Interim Director, Financial Aid

Ohlone College•Fremont Campus and/or Newark Center, CA

16h

About The Position

This is a temporary/interim, full-time management position in a limited-term appointment of up to two years. Under the direction of the Director, Admission and Records, the Interim Director directs the day-to-day operations of the Financial Aid Department and supports efficient operation of the District’s enrollment services. The role ensures compliance with applicable regulations and organizational requirements and ensures necessary data is gathered for mandated financial aid reports. The ideal candidate is an experienced, student-success-focused leader who is creative, visionary, innovative, and a critical thinker. They communicate effectively, act ethically and respectfully, demonstrate flexibility and intercultural competence, and use a collegial, approachable leadership style. They can delegate while maintaining accountability in a fast-paced environment, foster cohesion, and support effective use of technology in academic and administrative settings. The position requires knowledge of financial aid regulations and reporting, veteran student benefits, FERPA, District policies, collective bargaining agreements, relevant databases and software, and office equipment. The successful candidate will ensure accurate reporting and records, meet deadlines, counsel students and faculty on financial aid issues, supervise employees in accordance with applicable agreements, and provide effective service to students and staff. Ohlone College serves a diverse student population and emphasizes inclusivity, equity, integrity, innovation, and student success.

Requirements

Any combination of a bachelor’s degree and/or five years of experience working in financial aid and/or a related field.
Evidence of responsiveness to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students, as they relate to equity-minded practices.
Knowledge of state and federal student financial aid regulations, mandated reporting deadlines, and benefits for veteran students.
Knowledge of District policies, FERPA, state and federal financial aid databases, collective bargaining agreements, academic management systems, data-gathering software, ERP software, and general office software and equipment.
Ability to ensure accuracy of reported data and meet reporting deadlines.
Ability to counsel students and faculty effectively regarding financial aid issues.
Ability to adhere to collective bargaining contracts when supervising classified employees.
Ability to implement expected service standards in staff interactions.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships.

Responsibilities

Direct the day-to-day operations of the Financial Aid Department and support efficient operations of enrollment services.
Ensure compliance with state and federal regulations governing federal and state student aid, scholarships, disbursements, and benefits for veteran students.
Ensure departmental operations comply with organizational policies, collective bargaining agreements, and state and local regulations.
Decide student appeals of staff determinations related to financial aid.
Ensure financial aid is disbursed according to established disbursement dates.
Analyze data to ensure the accuracy of reported information.
Complete federal, state, county, and District reports for the areas under the position’s responsibility.
Organize financial aid outreach activities with other departments and areas.
Assess departmental operations and services to determine whether goals and objectives have been achieved.
Implement departmental policy changes, policy modifications, special assignments, goals, and objectives.
Analyze departmental expenditures and needs to assist the supervising manager with approving departmental funds and developing the budget.
Engage and enforce the disciplinary process when needed.
Participate in the District recruitment process to assist with hiring classified and unclassified staff.
Apportion work among subordinate classified staff.
Analyze employee performance, develop performance evaluations, and address performance issues.
Approve paid time off for supervised employees.
Authorize departmental personnel actions.
Support historically minoritized groups by addressing equity issues and improving culturally responsive, service-oriented practices.
Perform related duties as assigned.
Maintain current knowledge of regulations governing financial aid and benefits for veteran students.
Ensure student documentation is filed appropriately and that departmental records correspond with allocated state and federal funds.
Use academic management systems, data-gathering software, ERP software, state and federal databases, and general office software and equipment to review records, develop reports, monitor budgets and accounts, and communicate.
Develop and maintain effective working relationships with District staff, students, and departmental visitors.