Director of Financial Aid

James Sprunt Community College • Kenansville, NC

1d

About The Position

The Director of Financial Aid administers the student financial aid program, consisting of federal, state, local, and private funds. This position supervises the staff of the Financial Aid Department (Scholarships & Veteran Affairs Benefits) and establishes procedures to ensure the efficient use of funds in compliance with applicable state and federal regulations. This position reports directly to the Vice President of Student Services.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in higher education administration, business, or a related field.
• Deep knowledge of federal financial aid programs, strong problem-solving and communication skills, and the ability to work collaboratively across various campus departments.
• Proficient use of Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel.
• Ability to take ownership and utilize constructive feedback.
• Must be punctual, professional, and ethically conduct oneself.
• Ability to plan and prioritize tasks.
• Ability to work respectfully within a team environment.
• 5 – 7 years of progressive financial aid experience.
• Experience working with student financial assistance programs and processing student financial aid awards.
• Computer records management experience required.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree from an accredited institution in higher education administration, business, or a related field.
• Bilingual.
• Some supervisory experience.

Responsibilities

• Receive, interpret, and implement policies, rules, procedures, and regulations pertaining to the administration of federal and state financial aid programs and veterans’ education benefits.
• Interpret, implement, and administer regulations for Title IV funding, state grants, and institutional scholarships.
• Coordinate state agency grants and awards by serving as a liaison with agency representatives to administer state awards.
• Manage annual financial aid audits and ensure accurate reporting to agencies like the Department of Education.
• Supervise Financial Aid Office staff, including two full-time Financial Aid Specialists responsible for Veterans Affairs and Scholarship programs, as well as part-time personnel.
• Maintain open and effective communication across all supervised areas through staff meetings, ad hoc meetings, e-mail, and one-on-one meetings with employees as needed.
• Process student aid applications and need analysis forms, package financial aid awards, and establish records to reflect financial aid funds awarded.
• Attend state and federal financial aid and veterans’ affairs workshops for the purpose of seeking and receiving advice and counsel concerning the administration of financial aid programs.
• Counsel students and parents on financial aid policies and procedures, including presenting financial aid workshops on campus and off campus.
• Design forms, letters, and brochures for use by students, staff, parents, and high school personnel to interpret the administration and implications of local, state, and federal developments in financial aid.
• Oversee the integrity and accuracy of financial aid data systems through computerized processes.
• Collaborate with the Business Office and accounting teams to reconcile aid funds, ensuring external disbursements match internal accounts.
• Address complex student concerns, counsel students on aid eligibility, and promote financial literacy programs.
• Assist in the administration of veterans’ education benefits programs by providing support to the Veterans Affairs Representative, ensuring compliance with applicable regulations, and assisting students with benefit eligibility, certification, and related processes.
• Ensure that the College has exception-free audits and Title IV program reviews by remaining current on all federal and state laws and regulations that pertain to the programs administered by the office, implementing and/or modifying office procedures to comply with those laws and regulations, and making certain that all required reports are prepared accurately and in a timely manner.
• Contribute to student satisfaction through the delivery of quality customer service in all aspects of the administration of financial aid and student employment services.
• Acquire computer/technology competencies as appropriate to the position.
• Maintain security of personal computer access.
• Perform other professional or job-related duties as assigned.
• Serve on college committees as directed by the supervisor.

What This Job Offers

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