Manager, Financial Aid Programs

Position Summary

The Manager, Financial Aid Programs assists in the management of financial aid programs from federal, state, institutional and private sources. The Manager is responsible for compliance activities and demonstrates strong functional and technical skills in the day-to-day support of the administration of various financial aid programs. The Manager provides supervisory leadership and guidance to Financial Aid specialists and support staff.

Essential Responsibilities

• Aid Financial Aid Office staff in the management of financial aid programs, including federal, state, institutional, and private sources; manage compliance activities for all financial aid programs.
• Provide supervisory leadership and guidance to Financial Aid specialists and support staff.
• Produce standard reports for the Office of Financial Aid in support of operational needs.
• Assist in processing administrative withdrawals and administrative full refund withdrawals.
• Conduct internal audit reviews on processed financial aid; provide financial aid files, student withdrawal forms, account activity records, and other financial aid materials to external auditors for audit reviews.
• Serve as backup for daily processing for the Federal Pell Grant Program, Federal Stafford Loan Program, Federal Work-study Program, outside scholarships, and Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency State Grant.
• Aid in the processing and awarding of the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency State Grant (PHEAA); administer eligibility requirements.
• Verify and lock financial aid files; verify that the information on students’ FAFSA matches what is on their tax return and take appropriate action.
• Perform administrative functions related to satisfactory academic progress appeals; record and notify student of decision.
• Counsel and educate students and parents regarding financial aid; assist with the on-line process of completing a FAFSA; make students and parents aware of other financial alternatives including loans, scholarships, payment plans and tuition remission, if applicable.
• Respond to emails, telephone calls from students, parents, outside agencies, and internal departments who need assistance.
• Attend departmental meetings to discuss issues and updates of new procedures; attend financial aid workshops to keep abreast of new policies and procedures for financial aid.
• Maintain sensitivity, understanding and respect for a diverse academic environment, inclusive of students, faculty, and staff of varying social, economic, cultural, ideological, and ethnic backgrounds.
• Deliver quality customer services to both internal and external constituents in a professional, helpful and courteous manner.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required. Any and all degree(s) must be from a regionally accredited institution of higher learning.
• Five (5) years relevant experience in a financial aid leadership role required; prior supervisory experience required.
• Computer proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and the Internet required. Demonstrated experience working with enterprise-wide systems required.
• Demonstrated knowledge of financial aid regulations required.
• Excellent communication (oral and written) and interpersonal skills in all media (phone, face-to-face, and email) required.
• Ability to demonstrate a positive attitude towards daily challenges and ability to process high volumes of work with accuracy required.
• Detail-oriented with excellent organizational skills required.
• Able to manage multiple, simultaneous priorities and meet deadlines required.
• Commitment to the mission of an urban community college required.
• Must excel in working as a member of a team, model exceptional service to internal and external customers, and work to facilitate change.

Preferred Qualifications

• MS Access proficiency preferred.
• Banner experience preferred.
• Experience in and appreciation for, a collective bargaining environment preferred.