Occupational Summary

The Assistant Director of Financial Aid assists the Executive Director with developing, coordinating and performing the responsibilities of the College's financial aid function, including daily operations of the financial aid department, providing oversight and critical support for essential functions. This position supports the financial aid department by helping to ensure full compliance with applicable laws and regulations and assists in the development and implementation of policies and procedures for financial aid.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Provides excellent customer service and assistance to internal and external customers through walk-in, telephone and email
• Assists the Executive Director in the coordination and daily administration of the financial aid department and financial aid services and programs
• Serves as the Department Head in the absence of the Executive Director and supervises department staff as assigned or on a project basis
• Ensures compliance with all federal, state and local financial aid laws and regulations; remains current with changes in laws and regulations
• Provides information to students regarding financial aid programs, eligibility requirements and application processes; interprets and explains the College's financial aid policies and procedures to students, parents and the general public
• Verifies information on the FATR and makes appropriate adjustments to grants and scholarships
• Signs off on student withdrawal forms and advises students of the impact on financial aid; processes R2T4s when financial aid students withdrawal completely
• Reviews various reports such as web attendance, class cancellation lists for compliance
• Processes student aid applications electronically; verifies, submits corrections and packages financial aid awards
• Provides support for the certification and requesting of checks for assigned scholarships and federal and state grant programs
• Send correspondence to students regarding incomplete or missing information in their files; sends award and grant confirmation notifications; sends correspondence on Satisfactory Academic Progress
• Participates in appropriate committees and task forces as assigned
• Performs other job-related duties and projects as assigned in support of the College's mission, core values and goals

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree in business administration, accounting or closely related field from a regionally accredited institution of higher learning.

Three (3) years' full-time administrative work experience in a professional environment.

Preferred:
Community college experience in student financial aid programs.

Colleague experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge

• Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of state and federal (Title IV) financial assistance programs, compliance and reporting standards
• Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of student financial needs, management methods, practices and procedures
• Demonstrates knowledge of accounting, budgetary, and management principles, practices, and procedures
• Knowledge of FERPA requirements

 
Skills

• Strong organizational, problem-solving and time management skills
• Interpersonal skills with proven ability to work in a team environment
• Demonstrates proficiency in a variety of Windows-based computer programs relative to performing responsibilities, including Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint
• Demonstrates professional behavior that supports team efforts and enhances team behavior, performance and productivity
• Understanding, interpreting and applying laws, regulations and procedures concerning financial aid programs

 
Abilities

• Ability to multi-task, organize, prioritize and follow multiple projects and tasks through to completion with an attention to detail
• Work independently in meeting various time deadlines and work pressures with frequent interruptions
• Communicates effectively, both verbally and in writing to convey ideas, facts and information effectively and accurately to employees, students, parents and the general public
• Ability to exercise sound judgment in making critical decisions
• Maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work
• Handle confidential information with absolute discretion
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with culturally diverse student population, including those with different levels of academic preparation and varying physical and learning abilities and socioeconomic levels