What are the responsibilities and job description for the Associate Director of Financial Aid position at Christopher Newport University?
Position Information
Working Title
Associate Director of Financial Aid
Position Number
FA182
FLSA
Exempt
Appointment Type
Full Time
Sensitive Position
No
Sensitive Position Statement
A sensitive position requires a fingerprint-based criminal history check.
This is NOT a sensitive position.
This is NOT a sensitive position.
Campus Security Authority
No
Campus Security Authority Statement
This position is NOT designated as a Campus Security Authority. A Campus Security Authority (or CSA) is defined as an “official of the institution with significant responsibility for student and campus activities.” A CSA is required to immediately report any crime that is reported to them to the University Police who will then review, evaluate, and investigate the reported crime. Annual training is required by the Department of Education for all personnel who have been designated as a Campus Security Authority.
Designated Personnel
Yes
Designated Personnel Statement
This position is a “designated position” meaning this position could potentially be required to work (depending on the event) during an emergency closing.
Statement of Economic Interest
No
Statement of Economic Interest Statement
This position does NOT require a Statement of Personal Economic Interest.
Restricted Position
No
Restricted Position Statement
A restricted position would be subject to availability of funding.
This is NOT a restricted position.
This is NOT a restricted position.
Chief Objective of Position
The Associate Director routinely participates with the Director of Financial Aid and Scholarships in regular planning and decision making for the Office of Financial Aid. In the absence of the Director, the Associate Director performs the duties of the Director. The Associate Director is responsible for the administration and oversight of over $10M in scholarship programs including but not limited to Christopher Newport University (CNU) institutional, CNU Educational Foundation, and external scholarships. The Associate Director leads, supervises, and manages assigned administrative professional, classified, or hourly staff.
Work Tasks
Christopher Newport University Education Foundation (CNUEF) Scholarships
- Responsible for the administration of CNU’s Education Foundation (CNUEF) scholarships (excluding scholarship development and fundraising), to include identifying potential recipients while complying with donor intent, awarding and notifying scholarship recipients, and conducting eligibility checks
- Works closely with University Advancement in determining which scholarship funds are available to award, scholarship eligibility criteria, donor intent of awards, and sharing scholarship recipient information
- Reviews data for all CNU students to identify potential scholarship recipients based on scholarship criteria annually; data may include major, enrollment status, financial need, academic standing, and other individual attributes
- Selects recipients for CNUEF scholarships selected by the Office of Financial Aid according to student attributes and scholarship eligibility criteria
- Acts as liaison with other departments, making scholarship nominations to communicate scholarship eligibility criteria and funding availability and coordinates awards for recipients selected by other departments.
- Ensures that scholarship recipients are meeting and maintaining eligibility criteria.
- Submits check requests to the Foundation Office and reconciles the disbursement of funds with the Foundation and Business Office as needed
- Fulfills applicable reporting requirements for scholarships, ensuring that donor intent has been met.
Other Institutional Scholarships (ex. President’s Leadership Program, Honors Program)
- Monitors incoming recipients of merit scholarships awarded by the Office of Admission and posts scholarship to financial aid package
- Reviews continuing students’ eligibility for renewable CNU merit scholarships at the end of each term
- Corresponds with students and the applicable programs each semester when a loss of scholarship occurs
- Works in collaboration with the President’s Leadership and Honors Programs to ensure that scholarships are updated accordingly when students depart the program for which they receive a scholarship
- Reviews and leverages available funding sources for the President’s Leadership Program and Honors scholarships, including determining where the funding source may be adjusted
- Works in collaboration with the Office of Study Abroad to award and manage the University’s Study Abroad Travel Scholarships.
- Responsible for reviewing Study Abroad Scholarship applications for student eligibility and posting awards for fall, spring, and summer study abroad trips.
- Ensures that funds allocated for study abroad travel are awarded and disbursed prior to the end of each fiscal year.
