Director of Financial Aid

The Director of Financial Aid is responsible for the management and administration of the student Financial Aid Office and its functions, including but not limited to accounting operations, budget preparation, preparation of Federal, state and district reports, maintenance of Federal fund budgetary controls and regulatory compliance, and the delivery of funds and services to students. The Director maintains compliance with all federal, state and local regulations governing student aid programs.

Essential Job Responsibilities:

• Directs and coordinates the delivery of student financial aid and the maintenance of student financial aid records.
• Recommends, interprets, administers and updates financial aid policies ensuring compliance with pertinent federal, state and local laws and contractual regulations.
• Oversees the institutions Program Participation Agreement (PPA), including updates and recertifications, the SAIG mailbox, Scholartrack and prepares various surveys, waivers and grants. 
• Ensures proper and compliant awarding and disbursement of federal, state and institutional student financial aid according to regulations. 
• Works closely with the VP for Enrollment Management, the President and CFO regarding available funds from student financial aid sources. 
• Ensures all federal/state and institutional processes are being performed efficiently, accurately and timely. 
• Coordinates financial aid operations with other appropriate college offices, including Admissions and Student Accounts. 
• Directs, trains, supervises and evaluates financial aid office staff and appropriate college offices regarding policies and updates to regulations. 
• Assist Admissions with achieving enrollment goals. 
• Researches, analyzes, develops and recommends departmental processes and procedures to increase/improve operational efficiency and to ensure proper controls and regulatory compliance.
• Oversees all program reviews and audits.
• Assist in the preparation of the annual FISAP, various surveys, waivers and grants.  In addition, coordinates with the Institutional Researcher to complete financial aid portion of IPEDS.
• Monitor and maintain financial aid page on the SMWC website. 
• Monitor and maintain the Financial Aid Policy & Procedure Manual.
• Develops, updates and presents financial aid information with brochures, literature, and workshops directed toward students, parents and community groups.
• Coordinates the development, implementation and maintenance of automated financial aid systems with the college IT staff and regulatory and guarantee agencies (Populi/Regent).
• Participates on college committees as required or assigned.
• Manages the student loan collection activities; and in collaboration with the Business Office, develops and directs a loan default prevention program.
• Ability to address and present information regarding financial aid, the College and its operation. 
• Other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required; master’s preferred.
• Must have 5-7 years of financial aid and supervision experience.
• Knowledge of Federal, local, and state programs that provide financial assistance to students’ the principles of individual appraisal, including interviewing and advisement techniques; pertinent laws, rules and regulations; systems control auditing processes.
• Certified as a NASFAA FAAC preferred  
• Must be a VA School Certifying Official (SCO) or obtain within 12 months. 
• Demonstrated proficiency in the management of financial aid need analysis, packaging and required revision, interpreting Federal and state financial aid regulations.
• Demonstrated analytical, organizational and supervisory skills; strong counseling skills; gather and compile data and prepare reports; train, supervise, and evaluate the assigned staff.
• Strong interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills.
• Knowledge and proficiency with Microsoft, spreadsheets. and working knowledge of data systems (Populi/Regent) preferred. 
• Strong ethical and moral character.
• Strong commitment to excellent customer service.

Working Conditions:

• High attention to detail and the ability to work in a multi-tasked, goal oriented and deadline driven environment.
• Must be self-motivated, able to work independently and as a member of an integrated team.
• Extensive sitting, walking and lifting may be required.
• Some travel and work a flexible schedule required.