Description

The Associate Director of Financial Aid is responsible for leading and overseeing the operation of the Financial Aid Department in supporting students to finance their education and ensuring regulatory compliance with all Federal, State and Institutional student aid programs. The Associate Director of Financial Aid will supervise all financial aid staff and functions, including establishing appropriate policies and procedures for the efficient and accurate administration of the schools financial aid programs. This position is an excellent opportunity to join an established and growing institution in a leadership capacity.

Responsibilities

• Remain current with developments in, and serve as a resource for interpretation of statutes and regulations in relation to financial aid programs governed by federal, state and other regulatory agencies.
• Monitor federal and state financial aid regulatory environments and communicate impact, and proposed changes with the Financial Aid Department.
• Identify potential areas of compliance vulnerability and risk; develop/implement corrective action plans to manage and mitigate risk and improve compliance practices.
• Identify and analyze systematic problems, proposes solutions, and provide training to address issues.
• Identify and monitor essential metrics, reports, and key indicators to maintain compliance with federal guidelines and are consistent with best practice in the industry.
• Develop procedures and internal controls to ensure that financial aid is properly awarded to the appropriate students and reported to appropriate stakeholders in an accurate and timely manner.
• Foster a coordinated, collaborative and practical approach to administration of financial aid programs.
• Serve as a member or leader on a wide range committees and ad hoc working groups related to strategic planning, enrollment administration, budgeting, accreditation, and data integrity.
• Supervise Financial Aid Office staff by ensuring objectives and responsibilities are clearly established, monitored, reported and performed as expected.
• Regularly meet and collaborate with leadership to identify, develop and revise improvement plans as it relates to the Financial Aid Office and other departments as requested.
• Engage with members of the Financial Aid Office to effectively communicate strengths and weaknesses of the office, and create a culture that encourages excellence by celebrating success when merited.
• Guide prospective and current students throughout the financial aid process. Answer questions, inquiries and requests from students and parents.
• Exercise independent professional judgement to counsel students on financial aid packages based on individual circumstances.
• Review financial aid applications, forms and documents for completeness and accuracy. Complete verification procedures where required.
• Input and monitor the entry of information into various applications for the processing of financial aid awards, including the school’s student information systems and EdExpress.
• Procure accurate reporting of financial aid information to auditors and regulatory agencies as necessary.
• Maintain a close working relationship with and support the Admissions Department in the timely processing of student enrollments.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher
• At least 5 years of professional experience in financial aid. Preferably in a managerial or leadership role at an accredited college.
• Experience responding to regulatory issues, and the development and/or interpretation of policies, rules or regulations.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work well in a multicultural and collaborative environment.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary or cross-functional team.
• Leadership capabilities and ability to problem solve, facilitate meetings, maintain flexibility, and see projects through to completion.
• High-level of personal integrity, patience, and positive attitude.
• Has or can earn confidence and trust of leadership.