Director of Financial Aid (6961)

FRIENDS UNIVERSITY•Wichita, KS

19h

About The Position

Friends University is seeking to fill the Director of Financial Aid position in Wichita Kansas. The Director of Financial Aid is responsible for providing overall direction, leadership, and management of the Financial Aid Department. As part of internal control concerning separation of duties, this position is the backup to the financial aid staff person for disbursing federal, state, institutional, and outside aid to students’ accounts. Remains up to date on government regulations and mandate where Title IV aid eligibility is at stake and act as a compliance officer for the University as it pertains to those regulations and mandates. Coordinate federal reporting, major publications, private lender list management, and the department’s role in the annual audit; serve as liaison to auditors and accounting staff. Oversee financial aid policies and maintain the Policy & Procedures Manual; resolve complex aid issues and provide technical guidance to staff. Analyze and improve departmental processes to strengthen efficiency, internal controls, and regulatory compliance. Direct and oversee the Federal Direct Loan Program, including certification, disbursement, reconciliation, and regulatory updates. Supervise professional staff and coordinate oversight of student employees. Interpret and implement financial aid regulations for all programs (traditional, degree completion, and graduate; on- and off-campus) Forecast financial aid trends and align aid strategies with institutional recruitment, retention, and enrollment goals. Friends University is committed to work-life balance for its employees by offering flex work options, up to 4 weeks of vacation, 96 hours of sick leave per year, up to 13 1/2 paid holidays, half day Fridays June through July, up to 5% retirement matching, and free undergraduate tuition for you, your spouse, and your dependents. Friends University seeks to hire individuals who will embrace our mission and celebrate our commitment to equipping students to honor God in their personal, professional, and spiritual lives by adhering to the University’s RISE Core Values (Respect, Inclusion, Service and Excellence). The mission of the University is: Friends University, a Christian University of Quaker heritage, equips students to honor God and serve others by integrating their intellectual, spiritual, and professional lives. Friends University aspires to be a model of excellence in higher education. As an expression of our Christian faith, we aim to prepare our students for success in a diverse and interconnected world by providing transformative learning experiences that embrace different viewpoints. As we seek individuals to join our Friends University community, we encourage candidates who share our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion to apply. Join us as we continue on this journey towards a more just and inclusive future for all. Equal Opportunity Employer Friends University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

Requirements

Two years to five years of similar or related experience.
Three years’ successful management/supervisory experience in the financial aid field at the associate or director level at a post-secondary institution is required.
Knowledge of student financial aid, regulatory, compliance and reporting requirements are a must.
Budget development, fiscal management, proficiency in financial aid budgeting and modeling for both traditional and accelerated programs required.
Ability to demonstrate knowledge of computer technology and experience with automated financial aid systems required.
A bachelor’s degree in student personnel administration, business administration, or related is required
Coursework in business, accounting, and/or statistics as well as speech and writing/composition are necessary (or commensurate with experience).
A significant level of trust and diplomacy is required, in addition to normal courtesy and tact.
Work involves extensive personal contact with others and/or can be of a personal or sensitive nature. Work may involve motivating or influencing others.
Outside contacts become important and fostering sound relationships with other entities (companies and/or individuals) becomes necessary and often requires the ability to influence and/or sell ideas or services to others.
Excellent written, oral and interpersonal communication skills are necessary.
Ability to maintain confidential information in a professional manner is required.
Possess a thorough understanding of the principles and practices of financial aid practices and governmental regulations, knowledge of recruitment strategies, exceptional interpersonal leadership and customer service skills.
Strong verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills.
Proven ability in budget development, supervision and implementation of zero-based budgets.

Nice To Haves

Experience at a non-profit, private institution preferred.
In-depth financial aid training is preferred.
Master's preferred.
Advanced knowledge of Excel, working knowledge of word processing software, Ellucian Banner, COD, Microsoft Office and/or other related products strongly desired.

Responsibilities

Providing overall direction, leadership, and management of the Financial Aid Department.
Backup to the financial aid staff person for disbursing federal, state, institutional, and outside aid to students’ accounts.
Act as a compliance officer for the University as it pertains to government regulations and mandates where Title IV aid eligibility is at stake.
Coordinate federal reporting, major publications, private lender list management, and the department’s role in the annual audit; serve as liaison to auditors and accounting staff.
Oversee financial aid policies and maintain the Policy & Procedures Manual; resolve complex aid issues and provide technical guidance to staff.
Analyze and improve departmental processes to strengthen efficiency, internal controls, and regulatory compliance.
Direct and oversee the Federal Direct Loan Program, including certification, disbursement, reconciliation, and regulatory updates.
Supervise professional staff and coordinate oversight of student employees.
Interpret and implement financial aid regulations for all programs (traditional, degree completion, and graduate; on- and off-campus)
Forecast financial aid trends and align aid strategies with institutional recruitment, retention, and enrollment goals.