Director, Financial Aid

Georgia State University•Atlanta, GA

About The Position

The Director, Financial Aid leads the Office of Student Financial Aid and is responsible for the accurate, compliant, and timely administration of more than $500 million in Title IV financial aid, as well as scholarships and grants. The position carries significant responsibility for federal reporting, audits, regulatory compliance, system configuration and testing, and implementing federal and institutional changes. It requires independent judgment, technical and regulatory expertise, and decision-making authority to manage financial and compliance risks while supporting students’ timely receipt of aid. The Director plans and implements strategic and operational initiatives in collaboration with academic units, enrollment services, and other university departments. The role provides leadership and supervision to build a proactive, student-centered service culture for students, families, and university and public partners. It also oversees aid programs, funding reconciliations and closeouts, reporting, staff development, office processes, and technology systems, and provides guidance and support to the AVP Student Financial Services.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and six years of supervisory or management experience, or a combination of education and related experience.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills.
Ability to multitask, pay attention to detail, and provide excellent customer service.
Experience in a financial aid environment or related unit, such as academic records, admissions, financial aid, registrar, or student accounts.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of FERPA.
Certification as a Financial Aid Administrator through the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA).
Working knowledge of integrated student record data systems such as Banner, InContact/Nice, Salesforce CRM, or Slate.
Collaborative, energetic, and resourceful work style.

Responsibilities

Plan, create, and implement strategic and operational initiatives for Student Financial Aid in collaboration with academic units, enrollment services, and other university departments.
Provide leadership, direction, and supervision to develop a comprehensive, student-centered and proactive service culture.
Deliver service to internal and external customers, provide training and updates, and ensure service-level agreements are achieved.
Oversee monthly reconciliation to ensure university student information system data is consistent with external funding systems.
Administer Title IV, state, and institutional aid programs to optimize funding available to students.
Maintain the University’s Program Participation Agreement with the U.S. Department of Education.
Oversee annual closeout of Direct Loans, Pell, TEACH, Hope, scholarship, and other funding sources.
Ensure Campus-Based funds are received and disbursed in accordance with regulations.
Ensure university, state, and federal data reporting is accurate and timely.
Provide guidance and oversee testing for annual processing updates.
Serve as a strategic partner to the Student Financial Management Center, Student Accounts, Admissions, and Academic Advising; represent the department on university committees and participate in Student Success initiatives.
Collaborate with Systems Development and the University Technology Office on testing, implementation, maintenance, and system enhancements.
Represent the University at assigned state, regional, and national organizations, boards, councils, and committees.
Monitor new federal and state initiatives and recommend implementation approaches; maintain accurate aid, adjustment, appeal, and documentation records in accordance with regulations.
Coordinate annual review and updates related to verification processing and aid delivery for the next aid year.
Ensure publications meet Department of Education consumer information requirements.
Serve as the Financial Aid audit contact and collect, validate, and report data through FISAP, IPEDS, and FADC reports.
Develop, maintain, and implement department policies and procedures.
Maintain performance coaching and employee development programs to improve performance, compliance, and organizational capabilities.
Track people, processes, and technology capabilities to ensure adequate task coverage.
Oversee and participate in hiring, training, supervision, and evaluation of assigned staff.
Design and implement quality-control mechanisms for technological tools, systems, and office operations.
Design process flows for effective, efficient, and timely task completion and achievement of service-level agreements.
Review electronic processing activities, rules, and procedures for accurate operations, and recommend changes for efficient and compliant processing.
Develop and support long- and short-range goals, objectives, and activities to achieve strategic outcomes.
Provide guidance and support to the AVP Student Financial Services.