Description

POSITION SUMMARY – The Executive Director of Financial Aid is responsible for the management and administration of the Financial Aid Office and its functions, including but not limited to accounting operations, budget preparation, preparation of Federal, state and district reports, maintenance of Federal fund budgetary controls and regulatory compliance, and the delivery of funds and services to students. The Executive Director of Financial Aid provides leadership, direction and extensive knowledge of the regulatory requirements for the delivery and coordination of federal, state and institutional student financial aid programs including Title IV; coordinates and oversees audits, compliance reviews and account reconciliations and ensures institutional compliance with relevant regulations and statutes. This position will also be responsible for other administrative and clerical duties as assigned. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS 

•  Coordinate and manage all financial aid programs, ensuring compliance with all federal, state, and institutional financial aid regulations, policies, and procedures.  
• Develop, implement and revise policies and procedures to ensure compliance with federal and state laws, regulations and university policies related to financial aid and scholarships. 
• Monitor, approve, and/or revise all financial aid packaging for all qualified applicants in accordance with federal, state, institutional, and other policies and procedures. 
• Oversee the Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) and Return of Title IV Funds processes. 
• Oversee coordination of student loan processing between students, federal government, and the institution as well as Title IV refunds and repayments, including U.S. Department of Education and National Student Loan Data System notifications. 
• Develop, modify, implement and maintain the application intake and tracking process for proper documentation of all awards for audit trail. Maintain fund control records in accordance with funding level limitations. 
• Complete federal, state, and institutional reports including applications for federal funding and reports of the expenditures of funds allocated, such as the FISAP. Coordinate internal reconciliation efforts and report to reviewing entities, such as auditors, program reviewers, and accreditation teams. 
• Oversee the development, design, revision, and update of all publications (website, college catalog, and other media) relating to financial aid, such as financial aid applications, forms used for tracking applications, correspondence forms, and brochures. 
• Oversee all communication between respective departments as they relate to the Financial Aid Office's role in creating a positive educational experience for students. 
• Maintain research and submit information regarding budget as needed. 
• Possess an extensive working knowledge of the regulatory requirements in providing Title IV student loan programs. Trains other student service staff, managers and provides recommendations to Executive leadership on the requirements and compliance for Title IV loan programs. Maintain accurate and up to date knowledge of financial aid policies, procedures, and programs. Attend trainings/conferences as necessary to keep knowledge current. 
• Maintain liaison with Federal, state, county, and other agencies to answer questions, resolve problems, provide data, interpret and apply changes in rules and regulations concerning financial aid. 
• Resolve and/or assist in the resolution of problems and/or complaints and initiate corrective action as appropriate. 
• Perform all other job-related duties as required or assigned.  

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS  

• Must have highly proficient system navigational skills, in an Information System environment, preferably with experience in higher education.
• A strong commitment to the mission of the organization.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the Financial Aid function and the administration of such function. Preferably having demonstrated knowledge of overseeing and administering Title IV loan program.
• Ability to effectively supervise and motivate personnel.
• Demonstrated knowledge of principles and processes for delivering class-leading customer services. This includes student needs assessment, establishing quality standards and metrics for services, and the evaluation of customer satisfaction.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive and effective working relationships with students, MEA, LLC employees and the public.
• Skilled in working effectively in a team environment with a customer service focus.
• Demonstrated organizational skills in handling and directing multiple and complex assignments and projects.
• Excellent supervisory, administrative, communication, interpersonal and leadership skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions; and effectively present information to senior management.
• Must possess high proficiency in utilizing MS Office software, especially Excel, Word and Outlook.
• Must be willing to go the extra mile in completing standard and ad hoc reporting and/or projects with “no excuses” devotion to accuracy and timeliness.
• Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from students, regulatory agencies or senior management.
• Maintain accurate and complete student records as required by law, policies and administrative regulations.
• Provide information and support the students in connecting with other student service areas within the organization.
• Plan, direct, and participate in Financial Aid department activities and special projects and other job related duties.
• Able to stand, walk, sit throughout an 8-hour day.
• Ability to work in a fast paced environment/multi-task.
• Detail oriented.
• Able to respond positively to direction and performance-related criticism.
• Able to work productively and harmoniously with others on a consistent basis.
• Capable of consistently maintaining a professional and appropriate demeanor. 

 REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS STATEMENT

To accomplish this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation, each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to help enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Competency Statement(s)

• Adaptability - Ability to adapt to change in the workplace. 
• Reliability - The trait of being dependable and trustworthy. 
• Communication, Oral - Ability to communicate effectively with others using the spoken word. 
• Communication, Written - Ability to communicate in writing clearly and concisely. 
• Management Skills - Ability to organize and direct oneself and effectively supervise others. 
• Analytical Skills - Ability to use thinking and reasoning to solve a problem. 
• Problem Solving - Ability to find a solution for or to deal proactively with work-related problems. 
• Accuracy - Ability to perform work accurately and thoroughly. 
• Financial Aptitude - Ability to understand and explain economic and accounting information, prepare and manage budgets, and make sound long-term investment decisions. 
• Organized - Possessing the trait of being organized or following a systematic method of performing a task. 
• Problem Solving - Ability to find a solution for or to deal proactively with work-related problems.
• Reliability - The trait of being dependable and trustworthy. 
• Accountability - Ability to accept responsibility and account for his/her actions. 
• Analytical Skills - Ability to use thinking and reasoning to solve a problem. 
• Business Acumen - Ability to grasp and understand business concepts and issues. 
• Communication, Oral - Ability to communicate effectively with others using the spoken word. 
• Communication, Written - Ability to communicate in writing clearly and concisely. 
• Detail Oriented - Ability to pay attention to the minute details of a project or task. 
• Self-Motivated - Ability to be internally inspired to perform a task to the best of one’s ability using his or her own drive or initiative. 
• Project Management - Ability to organize and direct a project to completion. 
• Working Under Pressure - Ability to complete assigned tasks under stressful situations. 

SKILLS & ABILITIES 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Education Required: Master’s Degree from an accredited College or University.

Experience: Minimum of 12 years of experience in Higher Education, managing and administering all aspects of Title IV student loans from an accredited degree granting institution at the professional or graduate level. An ideal candidate should have extensive knowledge of Title IV laws and regulations as well as experience in negotiating with Department of Education personnel. Must have experience working with a diverse student population of at least 2,000 students or more. Minimum of 10 years, or more, experience in a leadership role managing a team, developing reports, and effectively presenting information to multiple constituencies including University leadership, applicants, student service staff and enrolled students.

Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, specifically Excel, Word and Outlook is a must; Proficient with Financial Aid software such as Department of Education and PowerFAIDS financial aid software; familiarity with student management systems such as Campus Management, Student Management Systems and Blackboard.