Description

Responsible for the leadership and managerial oversight of the Office of Financial Aid through the development, implementation and maintenance of comprehensive financial aid services for students from a variety of federal, state, institutional and private sources.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Model and support the University’s vision, mission and values.
• Develop and implement the annual strategic plan and measurable objectives (short and long term) for the Office of Financial Aid. Provide weekly and monthly financial aid metrics data.
• Provide comprehensive leadership and managerial oversight for the entire operations of the Office of Financial Aid, to include the supervision and performance management of financial aid personnel.
• Develop the annual operating budget for the Office of Financial Aid, to include monthly monitoring of all budget expenditures and reconciliation of funds earmarked and spent for university scholarships. Respond to audit and program reviews.
• Develop and administer the Standard Operating Procedures for the Office, to include training documentation for new financial aid personnel concerning the Financial Aid CAMS Module and other departmental procedures.
• Determine training requirements to effectively administer the student finance advising function.
• Closely monitor departmental operations to ensure university practices are in compliance with all federal, state, local and accrediting agency regulations.
• Develop process engineering techniques to enhance the operational efficiency of departmental functions, to include collaboration with the Admission, Registrar, Student Life and Business Office departmental areas of the University.
• Supervise the development of departmental publications, forms, letters and mailings, to include collaboration of such communication with other key departmental areas of the University such as the Registrar, Business Office and Student Life.
• Counsel students, parents, faculty and staff regarding financial aid programs.
• Prepare student cost-of-attendance budgets.
• Prepare and complete required reports and applications for federal, state and local funds and grants.
• Visit area high schools, community colleges, clubs and other organizations to present informational programs on behalf of the university.
• Act as liaison between the university, students, parents, faculty and community to promote and increase student enrollment and retention.
• Safeguard the security, confidentiality and safety of financial aid records, promissory notes etc.

SECONDARY FUNCTIONS:

Other duties as may be assigned.

SPECIFIC JOB KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Excellent knowledge of federal, state, institutional and local sources of financial aid, to include relevant federal legislation/requirements and new developments in Title IV programs and administration.
• Strong knowledge of Ellucian Banner and/or CAMS Software, particularly the Financial Aid Module. Proficiency and familiarity with Microsoft Office: Outlook, Word, Excel. Some knowledge of Microsoft Access desirable, but not essential.
• Demonstrated leadership and understanding of organizational policies, procedures, and administrative and leadership practices generally used in higher education.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal skills and customer service skills.
• Must be very organized, detailed and results oriented.
• Excellent leadership skills with a commitment towards teamwork, and participatory decision making.
• Ability to interact with a diverse student population and create a proactive student finance environment.

ORGANIZATIONAL RESPONSIBILITY:

Provides managerial oversight for the following financial aid office functions: Financial Aid Counselors, Financial Aid Compliance Analyst and Student Workers

Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college/university; Master’s degree preferred. 

Experience: Minimum of seven (7) years financial aid managerial experience, preferably within a college or university setting. Possess strong knowledge of CAMS (Three Rivers) Financial Aid Module system.

Licenses or Certificates: None required

Additional Requirements: A background and/or credit check will be required of the successful applicant. An official transcript (if applicable) and names, addresses and phone numbers of three (3) references will be required of the successful applicant.