The Purpose   

The Assistant Director of Financial Aid works with the Director of Financial Aid to ensure that eligible students have the opportunity to secure and maintain financial aid.

Why it’s Important

The Blue Ridge team is excited by every opportunity to be creative, innovative, and engaging. We do this by working alongside our Staff and Faculty to ensure we provide a modern, technologically advanced institution for the community. We are here to support our Students to ensure they reach their highest potential. Our team engages with the community to ensure that we are consistently meeting standards and then rising above them. Guiding students along their educational journey is our calling and we are looking for like-minded teammates to help us serve our community. Whether a student is entering the workforce for the first time, entering a new profession, or just expanding their knowledge, we are here to provide the necessary tools to accomplish all their goals. Working together, no elevation is too high, and no summit is unreachable. 

What You'll be Doing   

• Alongside the Financial Aid Director, coordinates work activities, organizes, prioritizes and assigns work; monitors status or work in progress and inspects completed work, as necessary, consults with assigned staff, assists with complex/problem situations and provides technical expertise
• Assist the Director of Financial Aid with various federal and state reports
• Assists in establishing policies and procedures governing refunds, repayments, and other Financial Aid related matters
• Coordinate draw down and processing of weekly ISIR reports
• Process and award federal, state and institutional aid
• Work collaboratively with members of the Financial Aid department and the Admissions team to provide financial aid assistance to prospective and enrolled students
• Ensure compliance and confidentiality with all policies and procedures of the College, NC Community College System, and applicable State and Federal agencies
• Manage the Federal Direct Loan program
• Certify/update educational benefits for veterans, service members and dependents including G.I. Bill, Tuition Assistance and MyCAA.
• Serve as the BRCC representative at area VA events and recruiting efforts. 
• Manage Federal Work-Study program
• Award and maintain state and private grant childcare funding program
• Lead effort for annual financial aid set-up in Colleague
• Compile and submit reports to meet Federal, State and NCCCS requirements
• Assist in FAFSA Night and Financial Aid classroom presentations, as needed
• Performs quality control checks of verification records each semester
• Represent the College at meetings, conferences, and workshops as relevant to financial aid and the College

Additionally   

• Serve as a member of the BRCC Financial Aid and Scholarship Committee
• Represent the Division for Student Services on other committees as necessary
• Represent the Financial Aid Office in the absence of the Financial Aid Director
• Maintains technical competencies necessary to the job function
• Be available to work evenings and weekends as required.
• Perform other duties as may be assigned by the supervisor
• Assist in document imaging and scanning for Financial Aid files

Qualifications

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field. Master’s degree, preferred

Experience  

• Minimum of three to four years experience in higher education financial aid, admissions, or Veterans’ Assistance is required regardless of education level

  Required Skills and the Know-How 

• Strong personal and professional integrity, good verbal and written communication skills, and a commitment to safety
• Strong technical skills 
• An understanding and commitment to the ‘open door’ philosophy of the community college 
• Ability to multi-task to meet the demands of walk-in students or incoming calls
• Interpersonal skills necessary to work with a diverse population of current/prospective students, parents, co-workers, or outside agencies
• Implementation of various Microsoft Office programs such as Word, Excel, or PowerPoint to set-up spreadsheets, send letters, or design presentations to assist in daily job functions
• Utilize and maintain voice mail and email for quality and efficient communication with others

Preferred Skills and the Know-How

•  Proficiency in interpreting Federal guidelines pertaining to Pell, Work-Study, and Direct Loans, as well as other federal and/or state funds
• Understanding of Federal income tax forms, W-2s, withholding forms, and other Federal documentation 
• Recognition and utilization of various Colleague screens used in awarding financial aid, setting-up scholarships, and gathering financial aid data required for state reports
• Understanding and proficiency in COD, CPS, NSLDS, and CFI portals

Physical Demands   

• The ability to perform all duties associated with the position including, but not limited to lifting, prolonged standing, sitting, bending, stooping, and operating or performing work with associated tools and machines

Blue Ridge is an Equal Employment Opportunity Institution