External Scholarships
- Oversees the addition of private scholarships to students’ financial aid packages, including the creation of scholarship fund codes in the student information system, packaging, and disbursement
- Coordinates with the Office of Student Accounts to disburse external scholarship funds, including, but not limited to, private scholarships and scholarships or other funding from other state and federal agencies (ROTC, National Guard, National Science Foundation, Virginia Department of Education, Virginia Department of the Blind and Vision Impaired, etc.)
- Actively researches and disseminates information on private scholarships available to CNU students.
Leadership
- Participates in the formulation, implementation, and assessment of financial aid and enrollment strategies.
- Resolves and/or assists in the resolution of problems and/or complaints and initiates corrective action as appropriate for assigned staff.
- Responsible for staffing, hiring, coaching, discipline, performance standards, staff evaluation, and staff development for assigned direct reports.
- Evaluates business process analysis so as to continuously increase and improve operational efficiency and accuracy.
Financial Aid Advising, Processing, and Outreach
- In conjunction with the Director, exercises professional judgment when appropriate, as described by federal regulations.
- May assist in the review and processing of exceptions to regulatory definitions of dependent/independent student status, modification of financial need through adjustments to information reported on the FAFSA or to the student COA, and appeals for failure to meet or maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress standards.
- Manages a caseload of students, including but not limited to, special student populations (ex. Community Captains), reviews student applications for accuracy, determines financial need, and awards aid in accordance with applicable federal, state, and institutional policies and regulations.
- Provides outstanding customer service while demonstrating patience and understanding for students and families seeking and/or receiving financial aid.
- Advises students about financial aid eligibility; application procedures; available financial aid programs; educational costs; and financial management strategies, including loans, financing options, and other financial-aid related matters.
- Calculates student award packages utilizing various software programs and federal, state and university resources, including gift aid and self-help aid; maintains compliance with federal and state regulations and the internal policies and procedures of the university, and monitors and verifies information with required documents.
- Performs financial aid outreach presentations and workshops within the local community to include but not limited to local public high schools.
- Holds FAFSA workshops within the community to assist families with completing the application process for federal student aid.
- Performs financial aid and financial literacy presentations on campus.
Other
- Accomplishes other tasks and projects as requested by the Director, AVP, VP ESSIE.
- Develops and maintains very positive and professional customer service and/or relations within the office/department and with all constituencies to include students, faculty, staff, guests, and employees.
- Demonstrates a positive and professional attitude and treats everyone with dignity and respect.
- Fully supports the “Student’s First” value at CNU and routinely goes the extra mile in providing service.
- Follow workplace safety regulations and adhere to applicable standards, processes, and programs established for your position.
- Report unsafe work conditions to your supervisor.
- Immediately report work-related incidents to your supervisor and participate in accident investigation requests.
- Promote a safe and healthy work environment by ensuring the implementation of safety regulations and applicable standards, processes, and programs established for employees under your supervision.
- Ensure employees under your supervision are trained in safety standards and procedures for their positions.
- Report work-related incidents within 24 hours according to the procedures established by the university, state and federal guidelines.
- This position is designated as a “responsible employee” who has the authority to redress sexual violence, who has the duty to report incidents of sexual violence or other student misconduct, or who a student could reasonably believe has this authority or duty.
- Assumes other duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities (KSA's) related to position
- The ability to develop and present student programming.
- The ability to present information in a public setting.
- The ability to manage, lead, and to communicate effectively.
- The ability to develop rapport; provide support; train; coach; promote change; and manage conflict.
- The ability to set work priorities, manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced, hands-on environment while meeting deadlines.
- The ability to partner with others across the University and externally to exchange information, collaborate on projects, share resources, etc.
- Knowledge of and ability to interpret federal, state, and institutional financial aid rules and regulations.
Required Education
Master’s degree; or Bachelor’s degree and experience that equates to an advanced degree.
Additional Consideration - Education
Master’s degree in Higher Education, Leadership, Public Administration and Policy, College Student Personnel, or related field.
