Director of Financial Aid

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Financial Aid Director is responsible for managing daily functions of the Financial Aid Office and the administration of financial aid programs consistent with the institution's Financial Aid department policies & procedures, Federal Student Aid, State and VA regulations for awarding student aid, and apply to the management of day-to-day processing. This position must adhere to the mission, values and ethics of the institution. This position has a dotted line reporting responsibility to the Vice President of Administration.  

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manages and coordinates the delivery of financial aid services for the campus; recommends policies and procedures and coordinates logistics and workflow to ensure the effective delivery of services. Supervises the financial aid office staff.
• Effectively manage and process all student funding approval and disbursements; T4 funding and approval coordinated with 3rd Party Servicer and all non-T4 funding coordinated with Business Office Manager. 
• Oversee and manage the daily processing and scheduling of funding for all students.
• Effectively manage Financial Aid team; responsible for technical and customer focused training of the team members, to ensure compliant delivery of financial processing for prospective and enrolled students.
• Ensure that the processing of all financial aid programs is in compliance with federal regulations, accreditation, state and/or Veteran Education Benefits requirements.
• Prepare and assist with all FSA, financial and regulatory audits. 
• Ensure that new applicant processing is efficient, communicative and that applicants are kept engaged throughout the process. Work closely with the Director of Admission and team.
• Provide regular reports on the daily operations and status of the department's processing, awarding and appointments.
• Maintain only approved forms and ensure policies are current; make recommendations for changes as needed. 
• Maintain consistent processing, awarding and distribution of funds to eligible students in a timely, accurate, and equitable manner. 
• Conduct regular file reviews and audit of financial aid files to ensure accuracy and compliance with standardized procedures, annual allocations, and current regulations. Ensure FERPA policy is being followed consistently, and to ensure low audit findings.
• Meet with staff in regular one-to-one sessions; provide feedback and assist with professional development. Conduct annual performance review in conjunction with Campus President, as needed.
• Oversees integrity for campus data entered and processed in the financial aid management database, including updating and verifying student information and assuring accuracy of data and student records. 
• Work close with Campus Ivy team to ensure consistent, efficient and compliant financial aid awarding and disbursement.
• Maintains relevant knowledge of student financial aid regulations for processing and compliance, student reporting requirements, and industry changes. Update team as needed with updated from FSA and other regulatory bodies.
• Ensure that all staff is focused delivering a high level of customer satisfaction; participate in all financial aid training, meetings and events as assigned.
• Counsel students and parents regarding the availability of aid, application procedures, campus policies, Federal and State regulations, the process of needs analysis, eligibility and necessary documentation. 
• Provides assistance to external customers, such as Veterans Education, Florida agencies, etc. Serves as an authoritative resource for the campus and represents the financial aid office in campus leadership team and committee meetings. 
• Work closely with academic, business office, registrar, and student services teams, to ensure customer focused and efficient processing for prospective, enrolling, and current students.
• All other duties as assigned.

Requirements

SKILLS/COMPETENTENCIES/QUALIFIATIONS:

• Must possess excellent customer service, communication, organizational and interpersonal skills
• Must be a team player, possess a strong work ethic and be able to coordinate multiple tasks while meeting required deadlines
• Ability to successfully lead, collaborate and manage a team
• Must be capable of working independently as well as with others in a team environment
• Proficient with basic office equipment, computers and computer applications including Microsoft Office Suite.
• Must possess strong time management skills and ability to work well under pressure.
• Able to multitask, prioritize, show extreme resourcefulness and problem-solving skills.
• Knowledge of Federal Student Aid programs and guidelines, knowledge of Veteran Benefit program preferred.
• Ability to work effectively with a diverse student population.
• Demonstrated skills in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with students, staff, faculty, and the public.
• Possesses excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage sensitive, confidential issues.
• Not in default on any student loans, has ability to obtain Federal Student Aid token
• Ability to work a flexible schedule which may include holidays, evenings, and weekends 
• Ability travel to and assist other campus location(s) as needed
• Performs other duties as assigned

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• College degree in appropriate field preferred
• Four to five years progressively responsible financial aid experience, including working knowledge in using a Financial Aid Management system for electronic processing.
• Demonstrated in-depth knowledge of financial aid regulations and related laws, and ability to make independent judgments and decisions. 
• Must be student-focused individual with a passion for education.
• Willingness to work hours in excess of a typical work week when necessary.
• Working knowledge of Campus Nexus and/or Campus Ivy Core systems preferred