Manager, Financial Aid Programs

Community College of Philadelphia•Main Campus - Philadelphia, PA

About The Position

Success starts at Community College of Philadelphia. Innovators and difference makers work at Community College of Philadelphia. Diversity thrives at Community College of Philadelphia. We are a college that is committed to promoting a work environment that attracts and retains talented and diverse faculty and staff. We challenge each other and ourselves to achieve at the highest level while contributing to the mission of the College and the betterment of Philadelphia. We value and support an intellectually dynamic community to prepare our students for global citizenship. Join us and become a part of a community that has long been and will continue to be generators of generational chance in this city and beyond. Community College of Philadelphia is an open-admission, associate-degree-granting institution which provides access to higher education for all who may benefit. Its programs of study in the liberal arts and sciences, career technologies, and basic academic skills provide a coherent foundation for college transfer, employment and lifelong learning. The College serves Philadelphia by preparing its students to be informed and concerned citizens, active participants in the cultural life of the city, and enabled to meet the changing needs of business, industry and the professions. To help address broad economic, cultural and political concerns in the city and beyond, the College draws together students from a wide range of ages and backgrounds and seeks to provide the programs and support they need to achieve their goals. Position Summary The Manager, Financial Aid Programs assists in the management of financial aid programs from federal, state, institutional and private sources. The Manager is responsible for compliance activities and demonstrates strong functional and technical skills in the day-to-day support of the administration of various financial aid programs. The Manager provides oversight and supervision to direct reports and other financial aid staff.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required. Any and all degree(s) must be from a regionally accredited institution of higher learning.
Five (5) years relevant experience in a financial aid leadership role required; prior supervisory experience required.
Computer proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and the Internet required.
Demonstrated experience working with enterprise-wide systems required.
Demonstrated knowledge of financial aid regulations required.
Excellent communication (oral and written) and interpersonal skills in all media (phone, face-to-face, and email) required.
Ability to demonstrate a positive attitude towards daily challenges and ability to process high volumes of work with accuracy required.
Detail-oriented with excellent organizational skills required.
Ability to manage multiple, simultaneous priorities and meet deadlines required.
Commitment to the mission of an urban community college required.
Must excel in working as a member of a team, model exceptional service to internal and external customers, and work to facilitate change.

Nice To Haves

MS Access proficiency preferred.
Banner experience preferred.
Experience in and appreciation for, a collective bargaining environment preferred.

Responsibilities

Assist Financial Aid Office staff in the management of financial aid programs, including federal, state, institutional, and private sources; manage compliance activities for all financial aid programs.
Provide supervisory leadership and guidance to Financial Aid specialists and support staff.
Produce standard reports for the Office of Financial Aid in support of operational needs.
Assist in processing administrative withdrawals and administrative full refund withdrawals.
Conduct internal audit reviews on processed financial aid; provide financial aid files, student withdrawal forms, account activity records, and other financial aid materials to external auditors for audit reviews.
Serve as backup for daily processing for the Federal Pell Grant Program, Federal Stafford Loan Program, Federal Work-study Program, outside scholarships, and Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency State Grant.
Assist in the processing and awarding of the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency State Grant (PHEAA); administer eligibility requirements.
Verify and lock financial aid files; verify that the information on students’ FAFSA matches what is on their tax return and take appropriate action.
Perform administrative functions related to satisfactory academic progress appeals; record and notify student of decision.
Counsel and educate students and parents regarding financial aid; assist with the on-line process of completing a FAFSA; make students and parents aware of other financial alternatives including loans, scholarships, payment plans and tuition remission, if applicable.
Respond to emails, telephone calls from students, parents, outside agencies, and internal departments who need assistance.
Attend departmental meetings to discuss issues and updates of new procedures; attend financial aid workshops to keep abreast of new policies and procedures for financial aid.
Function as a “power user” for the BANNER Financial Aid Module, including working collaboratively with the Systems Analyst, Financial Aid and serving as a point-of-contact for troubleshooting operational issues reported by Financial Aid staff; review and reconcile data exception reports.
Maintain sensitivity, understanding and respect for a diverse academic environment, inclusive of students, faculty, and staff of varying social, economic, cultural, ideological, and ethnic backgrounds.
Deliver quality customer services to both internal and external constituents in a professional, helpful and courteous manner.
Other duties as assigned.