

Samuel Curtis Johnson Graduate School of Management:

The Samuel Curtis Johnson Graduate School of Management at Cornell delivers educational programming across multiple MBA and specialized Masters' programs with the intent of developing highly successful and ethical business leaders of the future. Relying on the pillars of performance learning, a collaborative community and Cornell's vast connections, the Johnson faculty produce students equipped to excel in the current cross-functional, collaborative, digital economy.

The Johnson School Office of Financial Aid delivers high-quality service to students in five MBA programs and the online and in-person M.S. in Business Analytics programs.

Enrollment representatives within Cornell's colleges, schools, and units regularly collaborate and partner with the Enrollment Division to accomplish the University's enrollment goals.

This Position:

We seek a collaborative, detail-oriented professional who thrives in a complex university environment and values innovation, accuracy, excellent judgment, and exceptional student service. The ideal candidate can balance independent work with productive collaboration and aligns with Johnson School and Cornell University values.

The Director of Financial Aid is a key member of the Johnson Graduate School of Management's Student Services team which includes dedicated staff who support Johnson's diverse, world-class students with specialized knowledge, insights, and guidance regarding financial aid application processes, aid offers, college financing options, and other student financial services. Members of the Johnson Financial Aid team also have an in-depth understanding of core student service lifecycle concepts such as admissions, registration and records, and student accounts.

Reporting to the Director of MBA & Residential Programs, collaborating closely with other members of the Johnson Student Services team and colleagues across the university, and with accountability to leaders in the university Office of Financial Aid & Student Employment (FASE), the Director's (Financial Aid Associate III).

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead strategic planning and annual goal setting for the Johnson Financial Aid Office
• Serve as subject matter expert for Johnson-funded financial aid programs and policies
• Advise prospective and current students on financial aid, budgeting, and debt management
• Determine eligibility and prepare compliant, accurate financial aid offers
• Oversee the awarding of endowed and annual scholarships
• Review FAFSA data, SAP, NSLDS records, and certify private education loans
• Manage financial aid communications, documentation, and website content
• Conduct financial aid presentations and counseling sessions
• Generate financial aid reports and represent Johnson at professional meetings
• Coordinate closely with FASE and ensure regulatory compliance

While position responsibilities vary, every member of our community is expected to foster a culture of belonging and a healthy work environment by communicating across differences; being cooperative, collaborative, open, and welcoming; showing respect, compassion, and empathy; engaging and supporting others regardless of background or perspective; speaking up when others are being excluded or treated inappropriately; and supporting work/life integration of oneself and others.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree with at least 3 years of relevant experience within a student financial aid office, or equivalent combination.
• Knowledge of financial aid software systems, federal aid regulations, or institutional need analysis concepts.
• Knowledge of U.S. Department of Education websites such as NSLDS, COD, and FSA Partner Connect.
• Must have strong quantitative, analytical, and advising skills.
• A demonstrated ability to work independently and in a team-based environment, manage conflicting priorities and work under deadlines is needed.
• Must be detail-oriented with organizational and problem-solving skills and be able to manage deadline-oriented projects.
• Must be able to work well with all levels of employees, be flexible in nature, and have sound judgment with an open and collaborative style that encourages teamwork and cooperation beyond the immediate team to the broader organization.
• Must have a passion for excellent customer service.
• Must be able to maintain a high level of confidentiality.
• Demonstrated skill in understanding cultural differences.
• Proven experience connecting inclusion, belonging and wellbeing practices to business goals.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree preferred in Higher Education Administration, Business Administration, Public Administration, Finance, or a related field.
• Two or more years of successful experience leading a team, major program, or complex process within a student financial aid office or related student services function.
• Knowledge of federal and private loan programs is strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of U.S. Veterans Affairs education benefits is strongly preferred.
• Experience using PeopleSoft, Salesforce, or ImageNow.
• Fluency in English and a second language.

This is a full-time position based in Ithaca, NY that will offer hybrid work flexibility. Salary to commensurate with education and experience.

Relocation assistance can be provided for this position. Visa sponsorship is not available

Rewards and Benefits:

Application Procedure:

When applying through our system, please remember to attach your application materials (Resume and Cover Letter) in either Microsoft Word or PDF format. In the Experience Section of your application, use the "Drop Files Here" box to manually drag document(s) into your application. For a more detailed description and instructions on how to apply online, please click here as an external candidate.

NOTE: Cornell employees must apply through the Internal Cornell Career site.

• Relocation assistance is available for this position.
• No visa sponsorship is available for this position.
• This is a full-time position based in Ithaca, NY that will offer hybrid work flexibility.

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Non-Union Positions

Noted pay ranges reflect the potential pay opportunity for each job profile. The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria:

• Prior relevant work or industry experience

• Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position

• Unique applicable skills

• Academic Discipline

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EEO Statement:

Cornell welcomes students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds from across the globe to pursue world-class education and career opportunities, to further the founding principle of "... any person ... any study." No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally protected status or subjected to prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual's genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Cornell University embraces diversity in its workforce and seeks job candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We hire based on merit, and encourage people from historically underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply. Consistent with federal law, Cornell engages in affirmative action in employment for qualified protected veterans as defined in the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) and qualified individuals with disabilities under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.