HAROLD WASHINGTON COLLEGE

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR – STUDENT FINANCIAL SERVICES

City Colleges of Chicago (CCC), the largest community college system in Illinois, is made up of seven colleges and five satellite sites, providing more than 70,000 students each year access to a quality, affordable education. CCC believes that education is an investment, one that pays dividends throughout one’s lifetime. The Financial Aid Office is dedicated to helping students get the assistance they may need to attend college, whether through grants, work study, scholarships and loans.

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE

Reporting to the Vice President of Finance and Operations, the Executive Director- Student Financial Services manages a college’s Financial Aid Office, directing the administration of federal and state financial aid programs, overseeing financial literacy programs, and supervising staff providing financial aid and financial literary information and services to current and prospective students and their parents.

The Executive Director - Student Financial Services provides leadership and strategic direction to ensure the effective delivery of a college’s financial aid programs and services; develops and implements policies and procedures for the efficient processing of students’ financial aid packages; maintains continuing compliance with regulatory agencies; and provides for the on-going development of staff to ensure an exceptional customer service environment. Performs related duties as required.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Supervises financial aid staff, both union and non-union, including hiring, training, performance monitoring, disciplinary action, and development.

• Develops, facilitates, implements, and monitors financial aid, internal and external scholarships, and veteran benefits policies and procedures in a manner that is compliant with federal and state regulations and City Colleges of Chicago policies.

• Collaborates with student services offices, faculty, and College and District administration to ensure the financial aid office’s complete alignment with institutional goals. Participates in annual planning and budgeting for the financial aid office.

• Collaborates with District to ensure academic programs are appropriately evaluated and submitted for approval for federal student aid and veteran’s benefits. Advises academic departments on program eligibility for Title IV financial aid programs.

• Develops and oversees financial aid presentations and workshops for current and prospective students, community-based organizations, and other CCC partners. Works strategically to build and strengthen relationships between the college and the community in order to encourage enrollment and increase retention.

Oversees the processing of institutional and external scholarships including the coordination of the college scholarship committee, and review of applicant eligibility.

• Develops educational programs representing financial literacy and support services to provide internal and external stakeholders the financial capability to achieve educational goals, financial stability and long-term financial health.

• Cultivates mutually supportive relationships with various leaders in high schools, community-based organizations, and four-year institutions.

• Develops, refines, and executes strategies and processes pertaining to community outreach for financial literacy/education. Implements and improves community outreach and professional education efforts by serving as the central point of contact and executing outreach initiatives.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

Reports To Vice President of Finance & Operations

Direct Supervision Assistant Director of Financial Aid

College Financial Aid Advisor I & II

Student Workers

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Finance, Higher Education Administration or a related field from an accredited college or university. Master’s degree preferred.

• Ten years of progressively responsible experience in business, financial aid, financial compliance, and community outreach, including a minimum of five years of supervisory experience.

• Expert knowledge of state and federal regulations that govern cash management, financial aid, and military and veteran educational benefits as well as resources available to ensure compliance with governmental and institutional standards.

• Proficient knowledge of software used to process financial aid and veteran benefits, including Common Origination and Disbursement (COD), National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS), Student Aid Internet Gateway (SAIG), VA Once, Go Army Portal, FAA Access to Chicago Public Schools Online, and the E-App.

• Demonstrated experience with internal and external audits, including responding to findings and developing an improvement plan and appropriate controls to prevent repeat findings.

• Demonstrated excellent leadership, supervisory, and administrative skills

• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills

• Experience employing varying styles, approaches, skills, and techniques that reflect an understanding and acceptance of the role of culture in a diverse, multicultural learning environment and workplace.

WE OFFER: Excellent health and welfare benefit package and long-term savings and investment programs including 403(b) & 457(b) Investment Plans and a pension plan with the State University Retirement System (SURS) Plan. Generous vacation, holiday, personal and sick days, and tuition reimbursement. For a more detailed overview of benefits, please visit the benefits page of our website.

We are an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer.

Chicago residency is required for all full-time employees within 6 months of hire.

Thank you for your interest in CCC!