Director, Financial Aid

Position Summary

The Director, Financial Aid is responsible for overseeing all aspects of financial aid services, including administration, compliance, and strategic planning. This role ensures that students have access to financial resources and are well-informed about their financial aid options. The Director will lead a team to deliver high-quality service, maintain compliance with federal and state regulations, and contribute to enrollment and retention goals.  Performs all functions and activities within the guidelines and philosophy set forth in the BMCC Mission, Vision, and Strategic Plan.

Essential Functions

Develop, implement, and evaluate financial aid policies and procedures to ensure efficient and compliant operations.

Align financial aid strategies with institutional enrollment and retention goals.

Analyze data to assess the effectiveness of financial aid programs and make data-informed decisions.

Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and institutional regulations, policies, and guidelines related to financial aid.

Stay current on regulatory changes and manage the necessary adjustments in financial aid programs and processes. 

Assist in the development and implementation of the computer assisted financial aid information system, including the development of on-going reports, and responding to ad hoc requests for statistical data from administration and faculty.

Oversee audits and assessments, addressing any issues or findings promptly.

Prepare and submit state, federal and other reports in a timely manner.  Reports to include but not limited to; FISAP, Title IV Program Participation Agreement and associated updates as required by federal regulation, Application for the Waiver of Institutional-Share for Federal Work Study and Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, MOU with the Department of Defense, Department of Veterans Affairs 85/15 report, and Gainful Employment/Financial Value Transparency.

Oversee the return of Title IV funds, Title IV student repayment process, and administer the appeals process related to special circumstances.

Coordinate and manage regular assessment of student Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP). Exercise professional judgement in reviewing student appeals. Maintain accurate records of SAP appeal decisions.

Coordinate financial aid with partner institutions using OFAX. Maintain financial aid institutional aid related MOUs and agreements. Manage consortium agreements for students enrolled in multi-institution programs.

Responsible for providing information and working with auditors in matters regarding the administration and disbursement of Title IV aid.

Responsible for monitoring how College consumer-information materials are disseminated and for ensuring that the materials are disseminated in accordance with federal regulations and guidelines, including the placement of Student Right-To-Know information on the College’s web site and in hard-copy publications.

Direct and manage the processing of all financial aid applications, including federal, state, and institutional aid programs.

Oversee the verification and awarding of financial aid packages to eligible students.

Oversee the certification of veteran’s benefits.  Ensure timely and accurate reporting as required by the Department of Veterans Affairs. 

Monitor fund allocation, budget, and expenditures, ensuring funds are distributed fairly and responsibly.

Lead, train, and mentor the financial aid team to provide exceptional service and adhere to best practices.

Develop staff through ongoing training and performance feedback.

Promote a positive work environment that encourages collaboration, customer service, and continuous improvement.

Develop and implement outreach strategies to educate students and families about financial aid options and responsibilities.

Resolve complex or escalated financial aid issues to ensure a positive student experience.

Ensure clear, transparent communication with students, families, and stakeholders about financial aid policies and deadlines.

Collect, analyze, and report data on financial aid programs, identifying trends and areas for improvement.

Prepare required reports for institutional leadership, as well as federal and state agencies.

Utilize data insights to enhance financial aid operations and optimize resources.

Collaborate with departments such as Admissions, Student Accounts, and the Registrar’s Office to support seamless student services.

Work closely with various student services departments to align financial aid strategies with recruitment and retention initiatives.

Serve on committees and task forces as needed to represent financial aid.

Maintains sensitivity, understanding, and respect for a diverse academic environment, inclusive of students, faculty and staff of varying social, economic, cultural, ideological and ethnic backgrounds.

Other Aspects of this Position

Serves as or assigns appropriate staff members to be College representatives to groups, organizations, associations, and State and government agencies; serves as the liaison to local high school counselors to conduct outreach activities related to areas of responsibility.

This position is required to travel to other locations within the district and to attend meetings/trainings, valid driver’s license required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Individuals must possess the following knowledge, skills, and abilities or be able to explain and demonstrate that the individual can perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, using some other combination of skills and abilities.

Must possess a full range of effective managerial, supervisory, leadership, and organizational skills, including staffing and budgeting.

Experience with computer systems and financial-aid software, and the ability to evaluate, use, troubleshoot, and introduce new systems as needed.

Must possess excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, including an ability to convey highly complex technical data to non-technical audiences.

Must have an understanding of and an ability to convey effective, student-centered service concepts and practices to staff.

Ability to understand complex federal and state administrative and other requirements, along with the ability to design and implement systems and processes to ensure compliance.

Ability to understand and interpret detailed financial documents and spreadsheets.

Must be able to perform in a complex, dynamic, deadline-driven functional organization and to facilitate a team-centered, collaborative work environment.

Requires an understanding of and an ability to make data-driven decisions.

Demonstrated cultural competence and ability to work effectively with a diverse community and student population.

Required Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business Administration, Education, or a related field required.

Minimum of three (3) – five (5) years of experience in financial aid administration, with at least three (3) years in a leadership role.

In-depth knowledge of federal and state financial aid regulations and compliance requirements that guide the administration of both Title IV and non-Title IV financial aid including certification veterans’ education benefits.

Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a commitment to customer service.

Proficiency in financial aid management software and other relevant technologies.

Preferred Experience

Bilingual speaking and writing skills (English/Spanish).

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Exempt Tech:

This is a full-time position with excellent benefits including: Medical, dental, vision, life, accidental death & dismemberment, and long-term disability insurance; Paid holidays; Sick leave; Vacation; and Tuition waiver for employee and qualified dependents.

Pay: $71,000 - $83,000

This position is opened until filled

APPLICATION PACKETS MUST INCLUDE:

Resume,

Cover letter addressing how you meet the minimum qualifications as outlined in the position description, and

Transcripts of course work - graduate and undergraduate (if applicable) unofficial are acceptable for the application process.

Skills testing may be required for final candidate, i.e. Word, Excel, Typing. 

Please contact Human Resources (541-278-5837) if you have a special need/accommodation to aid your participation in our hiring process.

Veteran's preference points will be given provided DD214/DD215 is provided.

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain work authorization throughout the employment term. No sponsorship is available for this position.

Blue Mountain Community College is an equal opportunity educator and employer.  For complete EEO disclosure statement please go to www.bluecc.edu/EEO.

Salary : $71,000 - $83,000