Financial Aid Manager

Summit Academy O I C • Minneapolis, MN

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Financial Aid Manager leads the administration and compliance of all financial aid programs at Summit Academy OIC. This role ensures effective management of federal, state, and institutional financial aid in accordance with all regulatory requirements while supporting student access and success. The Financial Aid Manager works collaboratively across departments to deliver accurate, timely, and student-centered financial aid services that align with the mission, vision, and values of Summit Academy OIC and support the organization’s commitment to expanding opportunity through education and workforce development.

Requirements

• Strong knowledge of federal and state financial aid regulations and compliance requirements
• Excellent organizational, documentation, and records management skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment with competing priorities
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal
• Ability to collaborate across departments and work effectively as part of a team
• High level of proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information responsibly
• Positive, student-centered, and solutions-oriented approach
• Bachelor’s degree in business, finance, accounting, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in financial aid administration, including regulatory compliance and reporting.
• Experience working with financial aid systems, reporting tools, and data analysis.
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Excel and financial or accounting concepts.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working in a nonprofit or workforce development education.
• Experience supporting adult learners or students in non-traditional educational settings.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse populations.
• Experience with financial aid audits, regulatory reviews, or accreditation processes

Responsibilities

• Administer, coordinate, and manage all federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs, including grants, scholarships, and work-study.
• Ensure timely processing of financial aid applications, eligibility determinations, awards, and disbursements for all eligible students.
• Oversee all financial aid awarding processes and review work completed by financial aid staff to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Process state and federal R2T4s.
• Monitor and manage expenditures, allocations, and revenue across all financial aid funding sources.
• Resolve complex financial aid issues involving staff, students, and external partners related to funding, awarding, or disbursement of aid.
• Maintain accurate and complete documentation for all student financial aid files in accordance with regulatory requirements.
• Ensure full compliance with federal, state, and accrediting agency regulations governing financial aid programs.
• Prepare and submit required federal and state reports including FISAP, IPEDS, Minnesota Office of Higher Education reports, and other regulatory filings.
• Serve as the institution’s Financial Aid Administrator and designated Data Point Administrator for Department of Education documentation, including the Program Participation Agreement.
• Coordinate financial aid audits and address any findings through corrective actions and compliance improvements.
• Monitor changes in federal, state, and accrediting body regulations and implement required operational updates.
• Oversee the work study program including applications, hiring, and terminations of work study students.
• Assist in the posting of open positions in collaboration with department managers.
• Ensure compliance with Federal and State Work Study programs.
• Develop and implement short-term and long-term strategies for financial aid administration aligned with institutional enrollment goals and KPIs.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to support enrollment management initiatives and student retention efforts.
• Develop, implement, and revise financial aid policies and procedures to maintain regulatory compliance and operational efficiency.
• Collaborate with Enrollment, Student Services, Finance, and Education departments to ensure coordinated student support services.
• Supervise and monitor the Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) process.
• Serve as a liaison with federal, state, and local agencies regarding financial aid policies and program participation.
• Provide guidance and support to students navigating the financial aid process.
• Maintain a high level of professional competence in financial aid administration and program assessment.
• Participate in state and national financial aid organizations, conferences, and professional development opportunities.
• Implement changes to policies and procedures based on regulatory updates and best practices.

Benefits

• Paid time off (PTO) policy, which begins accruing at 10 hours per month
• 11 annual paid holidays in addition to 2 annual scheduled, paid mental health days
• Eligibility to elect comprehensive health, vision, dental, and voluntary life insurance
• Employer-sponsored life, short-term, and long-term disability insurance
• Eligibility to participate in our 401(k) retirement plan with a 4% employer match, effective day one
• Eligibility for an annual bonus based on organizational and employee performance

What This Job Offers

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