Position Summary
The Director of Financial Aid is the primary point of contact for all families throughout the financial aid process and a visible ambassador for ECFS's commitment to access and affordability. The Director brings clarity and sound judgment to personal and sensitive conversations, helping every family understand the process.
The Director is responsible for implementing ECFS's financial aid policies, procedures, and practices as well as the management and distribution of financial aid awards in conjunction with the Financial Aid Committee. This position reports to the Chief Strategic Enrollment Officer and serves as a staff resource to the Board of Trustees, the Director manages the aid budget, oversees need assessment and award recommendations across both campuses, and uses data to inform policy, enrollment and long-range financial aid planning.
The hiring range for this position is $115,000-$125,000. When determining the salary for a position, ECFS considers factors including, but not limited to: the scope and responsibilities of the position, internal peer equity, key skills required for the role, the candidate's work experience, education and training, as well as market and organizational considerations.
Please note that this is an onsite role and not performed remotely. Ethical Culture Fieldston School retains its right to modify job duties in accordance with changing operational needs.
Responsibilities
Key responsibilities of the Director will include:
- Developing and recommending financial aid strategy that advances the school's commitment to access and aligns with enrollment goals, including yield, retention and balance across divisions and campuses;
- In partnership with the Chief Strategic Enrollment Officer and the Finance Office, model aid budget, discount rate, and net tuition revenue scenarios, recommending annual financial aid budget and contributing to long-range financial planning;
- Serving as a staff resource to the Board of Trustees and its Finance Committee and, in coordination with the Chief Strategic Enrollment Officer, preparing and presenting financial aid reports and trend analyses to the Board and senior leadership;
- Leading the financial aid review process and assessment for new and continuing families using established standards and guidelines, and recommending award amounts;
- Serving as the primary contact for financial aid applicants and current families;
- Scheduling and leading the Financial Aid Committee meetings, preparing and providing all relevant materials and data;
- Creating and scheduling informational financial aid programming and materials for new and continuing families;
- Managing financial aid systems and vendor relationships, including Clarity;
- Evaluating appeals and recommending appropriate adjustments in award value;
- Partnering with Student Accounts and other departments to align tuition processes and implementing financial aid policy;
- Representing ECFS in ISAAGNY and other related peer networks;
- Building and sustaining trusting relationships with faculty, staff, parents/guardians, students and other constituencies.
- Motivating and inspiring coworkers to achieve goals; and
- Performing other related projects and duties as assigned.
Position Requirements
The successful incumbent will possess:
- Five or more years of progressive financial aid experience, preferably in independent schools;
- A Bachelor degree required, Masters degree in related field preferred;
- Excellent time-management and problem solving skills;
- Must possess strong interpersonal and conflict resolution skills with empathy to guide families through difficult financial conversations
- The ability to effectively and diplomatically address the needs of competing constituencies;
- Outstanding oral and written communication skills;
- A high degree of organization, resourcefulness and attention to detail;
- Demonstrated ability to build financial models and analyze data to inform policy and budget decisions;
- Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed;
- Experience working with Clarity, SSS, Finalsite, and Senior Systems is a plus;
- The ability to handle confidential materials with discretion while maintaining a high level of integrity;
- A willingness to learn and embrace new ideas and procedures and a consistent initiative to help streamline processes and improve efficiencies;
- A positive attitude and the ability to listen effectively and be receptive to feedback;
- The ability to work collaboratively in group settings, as well as independently, to meet project goals and team needs;
- Proficiency in utilizing and learning new technologies (i.e., Google Workspace tools);
- Reliability, punctuality, and consistent attendance; and
- The ability to cultivate a welcoming culture in which all members of our community feel valued and appreciated.
To apply
All candidates should visit our employment page at www.ecfs.org to apply. Please send a letter of interest, a resume, and contact information for three references.
