Director of Financial Aid

Provides leadership, accountability, and daily management of the Financial Aid Office to administer federal, state, and institutional financial aid funding. Maintains regulatory compliance and protects the integrity of the financial aid services of the College. Creates and maintains quality customer service to students and partners.

Responsibilities

• Oversee full-service financial aid processing, including document collection, budgeting, awarding, FAFSA verification and loan certification for the College.
• Maintain current knowledge of federal and institutional policies and procedures regulating student aid. Maintain compliance with all regulations.
• Create, maintain, and comply with all timelines required by the institution and regulatory bodies.
• Manage and evaluate processes to allow for efficient and accurate reporting and processing of financial aid.
• Monitor Satisfactory Academic Progress of all students.
• Provide oversight and preparation for annual Single (A-133) audit.
• Proactive approach to identifying problems, creating innovative solutions, managing projects, leading teams, and implementing efficiencies and effectiveness using technology.
• Facilitate application of military and veteran affairs benefits to student financial aid awards.
• Coordinate financial aid functions with appropriate offices and as part of integrated student service efforts. Work closely with the Business Office.
• Hire, train and supervise Financial Aid staff in the essentials of customer service, student outreach, student financial planning and the necessary elements of financial aid compliance.
• Demonstrated knowledge of principles and processes for delivering excellent customer service, including student needs assessment, establishing quality standards and metrics for services and the evaluation of customer service.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree (required); graduate degree (preferred).
• 3-5 years experience in higher education financial aid.
• Knowledge of the financial aid process, including a strong working knowledge of federal regulations and financial aid office operations.
• Knowledge of higher education processes, best practices, supervisory/personnel practices, strong communication and technology skills.
• Combination of post-secondary education and experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.

Skills

• Working knowledge of higher education regulations.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to lead and communicate with others.
• Ability to explain financial aid operations to administrators, faculty, and staff.

Working Conditions

• Periods of high stress and fluctuating workloads may occur.
• Long-distance or air travel as needed (not to exceed 10%).
• General office environment; may be exposed to high noise levels and bright lights.
• May have periods of constant interruptions.
• Required to travel to off-site locations, occasionally in adverse weather conditions.
• Prolonged periods of working alone.

Physical Requirements

• Sitting 34-66% of the time.
• Manual dexterity (eye/hand coordination).
• Ability to hear alarms/telephone/tape recorder.
• Reach above shoulder.
• Repetitive arm/hand movements.

Benefits

• Competitive pay, incentives, referral bonuses, and 403(b) with employer contributions (when eligible).
• Medical, dental, vision, prescription coverage, HSA/FSA options, life insurance, mental health resources, and discounts.
• Paid time off, parental and FMLA leave, short- and long-term disability, backup care for children and elders.
• Tuition assistance, professional development, and continuing education support.

Benefits may vary based on the market and employment status.