Financial Aid Manager

JOB PURPOSE:

Manages and administers financial aid programs for students, including staff and resource management, reports and program reviews, compliance with university and funding agency requirements, and student financial aid applications and counseling. Awards financial aid according to government and University regulations and guidelines. This position has supervisory responsibilities.

This position description indicates in general the nature and levels of work, knowledge, skills, and abilities. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required or assigned to this position.

JOB DUTIESRESPONSIBILITIES:

• Oversees the supervision of personnel, which includes work allocation, training, promotion, enforcement of internal procedures and controls, and problem resolution; evaluates performance and makes recommendations for personnel actions; motivates employees to achieve peak productivity and performance.
• Oversees all facets of the daily operations of the organizational unit, ensuring compliance with the University, state, and federal laws, policies, and regulations.
• Assists in developing and coordinating the technical aspects of the administration of scholarship and/or non-scholarship student financial aid programs; supervises advisors and may perform financial aid advising.
• Participates in the development, implementation, and maintenance of policies, objectives, short-and long-range planning; develops and implements projects and programs to assist in the accomplishment of established goals.
• Represents the organization at various community and/or business meetings, committees, and task forces; promote existing and new programs and/or policies.
• Participates in the development of annual operating budgets and provides fiscal direction to the unit.
• Coordinates financial aid disbursement with the Bursar and Accounts Receivable offices.
• May administer accounting, reporting, and funding levels for specific programs; may coordinate audits and program reviews.
• May coordinate public information and outreach programs and develop sources of financial aid at the state and national levels.
• Analyzes and evaluates the financial viability of students and families, and provides advice and counsel regarding available financial aid opportunities, eligibility requirements, and the application process.
• Collects and/or analyzes financial data on students to determine aid eligibility and make awards within federal, donor, and/or institutional guidelines.
• Responds to inquiries and research and resolves problems related to transactions handled by the department; serves as liaison with other constituencies in the resolution of day-to-day administrative and operational issues.
• Oversees the collection, management, and reporting of data under federal, state, and university guidelines; participates in the development and implementation of data management systems and procedures, as appropriate.
• Maintains database of financial aid, files, runs queries, and provides reports.
• Ensures strict confidentiality of financial records per FERPA.
• Conducts orientation and workshops on student financial aid.
• Maintains and provides information in the catalog, student handbook, and other publications on Student Academic Progress and Financial Aid eligibility requirements.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Supervises, guides, and leads personnel which typically includes recommendations for hiring, firing, performance evaluation, training, work allocation, and problem resolution.
• Host regular staff meetings to ensure communication among personnel regarding departmental activities.
• Oversees the daily operations of the financial aid office.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, or related field.
• Three years of financial aid counseling and accounting experience.
• One year of supervisory experience.

The Navajo Nation Preference in Employment Act applies to all hiring, promotions, or transfers of individuals into this position.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL, AND ABILITY REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to supervise and train employees, including organizing, prioritizing, and scheduling
• Ability to foster a cooperative work environment.
• Ability to lead and guide the work of others.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
• Skill in examining and re-engineering operations and procedures, formulating policy, and developing and implementing new strategies and procedures.
• Ability to develop, plan, and implement short- and long-range goals.
• Knowledge of accounting procedures and financial systems.
• Knowledge of financial aid policies, procedures, and eligibility requirements.
• Knowledge of government, donor, and/or institutional rules, regulations, guidelines, and procedures for awarding financial aid.
• Knowledge of and skill in automated processing.
• Must have excellent Customer Service skills.
• Records maintenance skills.
• Database management skills.
• Skill in operating business computers, phone systems, and office machines, including in a Windows environment, specifically Word, Excel, Access, and presentation software (such as PowerPoint).
• Ability to process computer data and format and generate reports.
• Ability to make administrative/procedural decisions and judgments.
• Ability to meet strict timelines.
• Ability to establish and maintain professional relationships with individuals of varying social and cultural backgrounds and with co-workers at all levels.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Ability to carry out instructions furnished in verbal or written format.
• Ability to communicate effectively in the Navajo and English language.
• Ability to work as a team member in a structured working environment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• No or very limited physical effort is required.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be required to sit for prolonged periods, walk and stand.
• Use hands for the dexterity of motion and repetitive movement of both hands.
• Have normal auditory, and visual acuity, and verbal communications skills.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Work is generally performed in an office setting with normal noise levels.
• Tight time constraints and multiple demands are common.
• Evening and/or weekend work may be required. Extended hours and irregular shifts may be required.