Director of Financial Aid

Morton College • Cicero, IL

410d • $85,000 - $166,400

About The Position

The Director of Financial Aid is responsible for implementing and managing a comprehensive program of financial aid opportunities and services that comply with federal, state, accreditation, and institutional requirements. This role supports the college's objectives to deliver clear, compliant, professional, and efficient financial aid services, assisting in student enrollment, retention, and success. The Director oversees the administration of financial aid programs and scholarships, ensuring excellent customer service for students and families while addressing the challenges faced by community college students in navigating the financial aid process.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business or a Liberal Arts discipline, or related experience.
• Five years of progressive financial aid experience.
• Five years supervisory and budget experience.
• Extensive leadership experience in Financial Aid Administration, including supervising employees and managing aid from Title IV and other agencies.
• Familiarity with computerized student database systems and emerging technologies in student services.
• Strong public speaking and presentation skills.
• Ability to manage a diverse staff.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree.
• Previous administrative experience in a community college setting.
• Ten years financial aid experience and Ellucian Colleague experience.
• Bilingual in Spanish and English, both written and oral.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership, management, and supervision for all student financial aid eligibility, awarding, verification processes, and scholarship programs.
• Oversee the administration of federal Title IV Financial Aid programs and state financial aid programs, including institutional scholarships.
• Establish and direct the daily operation of the Financial Aid office, serving as a visible leader in the One Stop Student Center.
• Select, train, supervise, and evaluate employees in the Financial Aid office and administer all operational aspects of the department.
• Maintain financial aid records and regulatory compliance according to federal, state, accrediting, and institutional guidelines.
• Develop future institutional financial aid budgets, monitor the present budget, and supervise all department expenditures.
• Ensure the Financial Aid team is knowledgeable of policies and procedures and can articulate them accordingly.
• Plan and coordinate regular Financial Aid Department staff training.
• Plan recruitment and retention initiatives in cooperation with other college administrative team members and faculty.
• Maintain close working relationships with local high schools, transfer colleges, universities, and college faculty and academic deans.
• Communicate financial information professionally to help students and families understand their financial package.
• Present financial aid sessions at college visit days, college fairs, or high school financial aid nights.
• Support outreach efforts by offering financial aid presentations and workshops.
• Provide cross-training opportunities within the Financial Aid office for maximum service to students.
• Recommend changes in existing policies/procedures to ensure compliance with regulations.
• Develop and maintain a system of data collection and recordkeeping for reporting and evaluating financial aid and veteran programs.
• Plan and facilitate monthly department meetings.
• Refine and keep current the departmental website for financial assistance programs and policies.
• Manage all financial aid communication documentation.
• Prepare and submit reports required by federal, state, and other regulatory agencies.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid holidays
• Professional development opportunities

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Industry: Educational Services
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree