Assistant Director of Financial Aid

Assistant Director of Financial Aid

Position Summary:   
Plan, organize, and supervise the Financial Aid department to administer federal, state, and institutional financial aid funds and services. Perform standard financial aid duties such as needs analysis, verification, loan processing, and satisfactory academic progress monitoring. 
 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Supervise personnel in accordance with college policies and applicable laws, to include: interview, hire, and train employees; plan, assign, and direct work; reward and discipline employees or make such recommendations to the appropriate manager; address complaints and resolve problems. 
• Lead staff meetings, share information as appropriate, promote the development of ideas for improved service and efficiency, and encourage teamwork. 
• Develop, implement, and revise policies and procedures to ensure compliance with federal and state laws, regulations, and college policies related to financial aid and scholarships. 
• Coordinate and manage all financial aid programs, ensuring compliance with all federal, state, and institutional financial aid regulations, policies, and procedures. 
• Monitor, approve, and/or revise all financial aid packaging for all qualified applicants in accordance with federal, state, institutional, and other policies and procedures. 
• Oversee the Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) and Return of Title IV Funds processes. Oversee coordination of student loan processing between students, the federal government, and the institution. Oversee Title IV refunds and repayments, including U.S. Department of  Education and National Student Loan Data System notifications. 
• Work with the Comptroller and the Business Office to ensure accurate and timely exchange of information and awards between school information systems. Oversee the reconciliation process. 
• Administer the appeals process related to SAP and Special Circumstances. Establish an appeals committee and appeal guidelines. Train the appeals committee and ensure they follow procedural and regulatory requirements. Notify students of appeal outcomes and counsel students on available options.  
• Develop, modify, implement, and maintain the application intake and tracking process for proper documentation of all awards for audit trail. Maintain fund control records in accordance with funding level limitations. Complete federal, state, and institutional reports, including applications for federal funding and reports on the expenditures of funds allocated, such as the FISAP. Coordinate internal reconciliation efforts and report to reviewing entities, such as auditors, program reviewers, and accreditation teams.  
• Develop and conduct financial aid presentations and participate in outreach activities, such as New Student Outreach, High School Outreach, financial aid workshops, etc.  
• Develop, design, revise, and update all publications (website, college catalog, and other media) relating to financial aid, such as financial aid applications, forms used for tracking applications, correspondence forms, and brochures. Provide training and materials to 
  College staff regarding the financial aid process.  
• Facilitate coordination and communication between respective college departments as they relate to the Financial Aid Office’s role in creating a positive educational experience for students. Integrate efforts to maximize Financial Aid’s role in recruiting and retention.  
• Counsel and advise students and parents regarding financial needs and problems, and recommend financial aid opportunities, academic progress, eligibility, and procedures.  
• Maintain, research, and submit information regarding the budget as needed.  
• Approve payroll work authorizations for all department staff. Recommend individuals for hire to the Dean of Student Services and Human Resources.  
• Maintain current knowledge of college financial aid policies, procedures, and programs.  
• Attend trainings/conferences as necessary to keep knowledge current. 
• Maintain regular and reliable attendance. 
• Perform other duties as assigned. 

 
Skills/Competencies/Qualifications: 

Bachelor degree and four years of related experience required; or any satisfactory combination of experience and training which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the above duties. Broad knowledge of federal financial aid programs and recordkeeping requirements. Knowledge of higher education processes, supervisory and personnel practices, communication techniques, and computer software. General knowledge of accounting practices, data processing, and computer applications. Able to communicate effectively verbally and in writing. Able to work independently to meet deadlines. Master degree preferred; 5 years of financial aid experience; previous supervisory experience. 

Classification:  Exempt 

Work Hours:  Forty per week but may vary daily, and some evening and weekend hours may be required. 

Travel:  May be necessary to attend monthly Board of Education meetings, workshops, and conferences/trainings as requested. 
 

Working Environment:  Interior/Office