Director of Financial Aid

Responsible for overseeing all activities within the Financial Aid Office. Establishes and maintains a service-oriented financial aid team that is committed to creating an excellent student experience. Ensures accurate and secure student financial data, while maintaining confidentiality of records (FERPA). Provides timely information to students and families and serves as the chief compliance officer for Title IV federal and state financial aid regulations and provides demonstrated leadership in the use of new and existing technology.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Administer Federal and State Aid Programs : Ensure compliance with federal and state guidelines as established by the Department of Education, including overseeing annual applications, operational reports, internal reconciliations, and liaising with auditors, program reviewers, and accreditation bodies.
2. Student-Centered Financial Aid Services : Develop and implement a proactive, student-focused customer service model that enhances the delivery of financial aid services to prospective and current students, as well as parents.
3. Student Counseling and Advising : Advise students on financial aid eligibility, application procedures, and deadlines for federal, state, and institutional aid programs, ensuring clarity and accessibility of information.
4. Financial Aid Analysis and Awards : Collect and analyze student financial data to determine aid eligibility. Allocate awards in compliance with federal, state, and institutional policies.
5. Outreach and Education : Organize and conduct financial aid workshops, campus visit events, high school outreach, and presentations for new student registration, providing clear and engaging information about financial aid opportunities.
6. Cross-Departmental Collaboration : Facilitate strong communication and collaboration between Financial Aid and other University departments to ensure a seamless educational experience. Contribute to the institution’s recruitment and retention strategies through integrated financial aid support.
7. Enrollment Management Support : Conduct research and prepare surveys and reports for Enrollment Management and the President’s Office, supporting data-driven decisions for strategic planning.
8. Policy Development and Implementation : Recommend, develop, and enforce financial aid policies, particularly in relation to the awarding of annual, restricted, and endowed scholarships, ensuring alignment with institutional goals.
9. Regulatory Compliance : Review and interpret policy changes from the Department of Education, implementing appropriate updates to internal procedures. Communicate changes effectively to students, faculty, and staff.
10. Oversight of SAP and Title IV Processes : Manage the Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) and Return of Title IV Funds (R2T4) processes, ensuring compliance with federal guidelines. Oversee student loan processing and Title IV refunds in coordination with the Department of Education and the National Student Loan Data System.
11. Collaboration with Business Office : Work closely with the Business Office to ensure accurate and timely data exchange between financial systems, overseeing the reconciliation of financial aid awards and disbursements.
12. Information Management : In partnership with the IT department, maintain and manage the technical aspects of the Ellucian Colleague system for financial aid processing, ensuring smooth operation and effective communication management.
13. Professional Development and Networking : Maintain up-to-date knowledge of financial aid regulations and best practices through active participation in local, regional, and national professional organizations and training opportunities.
14. Program Administration : Administer key federal programs such as the Pell Grant, Stafford/SLS/PLUS Loans, and campus-based programs like Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG) and College Work-Study (CWS). Complete necessary reporting, including the Fiscal Operations Report and Application to Participate (FISAP).
15. Regulatory Adherence and Compliance : Stay current with changing regulations and ensure full compliance with all relevant laws and guidelines affecting financial aid, safeguarding the institution from risks.
16. Additional Responsibilities : Perform other duties as assigned, contributing to the overall success and efficiency of Briar Cliff University and the Financial Aid Office.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

1. Bachelor of Arts or Sciences degree. Master’s degree preferred.
2. Five (5) – ten (10) years of financial aid management experience.
3. Extensive knowledge of both federal and state financial aid policies and regulations.
4. Knowledge of institutional aid and the policies that govern it.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIREMENTS:

1. Skills that are analytical and detail-oriented.
2. Knowledge and understanding of data processing systems.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Supervise Financial Aid Counselors. Carry out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to use their hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls and to talk and hear. The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 lbs. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distant vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Briar Cliff University is an equal opportunity employer.

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