Director, Financial Aid

Community College of Philadelphia•Main Campus - Philadelphia, PA

About The Position

The Director of Financial Aid is responsible for directing financial aid strategies that are consistent with the student success objectives of the College, within the framework of federal and state regulations. The Director will administer financial aid, financial literacy, and student employment programs that support and partner with the enrollment management team in the recruitment and retention of students through appropriate awarding strategies. The Director will establish and maintain a service-oriented financial aid team that is committed to creating an excellent student experience. The Director will also ensure accurate and secure student financial data, providing timely information to students and families, serve as a compliance officer for Title IV federal aid and state regulations and provide demonstrated leadership in the use of new and existing technology.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required.
At least three (3) years of previous experience at a financial aid director level required.
Five (5) or more years of progressively responsible experience in a supervisory role in a student-centered, service-oriented financial aid office required.
Proven knowledge of Title IV federal financial aid regulations, state grant financial aid regulations and federal financial needs analysis required.
Experience with enterprise-wide information systems database required.
Must be comfortable navigating the database and also designing processes, data queries, and maintaining system integrity.
Extensive knowledge of computer based financial aid packaging and reporting systems required.
A history of streamlining processes using automation and self-service is required.
Strong analytical skills required.
Must possess the ability to engage in data analysis, strategic projections and to incorporate financial aid leveraging and other strategies to impact the overall enrollment management and student success goals of the College required.
Student outreach experience and the ability to communicate with a diverse group of students and parents and other internal and external constituents regarding financial aid is required, as is a demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships across departments and with all constituent groups.
Computer proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and the Internet required.
Demonstrated ability to create and manage spreadsheets and databases and to utilize data to make informed decisions required.
Must have the ability to research regulations and to connect with a professional network.
Demonstrated evidence of strong leadership and management skills required.
Must possess the ability to keep staff motivated and working at optimum levels, especially at peak times, and establish a customer service-focused culture, balanced with accurate processing.
Must possess strong organizational skills and be detail oriented with an emphasis on excellence in student service.
Excellent communication (oral and written) via all media (phone, face to face, email, text, and live chat) required to effectively interact with students, the general public, College staff and faculty required.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree preferred.
Ellucian/Banner strongly preferred.
MS Access proficiency preferred.
Experience in, and appreciation for, a collective bargaining environment preferred.

Responsibilities

Ensure the integrity and regulatory compliance of all federal and state financial aid programs.
Develop and implement policies and procedures for financial aid which support the mission and goals of the institution.
Design and implement quality control systems to continuously test that the office is complying with federal, state and local regulations and all policies and procedures while delivering student-centered services.
Oversee functions related to fund management, packaging, awarding, delivery, return of funds, communications (including the Financial Aid website), and financial aid advising.
Administer the default prevention/aversion program.
Manage the daily operations and supervision of financial aid staff, and ensure staff training and performance feedback.
Develop, implement and maintain a proactive and inclusive student-centered customer service approach for the delivery of financial aid services to all student populations at multiple locations; this includes delivering quality customer services to external as well as all internal constituents in a professional, helpful and courteous manner.
Monitor record maintenance and coordinate training needed for staff to maintain high levels of competency in all financial aid processes.
Responsible for all federal, state and institutional student aid reporting, including FISAP, Program Participation Agreement, and communicating with federal regulatory and agency staff.
Assist with audit preparation and provide information to the auditors as requested.
Stay informed and current regarding regulatory changes, internal and external process updates, best practices in financial aid delivery to impact enrollment and student success, and execute appropriate action plans.
Adhere to FERPA regulations as they pertain to maintaining the security and confidentiality of all student records, as well as maintain the confidentiality of other documents.
Provide requested information and reports regarding financial aid to management and other internal and external constituencies with accuracy and on schedule.
Develop and manage the financial aid department budget and perform periodic cost and productivity analyses.
Maintain sensitivity, understanding and respect for a diverse academic environment, inclusive of students, faculty, and staff and external constituents of varying social, economic, cultural, ideological, and ethnic backgrounds.
Perform assigned duties in a manner consistent with the mission, goals and core values of the College and demonstrate commitment and enthusiasm as a leader to inspire the next stages of the financial aid vision and strategies.
Other duties as assigned.