Director of Financial Aid

University of Arkansas System•Batesville, AR

2d•$56,000 - $61,000

About The Position

The Director of Financial Aid provides overall leadership for the Office of Financial Aid, ensuring regulatory compliance and thorough administration of federal, state, and institutional student aid funds. The role develops policy, manages staff and budgets, prepares reports, and works to optimize student access to funding. The director oversees daily financial aid operations and the delivery of assistance programs; maintains knowledge of applicable regulations; and develops procedures, policies, and departmental goals. The role also leads and develops Financial Aid staff, supports collaboration and high standards of customer service, and manages performance in accordance with college policies. The position prepares and monitors reports and operating budgets, supports audits, oversees institutional scholarship and departmental budgets, provides information for required reporting, analyzes and forecasts expenditures, and monitors and reports Loan Cohort Default Rates to Administration. As a member of the UACCB community, the employee also supports the Caring Campus culture and the institution’s purpose to Improve Lives.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
At least 3 years of experience in a collegiate financial aid office or functional equivalent.
Supervisory experience with demonstrated leadership ability and management skills.
Commitment to the mission of a comprehensive two-year college and understanding of the different components of a student services operation.
Knowledge of higher education administration and financial aid delivery, including policies and regulations affecting higher education such as FERPA, ADA/Section 504, and Title IV.
Knowledge of budget development and fiscal management, strategies supporting student access and success, institutional research, data analysis and performance metrics, and technologies supporting academic operations.
Skills in budget preparation, resource allocation and financial oversight; conflict resolution, negotiation and consensus building; and oral, written and interpersonal communication.
Ability to manage multiple departments, initiatives and complex projects; build relationships with faculty, staff, students and community partners; and adapt to changing enrollment trends, workforce needs and policy environments.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in College Student Personnel, Higher Education, Public Administration, Business, or a related field from an accredited college or university.
Five or more years of collegiate financial aid experience with progressively increasing responsibility.
Thorough knowledge of Title IV student financial aid programs, operations, professional principles, scope of practice, methods and procedures, reporting requirements and deadlines, terminology, and software.
Experience with a student information system such as Colleague or Workday.

Responsibilities

Direct daily operations and oversee the delivery of financial assistance programs in compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations.
Maintain current knowledge of financial aid regulations and develop or modify procedures accordingly.
Incorporate innovative trends into financial aid, scholarships, and the Federal Work-Study program.
Develop and maintain departmental policies, procedures, and goals to support efficient service delivery.
Lead and manage Financial Aid staff, apportion duties, promote professional development, and foster collaboration and high ethical and customer-service standards.
Ensure compliance with UACCB personnel policies and procedures, including documenting performance, taking corrective action when needed, and evaluating staff performance.
Prepare, submit, and monitor required reports and operating budgets, including audit data and institutional scholarship and Financial Aid department budgets.
Complete or provide information for IPEDS, FISAP, Gainful Employment/FVT, and ADHE reports.
Analyze and forecast expenditures and monitor and report Loan Cohort Default Rates to Administration.
Advance the Caring Campus culture by following the name badge policy, treating visitors as guests, reviewing institutional communications, participating in campus events, and supporting a collaborative workplace.