Associate Financial Aid Director jobs in Des Moines, IA

Grand View University aspires to serve a diverse community of learners- students, faculty, and staff- in an inclusive and equitable environment with the goal of empowering all to achieve their fullest potential. Our objective is to sustain a campus environment that is free from the power imbalances and institutional biases that contribute to systems of oppression, while preparing our students to stand against those inequities when they leave Grand View.

Grand View University is dedicated to the goal of an inclusive campus where people of diverse identities feel welcomed and empowered to shape our culture and processes. At Grand View University we view diversity through the collective or group and we welcome and affirm the thoughts and experiences each distinct member brings to our community of learners.

To learn more about Grand View’s commitment to diversity, and to read our entire Diversity Statement, click on this link: https://www.grandview.edu/about/diversity

General Purpose of Job:

Provide strategic leadership for the University as well as the staff of the Financial Aid team regarding best in practice financial aid planning and services in a customer-focused environment. Specific responsibilities include supervision of staff; coordination of application processing and packaging; development of an equitable and effective packaging philosophy designed to provide access to Grand View as part of recruitment and retention; development of institutional financial aid budget and individual scholarship budgets; and preparation and analysis of financial aid data.

Essential Functions of Job:

• Provide leadership to the financial aid staff in the administration of financial aid in a customer-focused environment.

• Supervise financial aid staff.

• Prepare and submit required reports on financial aid, including the annual fiscal operations report to the Department of Education.

• Administer and maintain compliance with federal, state, and institutional aid programs according to guidelines established by the Department of Education, the Iowa College Student Aid Commission, and institutional policies and guidelines.

• Develop and manage the Financial Aid departmental budget.

• In coordination with the Vice President for Enrollment Management, develop and manage the budget for institutional aid provided to students in line with institutional goals, policies, and strategic initiatives.

• Train other departments on financial aid policy and processes as needed.

• In coordination with the Admissions Office, GV Complete Program and Viking Central, counsel students and parents regarding the eligibility and availability of financial assistance.

• Perform the necessary follow-up on problem files, student/families requesting special circumstances, etc.

• Develop an institutional packaging philosophy that supports the enrollment management goals of the university.

• Manage the Tuition Exchange, ELCA, and Council of Independent Colleges tuition exchange programs.

• Review and interpret notices from the Department of Education regarding program changes. Develop policies and procedures for the implementation and administration of these changes.

• Act as interpreter to the students, faculty, and administration in reference to local, state, and national developments in financial aid policy and the potential impact on Grand View or its students.

• Maintain proficiency in the field through participation in local, regional, and national financial aid conferences and training, including maintaining active membership in local, regional, and national financial aid organizations.

Qualifications and Requirements:

• BA/BS Degree. Master’s degree Preferred.

• 6-8 years of progressive work experience in financial aid strongly preferred.

• Extensive knowledge of both federal and state financial aid policies and regulations.

• Ability to think strategically about college affordability and impact of institutional aid regarding discount rate and net tuition revenue.

• Knowledge of institutional aid and the policies that govern it.

• Ability to communicate effectively with students, parents, colleagues, and outside agencies.

• Ability to effectively lead and manage employees.

• Skills that are analytical and detail oriented.

• Knowledge and understanding of data management and processing systems.

• The ability to maintain confidentiality is a must.

Working Conditions:

All applicants must apply through our online application system.

Grand View University is an equal opportunity employer. The University has a strong commitment to the principles of diversity and, in that spirit, seeks a broad spectrum of candidates, including women, members of minority groups, and people with disabilities.

A pre-employment background check is required.