Director of Financial Operations

Job Summary

Dominican University of California seeks a highly skilled and experienced Director of Financial Aid to lead its Financial Aid department. The successful candidate will oversee the daily operations of the department, ensuring high-quality customer service and adherence to state and federal regulatory standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Administer, control, report on, and coordinate federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs.
• Develop, implement, and revise policies and procedures to ensure compliance with federal, state, agency, and university rules and regulations.
• Maintain and update office policy, procedures, and standards.
• Create, review, and submit reports for compliance and financial aid program assessment.
• Manage and oversee the quality and integrity of student financial aid and scholarship services.
• Oversee system integrations with the federal and state financial aid processing systems.

Strategic Collaboration and Planning

• Collaborate with EM staff and other offices in strategic and operational planning to achieve institutional enrollment goals.
• Advise the AVP and VP of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management (VPSAEM) on trends and developments in financial aid.
• Perform policy and data analysis, decision support, and predictive modeling related to financial aid leveraging and enrollment management.
• Develop and maintain fiscal controls and proper record-keeping.
• Plan and execute strategic financial aid and enrollment projects as the AVP and VPSAEM require.
• Establish a strategic plan for the continued progression and improvement of the financial aid department.
• Serve as a liaison to other university departments, including Admission, the Bursar's Office, the Registrar, Student Affairs, and Human Resources, in support of enrollment projects.
• Represent the AVP as needed. Other duties as assigned in support of the distinctive mission of the University.
• Participate in various campus committees for university initiatives.

Financial Aid Program Management and Outreach

• Process financial aid awards, utilizing federal needs analysis calculations and resolving complex funding issues.
• Oversee the coordination of campus student employment (work-study).
• Manage and troubleshoot the Federal Loan Program phases, including origination, disbursement, and reconciliation.
• Collaborate across campus to increase financial literacy and help maintain students' eligibility for financial assistance through education programs.
• Visit high local/regional schools and participate in outreach programs to inform prospective students and families about financial aid.
• Monitor financial aid satisfactory academic progress and program pursuit processes and eligibility adherence.

Supervision and Training

• Supervise professional and clerical staff, determining work priorities, delegating tasks, and evaluating staff work efforts.
• Develop training and collaborate with staff to enhance their comprehension of financial aid programs and associated rules and regulations.
• Provide leadership and mentorship to developing direct reports.

Student Support and Communication

• Manage student satisfaction through quality customer service in financial aid administration.
• Counsel students and parents on financial eligibility using professional judgment.
• Present financial aid educational training to local high schools and various organizations and venues, locally and nationally.
• Create and maintain effective communication plans with key college offices and external agencies.
• Collaborate and manage effective communication deployment, including social media, website, E-mails, and print material.

General Guidelines

• Establishes and improves delivery of financial aid programs (federal, state, university, and private), policies, procedures, practices, office services, and workflows.
• Provides and models outstanding customer service to internal and external constituents and stakeholders in all aspects of financial aid.
• Develops and recommends initiatives and implements changes to improve quality and services.
• Identifies and determines causes of problems; develops and presents recommendations for improvement of established processes and practices.
• Maximizes productivity through appropriate tools, planned training, and performance initiatives.
• Researches and develops resources that create timely and efficient workflow.
• Prepares progress reports, informs supervisor of project status and deviation from goals, and ensures completeness, accuracy, and timeliness of all operational functions.
• Prepares and submits reports as requested and required by law.
• Develops and implements guidelines to support the functions of the unit.

Required Qualifications

• This position requires effectively establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships within a diverse, multicultural environment.
• Employee cannot be in default of Title IV loans.

Knowledge

• Demonstrated knowledge of financial aid policies, procedures, eligibility requirements, applicable federal and state regulations, and/or experience working in a highly regulated financial industry.
• PC proficiency is required, including experience with database management. Knowledge of Microsoft Office, spreadsheets, and Google Mail applications is preferred.
• Individuals with knowledge of the CSS IM calculation are especially encouraged to apply.
• Knowledge and experience with student information systems (Colleague preferred) and data processing.
• Knowledge of data management and optimization principles.
• Understanding of tuition leveraging strategies and execution priorities.
• Knowledge of change and performance management.

Skills

• Exceptional organizational skills, strong interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently and effectively with changing priorities in a high-stress, fast-paced environment are required.
• Must have excellent and effective communication skills and the ability to resolve a wide range of issues from inquiring students, parents, and other staff.
• Strong computer skills and other related equipment are required.
• Knowledge of regulatory compliance principles and practices.
• Knowledge of administrative procedures and practices.
• Skill in people leadership and supervision.
• Skill in independent decision-making.
• Skill in positive, productive, and flexible customer service.
• Skill in budget/resource management.
• Strong skills in using Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Colleague, and other systems and software.

Abilities

• Ability to develop and maintain effective and positive working relationships.
• Ability to apply analytical and critical thinking skills, draw conclusions, and prepare accurate reports or results.
• Must be able to work effectively with changing priorities in a high-stress, fast-paced environment, and a demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks.
• Ability to interpret complex institutional, state, and federal regulations; exercise independent judgment in making decisions.
• Must be able to work effectively with faculty, staff, students, and parents from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to manage confidential information.
• Understanding and supporting traditional and professional adult students and their families with a commitment to the fundamental values of service to others, community, and diversity.

Education and/or Experience

• Master's degree preferred; bachelor's degree required.
• Minimum of six (6) years of financial aid management experience demonstrating increasing responsibility.
• At least three (3) years of primary responsibility for FISAP and other regulatory compliance reporting.
• Minimum five (5) years of multi-tiered staff supervision in a service environment.
• Demonstrated experience working in financial aid or a highly regulated industry/environment.
• Demonstrated experience with independently coordinating long-term projects from implementation to completion.

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