Experience Required
- Experience in interpreting federal financial aid rules and regulations.
- Experience building, conducting, and managing outreach activities.
- Experience processing financial aid requests and reviewing eligibility determinations.
- Experience with financial aid software and websites, such as COD, FSA, NSLDS, etc.
- Experience in dealing with complex situations and diffusing customer conflict.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Data analysis experience.
Additional Consideration - Experience
- Experience in enrollment and student services functional area(s).
- Prior supervisory experience.
- Financial Aid compliance and training experience.
- Experience in an environment with responsibility for the management of fiscal programs.
- Experience with student program development.
- Experience with Banner or another student information system.
- Experience with SQL*, Toad, SQL Developer, or an equivalent application.
- Computer proficiency with Microsoft Office suite.
- Experience working at a four-year liberal arts institution.
- Experience with program management.
Salary Information
Starting at $65,340, Commensurate with Education and Experience
CNU Information
Christopher Newport University is anchored in excellence, and that is reflected in our ranking as the #1 regional public university in Virginia and #3 among regional public universities in the South. We are an inclusive and kind community, founded on our shared values of honor, scholarship, service and leadership. We offer an outstanding liberal arts education provided by dedicated, gifted teacher-scholars who are supported by a compassionate team of faculty and staff. Our 4,500 undergraduate and graduate students pursue more than 90 areas of study, as they live and learn on a largely residential campus. CNU’s on-campus performing and visual arts centers offer Broadway shows, world-class performances, engaging exhibitions, transformative lectures and classes, and more. Our athletics program is the winningest at any level in Virginia.
Christopher Newport University is in the heart of Newport News, a vibrant city with breathtaking scenery and unique experiences. The city and region offer affordable neighborhoods, local and name-brand shops, diverse dining options, local parks and water access, and fun recreational opportunities. Whatever your interests and goals, you belong at CNU! For further details and information about Christopher Newport, visit cnu.edu.
Christopher Newport University is in the heart of Newport News, a vibrant city with breathtaking scenery and unique experiences. The city and region offer affordable neighborhoods, local and name-brand shops, diverse dining options, local parks and water access, and fun recreational opportunities. Whatever your interests and goals, you belong at CNU! For further details and information about Christopher Newport, visit cnu.edu.
Is this position telework eligible?
Yes
Telework Eligibility Disclaimer
This position is eligible for periodic telework as determined by the department. Eligibility is not guaranteed, and is subject to supervisor approval. Eligibility will depend on the likelihood of the employee’s success in a telework arrangement and the supervisor’s ability to manage telework. Departments and/or Human Resources may modify or revoke eligibility at any time. Employees will be required to sign a Telework Agreement.
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number
AP399P
Number of Vacancies
1
Posting Date
04/24/2025
Review Begin Date
05/15/2025
Application Instructions
Interested parties are requested to submit a cover letter; current resume; and the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of at least three professional references at the time of application.
This position will be posted until filled, however for priority consideration, please apply by May 15th, 2025.
Search finalists are required to complete a CNU sponsored background check.
Christopher Newport University (CNU) will make a reasonable effort to accommodate persons with disabilities in the application and/or interview process. Persons with disabilities who require accommodation should contact the CNU Human Resources Office by calling (757) 594-7145.
This position will be posted until filled, however for priority consideration, please apply by May 15th, 2025.
Search finalists are required to complete a CNU sponsored background check.
Christopher Newport University (CNU) will make a reasonable effort to accommodate persons with disabilities in the application and/or interview process. Persons with disabilities who require accommodation should contact the CNU Human Resources Office by calling (757) 594-7145.
Quick Link for Internal Postings
https://jobs.cnu.edu/postings/19116
EEO/Diversity Statement(s)
Christopher Newport University, an EO Employer, is fully Committed to Access and Opportunity.
Notice of Non-Discrimination & Title IX Policy Statement
Salary : $65,340
