Job Details
Level
Experienced
Job Location
Howell Campus - Howell, MI
Position Type
Full Time
Education Level
4 Year Degree
Description
Director of Financial Aid
General Description
The Director of Financial Aid is responsible for directing financial aid
strategies that are consistent with the student success objectives of the
University, within the framework of federal and state regulations. The
Director will report to the SVP of Enrollment Management. The Director will
administer financial aid, financial literacy, and student employment programs
that support and partner with the enrollment management team in the
recruitment and retention of students through appropriate awarding strategies.
The Director will establish and maintain a service-oriented financial aid team
that is committed to creating an excellent student experience. The Director
will also ensure accurate and secure student financial data, providing timely
information to students and families, serve as a compliance officer for Title
IV federal aid and state regulations and provide demonstrated leadership in
the use of new and existing technology.
Specific Responsibilities
Ensure the integrity and regulatory compliance of all federal and state
financial aid programs.
Develop and implement policies and procedures for financial aid which
support the mission and goals of the institution.
Design and implement quality control systems to continuously test that the
office is complying with federal, state and local regulations and all
policies and procedures while delivering student-centered services.
Oversee functions related to fund management, packaging, awarding,
delivery, return of funds, communications (including the Financial Aid
website), and financial aid advising.
Manage the daily operations and supervision of financial aid staff, and
ensure staff training and performance feedback.
Develop, implement and maintain a proactive and inclusive student-centered
customer service approach for the delivery of financial aid services to
all student populations at multiple locations; this includes delivering
quality customer services to external as well as all internal constituents
in a professional, helpful and courteous manner.
Monitor record maintenance and coordinate training needed for staff to
maintain high levels of competency in all financial aid processes.
Responsible for all federal, state and institutional student aid
reporting, including FISAP , Program Participation Agreement, and
communicating with federal regulatory and agency staff.
Assist with audit preparation and provide information to the auditors as
requested.
Stay informed and current regarding regulatory changes, internal and
external process updates, best practices in financial aid delivery to
impact enrollment and student success, and execute appropriate action
plans.
Adhere to FERPA regulations as they pertain to maintaining the security
and confidentiality of all student records, as well as maintain the
confidentiality of other documents.
Provide requested information and reports regarding financial aid to
management and other internal and external constituencies with accuracy
and on schedule.
Develop and manage the financial aid department budget and perform
periodic cost and productivity analyses.
Maintain sensitivity, understanding and respect for a diverse academic
environment, inclusive of students, faculty, and staff and external
constituents of varying social, economic, cultural, ideological, and
ethnic backgrounds.
Perform assigned duties in a manner consistent with the mission, goals and
core values of the University and demonstrate commitment and enthusiasm as
a leader to inspire the next stages of the financial aid vision and
strategies.
Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree required. Any and all degree(s) must be from an
accredited institution of higher learning.
At least three (3) years of previous management experience within
financial aid required.
Five (5) or more years of progressively responsible experience in a
supervisory role in a student-centered, service-oriented financial aid
office required.
Proven knowledge of Title IV federal financial aid regulations, state
grant financial aid regulations and federal financial needs analysis
required.
Experience with enterprise-wide information systems database required such
as Common Origination and Disbursement (COD) and NSLDS. Must be
comfortable navigating the database and also designing processes, data
queries, and maintaining system integrity.
Extensive knowledge of computer based financial aid packaging and
reporting systems required. A history of streamlining processes using
automation and self-service is required.
Strong analytical skills required. Must possess the ability to engage in
data analysis, strategic projections and to incorporate financial aid
leveraging and other strategies to impact the overall enrollment
management and student success goals of the University required.
Student outreach experience and the ability to communicate with a diverse
group of students and parents and other internal and external constituents
regarding financial aid is required, as is a demonstrated ability to
establish and maintain effective working relationships across departments
and with all constituent groups.
Computer proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and the Internet required.
Demonstrated ability to create and manage spreadsheets and databases and
to utilize data to make informed decisions required.
Must have the ability to research regulations and to connect with a
professional network.
Demonstrated evidence of strong leadership and management skills required.
Must possess the ability to keep staff motivated and working at optimum
levels, especially at peak times, and establish a customer service-focused
culture, balanced with accurate processing.
Must possess strong organizational skills and be detail oriented with an
emphasis on excellence in student service.
Excellent communication (oral and written) via all media (phone, face
to face, email, text, and live chat) required to effectively interact
with students, the general public, University staff and faculty required.
Preferred Qualifications
Master's degree preferred.
Salesforce / SONIS / Jenzabar strongly preferred.
