Director of Financial Aid

Belmont College•St. Clairsville, OH

7h•Onsite

About The Position

Reports directly to the Dean of Financial Aid and Student Services. Administration of financial aid programs including federal grants, federal student loans, federal work study, state grants, and institutional waivers and scholarships. Coordinate all activities related to application, awarding, reporting, and disbursement of funds. Make valuable contributions to the institution and community as a whole. Under the direction of the Dean of Financial Aid and Student Services, the Director of Financial Aid provides leadership and management of the day-to-day operations of the Financial Aid Department and supervises Financial Aid staff, including student personnel. Complies with federal, state, and College requirements and guidelines pertaining to financial aid, including but not limited to grants, scholarships, and student loans. Assists in budget development and enforces policies and procedures. An employee assigned to this classification manages a single department and budget, and may be assigned to supervise subordinate employees. Maintains responsibility for area under authority. All major activities, essential duties and responsibilities shall be performed integrating the student-centered philosophy that defines our College. This philosophy is characterized by respect, responsiveness, and responsibility in all relationships and is an attitude toward students, colleagues, and community members demonstrating respect, acceptance, responsibility, courteousness, genuineness, and quality service.

Requirements

Must possess a bachelor’s degree in education administration, student development or a closely related field.
Four to seven years of progressive responsibility/experience in financial aid administration at the college level.
Any combination of experience and training which would provide the required level of knowledge,
This administrative staff position requires general financial aid knowledge of federal, state and institutional programs in the assigned area, as well as knowledge of public benefits and entitlement programs.
The position requires independent judgment, discretion, and knowledge of College organization, policy, and procedures.

Nice To Haves

Master’s preferred

Responsibilities

Provide counseling and support to students, parents, and the public as they navigate the financial aid application process. Work collaboratively with area high schools and other partners to provide financial aid counseling services as needed.
Perform needs analysis, package and data enter awards according to program eligibility requirements.
Use financial aid, word processing, spreadsheet and database management computer software effectively, including financial aid uploads.
Disburse Federal, state and institutional grants and scholarships to the Business Office and send any adjustments.
Responsible for verification of all federally selected records.
Respond to telephone and email inquiries.
Ensure availability of financial aid information and resources to students, parents, and the public who seek to enroll at the institution. Provide information about financial aid availability, including representing the Financial Aid Office at various events as assigned.
Assist the Dean of Financial Aid and Student Services to develop policies and procedures to ensure compliance with state, federal, and college regulations, policies, and procedures, and send them through the college approval process.
Intervene and problem solve for students who are experiencing difficulties navigating the financial aid process.
Holds primary responsibility for Return of Title IV Funds.
Holds primary responsibility for Satisfactory Academic Progress.
Holds primary responsibility for conducting Professional Judgement assessments.
Maintain and manage financial aid databases using federal and/or institutional software to receive new aid applicant information, perform corrections and initiate new applications, report aid disbursed, receive electronic notices and funding levels, and complete mandatory reporting requirements for state and agencies.
Run data transmissions between the institution and the U.S. Department of Education via EdConnect software.
Run internal data transmissions for updating student information, credit hours, and other essential information.
Responsible for monthly and annual reconciliation, including the Federal Pell and Direct Loan Programs.
Check attendance and enrollment and then adjust aid accordingly.
Supervise staff by assigning and delegating tasks, providing direction, resolving work problems, communicating job expectations, training employees, and developing professional growth opportunities. Conduct annual employee evaluations, promotions and other personnel actions. Approve leaves and authorize overtime as appropriate. Participate in employee selection process. Administer disciplinary actions upon approval, and in collaboration with Human Resources and the Dean of Financial Aid and Student Services. Carry out, explain, interpret, and enforce policy.
Work with the Director of Marketing to prepare announcements and brochures to publicize the availability of financial aid programs.
Assist in the development of the Financial Aid budget and monitor budget expenditures.
Administer WIOA and other third-party funding programs, including eligibility certification, billing, invoicing, reporting, and reconciliation as applicable.
Participate in the College’s shared governance model. Serve on college committees to develop or recommend policies and procedures which impact enrollment management.
Advise scholarship groups and assist in establishing their aid programs.
Maintain responsibility for retention of paper and electronic records, purging financial aid records, storing required documentation, and destroying records in accordance with laws and regulations. Ensure third party vendors comply with required laws/regulations. Keep accurate records. Complete and maintain required documentation per federal and state regulations and guidelines.
Ensure adherence to audit requirements and assist the Dean of Financial Aid and Student Services with audit requests. Assure Financial Aid office and records are audit ready.
Maintain confidentiality of student records and other information.
Monitor institutional default rate and borrowing trends and provide appropriate adjustments to policies and procedures as needed.
Perform other duties and activities as assigned.