Director of Financial Aid

HCI College•Fort Lauderdale, FL

About The Position

The Director of Financial Aid manages the daily functions of the Financial Aid Office and administers financial aid programs in accordance with institutional policies and procedures and applicable federal, state, and VA regulations. The position is expected to adhere to the institution’s mission, values, and ethics and has a dotted-line reporting responsibility to the Vice President of Administration. The Director oversees staff, student funding approvals and disbursements, processing schedules, compliance, audits, applicant processing, reporting, file reviews, data integrity, and customer service. The role works closely with admissions, business office, registrar, student services, campus leadership, external agencies, and Campus Ivy. The Director also counsels students and parents about financial aid and supports staff training and development.

Requirements

Excellent customer service, communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work as a team player, demonstrate a strong work ethic, coordinate multiple tasks, and meet deadlines.
Ability to lead, collaborate, and manage a team.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
Proficiency with basic office equipment, computers, and applications, including Microsoft Office Suite.
Strong time-management skills and ability to work well under pressure.
Ability to multitask, prioritize, and demonstrate resourcefulness and problem-solving skills.
Knowledge of Federal Student Aid programs and guidelines.
Ability to work effectively with a diverse student population.
Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, staff, faculty, and the public.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to manage sensitive and confidential issues.
Must not be in default on any student loans and must be able to obtain a Federal Student Aid token.
Ability to work a flexible schedule that may include holidays, evenings, and weekends.
Ability to travel to and assist other campus locations as needed.
College degree in an appropriate field preferred.
Four to five years of progressively responsible financial aid experience, including working knowledge of a financial aid management system for electronic processing.
In-depth knowledge of financial aid regulations and related laws, with the ability to make independent judgments and decisions.
Student-focused outlook and passion for education.
Willingness to work hours in excess of a typical work week when necessary.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of Veteran Benefit programs.
College degree in an appropriate field.
Working knowledge of Campus Nexus and/or Campus Ivy Core systems.

Responsibilities

Manage and coordinate campus financial aid services, recommend policies and procedures, and coordinate logistics and workflow.
Supervise financial aid office staff and lead the financial aid team, including technical and customer-focused training.
Manage and process student funding approvals and disbursements, coordinating Title IV funding with the third-party servicer and non-Title IV funding with the Business Office Manager.
Oversee daily processing and scheduling of funding for all students.
Ensure financial aid programs are processed in compliance with federal regulations, accreditation requirements, state requirements, and Veteran Education Benefits requirements.
Prepare for and assist with FSA, financial, and regulatory audits.
Ensure efficient and communicative processing for new applicants and coordinate with the Director of Admission and admissions team.
Provide regular reports on department operations, processing status, awarding, and appointments.
Maintain approved forms and current policies, and recommend changes as needed.
Ensure eligible students receive funds consistently, accurately, equitably, and on time.
Conduct regular financial aid file reviews and audits for accuracy and compliance with procedures, allocations, and regulations; ensure FERPA policies are followed and seek to minimize audit findings.
Hold regular one-to-one meetings with staff, provide feedback, support professional development, and conduct annual performance reviews with the Campus President as needed.
Oversee the integrity of campus data in the financial aid management database, including updating and verifying student information and records.
Work with the Campus Ivy team to support consistent, efficient, and compliant financial aid awarding and disbursement.
Maintain knowledge of financial aid regulations, student reporting requirements, and industry changes, and update the team on relevant changes from FSA and other regulatory bodies.
Promote high customer satisfaction and participate in assigned financial aid training, meetings, and events.
Counsel students and parents on available aid, application procedures, campus policies, federal and state regulations, needs analysis, eligibility, and required documentation.
Assist external customers, including Veterans Education and Florida agencies, and represent the financial aid office on campus leadership teams and committees.
Collaborate with academic, business office, registrar, and student services teams to support efficient, customer-focused processing for prospective, enrolling, and current students.
Perform other duties as assigned.