Director of Financial Aid Services

Nestled in the heart of the picturesque Shenandoah Valley, Blue Ridge Community College (BRCC) is committed to accelerating opportunities through the power of education. Our success is rooted in a shared dedication to excellence, ethical behavior, empowerment, and a culture of care. BRCC has been consistently recognized by the Chronicle of Higher Education as a Great College to Work For, reflecting our supportive, inclusive, and mission-driven workplace.

About the role

The Director of Financial Aid Services provides strategic leadership and administrative oversight for the college’s comprehensive financial aid programs, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations while supporting the college’s mission of providing equitable access to higher education. Reporting to the Vice President of Finance and Administration, the Director oversees the daily operations of the Financial Aid Office, develops strategic initiatives, manages departmental resources, supervises staff, and serves as the institution’s primary authority on financial aid administration. The Director develops departmental goals, budgets, policies, and assessment plans that align with the college’s strategic priorities and student success initiatives. The position collaborates extensively with internal and external stakeholders to ensure efficient, transparent, and student-centered financial aid services.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and direction for all financial aid operations, including federal and state grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study programs.
• Oversee and perform financial aid processing functions which may include (but are not limited to) Return to Title IV, financial aid awarding and disbursement, enrollment-related adjustments to aid, federal funds reconciliation, and other system-driven financial aid setups and events.
• Develop and implement departmental strategic plans, operational goals, budgets, and assessment measures that support institutional priorities.
• Direct the daily operations of the Financial Aid Office, ensuring efficient, accurate, and student-focused service delivery.
• Develop, implement, interpret, and continuously update financial aid policies and procedures to ensure compliance with changing regulations and best practices.
• Identify opportunities for operational improvement and implement technology-based solutions to improve efficiency and enhance the student experience.
• Manage departmental resources and operating budgets, ensuring responsible fiscal stewardship.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, VCCS, and institutional financial aid regulations and policies.
• Serve as the college’s primary resource on financial aid regulations and communicate regulatory changes to appropriate campus constituents through presentations and professional development training.
• Exercise professional judgment in accordance with federal regulations for dependency overrides, special circumstances, and other eligibility determinations.
• Prepare and maintain documentation required for federal, state, VCCS, and institutional reporting, including audits, program reviews, recertification activities, and other required submissions.
• Coordinate responses to audit findings and implement corrective actions as necessary.
• Ensure accurate awarding, disbursement, reconciliation, and reporting of all financial aid funds.
• Recruit, supervise, mentor, and evaluate financial aid staff, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, professional growth, and exceptional customer service.
• Ensure students receive timely, accurate, and accessible information regarding financial aid programs, eligibility requirements, application processes, and funding opportunities.
• Advise students and families regarding financial aid options and resolve complex eligibility or funding issues.
• Collaborate with Student Affairs, Academic Affairs, the Business Office, the Foundation, and other campus departments to provide coordinated student support services.
• Serve on college leadership teams, governance councils, committees, and special projects as assigned.
• Participate in institutional initiatives that support enrollment management, student success, and strategic planning.
• Maintain current knowledge of federal and state financial aid regulations, industry best practices, and emerging trends.
• Participate in professional organizations and attend conferences, workshops, and training opportunities to ensure ongoing professional development and institutional compliance.
• Oversee the SAP program in coordination with the Student Success Center.
• Oversee the Financial Aid Call Center ensuring high-quality customer service and timely resolution of student inquiries.
• May be required to perform other duties as assigned.
• May be required to assist the agency or state government generally in the event of an emergency declaration by the Governor.

Requirements

• Master’s degree from an accredited institution.
• Extensive knowledge of federal and state financial aid regulations, compliance requirements, and program administration.
• Demonstrated experience administering financial aid programs in a higher education environment.
• Strong leadership, supervisory, organizational, and project management skills.
• Experience developing policies, implementing process improvements, managing departmental budgets, and utilizing technology to improve operational effectiveness.
• Excellent written, verbal, analytical, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and spreadsheet software.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining a high level of accuracy and regulatory compliance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Five or more years of experience in financial aid, including demonstrated progressive leadership.
• Experience administering financial aid in a community college setting.
• Experience administering Virginia financial aid programs.
• Experience with the PeopleSoft Student Information System and other financial aid management systems.

Pay

$80,000 - $100,000

Schedule

Weekdays from approximately 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.