Financial Aid Director - Higher Ed. jobs in Anderson, IN

Summary of Position: Under the leadership of the Chief Finance and Operations Officer (CFOO), the Executive Director of Financial Aid will oversee the day to day operations of all Financial Aid activities. The Executive Director will ensure key Financial Aid reporting obligations are met in a timely fashion, coordinate training and ensure a compliance culture at IWU. The Executive Director will ensure an effective and efficient organizational structure that serves the different student populations well.

The Executive Director of Financial Aid will stay up to date on all Federal and State regulations and communicate changes to the university community to create a culture of compliance. Through a collaborative effort, the Executive Director will work closely with the CFOO, Budget and the VP of Enrollment to create a sustainable financial aid packaging strategy and manage the IWU Marion unfunded aid budget and IWU-Marion Financial Aid Office.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Reviews and implements federal, state, and institutional policies and procedures. Stays up to date on changing governmental regulations and updates policy and procedures in accordance with new regulations
• Ensure proper completion and submission of all major reporting functions associated with ensuring Financial Aid compliance. Such include complete of needed updates to the Eligibility and Certification Approval Report (ECAR), Program Participation Agreement (PPA), annual Fiscal Operations Report and Application to Participate (FISAP), mandated state grant reporting, CCCU Reports, and other Financial Aid related reports associated with the University
• Partner with Budget to periodically review, manage, and adjust the IWU Marion unfunded aid budget according to enrollment and initiatives
• Design and implement an organizational structure that ensures optimal student service while simultaneously achieving organizational efficiencies in the financial aid function across the university
• Oversee and assist with the development and implementation of appropriate compliance training for the staff of the Financial Aid Office
• Review and research compliance questions and concerns throughout the university. Provide applicable regulatory guidance to all appropriate stakeholders
• Supervise and direct the work of Financial Aid Technology to ensure coding structures with the University Mainframe are consistent and effecting and other corresponding systems stay operationally functional between the separate Financial Aid offices
• Primary contact for external partners, including independent auditors, Department of Education, Indiana Commission of Higher Education and other entities
• Work with community partners to manage and award scholarships. Advise community partners on scholarship adjustments that impact a student’s award offer. Identify ways to streamline the institutional aid awarding process to ensure a timelier response to students and internal partners
• Work with Advancement Office to manage and administer Endowed and Annual Scholarships in a timely and accurate manner according to donor requirements
• Review and update the annual packaging formulas used to award financial aid according to federal, state and institutional policies. Maintain the Institutional Packaging Policy
• Create and maintain a culture that provides the highest level of customer service to students, families and internal and external partners
• Work closely with the Controller’s Office to accomplish annual audit objectives. Ensure that all financial aid is processed, awarded, and disbursed according to federal, state, and institutional regulations and policies
• Partner with Athletics to adhere to NAIA regulations in administering financial aid, advising on institutional eligibility and prevent over awarding
• Oversee Financial Aid office budgets to ensure that operational funds are being spent properly and remain within allotted budget
• Serve as a standing member of the Consumer Information committee, Financial Appeals committee, Off-Campus Housing committee and RISER committee

Qualifications: According to Indiana Wesleyan University employment policy all employees must possess a strong Christian commitment and adhere to the standards outlined in the IWU Community Lifestyle Statement.

Education

• Master’s degree required

Experience

• Extensive experience with Federal Title IV student aid administration in a supervisory level
• Extensive experience ensuring compliance in a realm of higher education

Required Skills

• Strong communication and relationships management skills
• Ability to provide vision, training, and supervision, and leadership
• Problem solving ability

Diversity Statement

IWU commits to create a community that reflects kingdom diversity. We will foster an intentional environment that exhibits honor, respect, and dignity. Acknowledging visible or invisible differences, our community authentically values each member’s earthly and eternal worth. We refute ignorance and isolation and embrace deliberate and courageous engagement.

LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMER

As a religious educational institution operating under the auspices of The Wesleyan Church, Indiana Wesleyan University is permitted and reserves the right to prefer employees on the basis of religion (42 U.S.C., Sections 2000e-1 and 2000e-2).

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position. Employees will be required to follow other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor in compliance with Federal and State Laws.