Director of Financial Aid

Maryville College • Maryville, TN

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Financial Aid administers and coordinates federal, state, and institutional financial aid funds and ensures compliance with applicable laws and regulations through accurate reporting, auditing, and resolution of audit findings. Under the general supervision of the Vice President of Admissions and Financial Aid, the Director serves on the Senior Leadership Team and leads the Office of Student Financial Aid and Student Employment.

The Director oversees financial aid, scholarships, and student employment programs that support recruitment and retention. This includes managing the awarding of loans, grants, Tennessee lottery and scholarship packages; developing student cost-of-attendance budgets; supporting students with application and eligibility processes; and partnering with Admissions and other campus teams on enrollment strategies. The role also oversees staff, office operations and budget, financial aid systems, account reconciliation, refunds, and compliance reporting.

This is a 12-month, full-time staff position. The stated work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The position is based at Maryville College in Maryville, Tennessee. A bachelor’s degree is required; a master’s degree is preferred. The College describes a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off, a retirement plan with employer match up to 5%, and tuition benefits for employees, spouses, and dependents.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Three to five years of increased administrative responsibility for financial aid programs at a college or university, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Knowledge of federal and state financial aid programs and regulations.
• Excellent problem-solving and communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively and effectively under pressure.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and safeguard confidential records.
• Ability to perform basic mathematics, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
• Exceptional computer skills and proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite programs.
• Ability to lift or move up to 30 pounds.
• Ability to sit for prolonged periods at a desk and work on a computer.
• Ability to travel between campus buildings or to off-campus locations as needed.
• Regular attendance is required.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree.
• Experience with Power-FAIDS, J1, and Slate.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and mentor financial aid staff, promoting collaboration, professionalism, and continuous improvement.
• Develop and maintain policies, procedures, and systems to optimize aid distribution and student support.
• Manage and supervise the awarding of student loans, grants, Tennessee lottery and scholarship packages for new and returning students.
• Maintain effective communication with other campus offices and partner with Admissions and campus teams on financial aid strategies that support recruitment and retention.
• Develop and direct financial aid strategies consistent with federal and state regulations, enrollment management, and College budget objectives.
• Administer financial aid, scholarships, and student employment programs that support student recruitment and retention.
• Conduct financial aid presentations at open houses and Admissions events and provide quality customer service to students.
• Ensure compliance with Title IV, state, and institutional regulations; communicate regulatory changes and recommend policy, procedural, and operational adjustments.
• Prepare and submit required federal and state financial aid reports and serve as the point of contact for federal and state financial audits.
• Conduct audits and assessments to improve processes and maintain compliance; resolve issues related to auditors’ findings.
• Coordinate systems upgrades and enhancements with IT and maintain Power-FAIDS, Slate, and Net Partner.
• Monitor college work-study expenditures, satisfactory academic progress, federal and state grant expenditures, and Tennessee Educational Lottery Scholarship Program expenditures.
• Reconcile student receivable accounts with the Business Office, including anticipated and actual financial aid disbursements.
• Calculate refunds and repayments for students who withdraw from school.
• Develop student costs of attendance, including tuition, books, fees, room and board, and other costs.
• Develop and direct systems for collecting and evaluating applications and timely awarding of financial aid.
• Oversee Financial Aid Office administrative functions, staff development, and employee performance evaluations.
• Develop and monitor the Financial Aid Office budget and departmental operating expenses.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to develop and implement a comprehensive financial aid strategy aligned with the College’s mission and enrollment goals.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support College goals and a positive, respectful learning environment.
• Travel to workshops and conferences on behalf of the College as needed.

Benefits

• Medical insurance coverage.
• Dental insurance coverage.
• Vision insurance coverage.
• Generous paid time off program.
• Retirement plan with an employer match of up to 5%.
• Tuition benefits for employees, spouses, and dependents.
• Opportunity to grow in a collaborative community that values professional excellence and personal well-being.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director