Assistant Director Of Student Services-Financial Aid

SIENA HEIGHTS UNIVERSITY

POSITION DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE: Assistant Director of Student Services-Financial Aid

DEPARTMENT: Student Financial Services

FLSA: Exempt

SUMMARY: The Assistant Director of Student Services-Financial Aid is a team member of the Office of Business Affairs reporting directly to the Director of Student Financial Services. The Assistant Director will provide leadership, training, and guidance to staff in Financial Aid to achieve excellence in customer service that is integral with the goals and mission of the department and the University. This position is responsible for serving as the lead contact in managing, coordinating and overseeing the University’s student financial aid programs; evaluating student needs and eligibility, selecting candidates, and determining type and amount of financial assistance to be awarded to a diverse population of Students across all campuses.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist in making application for federal funds for government loan programs, administer rules and regulations set forth by the federal government concerning government funds and conditions established by donors of funds, serve in an advisory capacity to University officials.
• Administers the Federal Pell Grant Program, Michigan Tuition Grant/Competitive Scholarship Program, Michigan Tuition Incentive Program, and State/Federal Vocational Rehabilitation Programs.
• Complete electronic financial aid applications, corrections, and recalculations using the Federal Electronic Data Exchange Program.
• Assist with the coordination, monitoring, and reconciling of the Federal and Institutional Work Study Programs offered at Siena Heights University.
• Performs data entry, award adjustments, reconciliation and verification of various financial aid documents and applications, monitoring for accuracy and reliability, and reporting to appropriate agencies.
• Assist in preparing student financial assistance policies and serve in an advisory capacity to university officials regarding financial aid policies and procedures.
• Provide key strategic leadership in enhancing current policies, procedures, and systems around financial aid and manage a team to initiate new programs and services.
• Answer inquiries from various sources to include applicants, parents and high school counselors about policies and procedures.
• Advise students and families regarding financial aid opportunities and the completion of required paperwork and applications.
• Develop and direct all correspondence regarding financial aid matters in partnership with the Director to the university community, students, and parents.
• Assist Director as a liaison to outside agencies and entities procured by the University to help administer outside forms of aid.
• Maintain an open door and receptive atmosphere that promotes trust and confidence at Siena Heights University and its student operations. Helping ensure that the department's delivery of exceptional customer service to students/families and internal/external customers is professional.
• Keeps abreast of various state, federal and institutional regulations, and requirements as they pertain to the administration of financial aid. Ensure compliance with Siena Heights University policies and procedures, federal and state laws, and regulations and serve as a liaison with other associated offices or entities within or outside the University.
• Serve as the lead financial aid contact for the annual audit preparation and responsible for the administration and reconciling of specific grant and scholarship programs.
• With the Director and the Financial Aid Officer, prepare annual operating reports, setting forth progress, adverse trends, and appropriate recommendations or conclusions. Including, but not limited to FISAP and IPEDS.
• This position is institutionally authorized to accept financial aid documents and verify information.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisors.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Requires a Bachelor’s degree in related field or commensurate work experience including supervisory/management experience. Two years' experience working in higher education financial aid is preferred or another highly regulated field. Data technology systems implementation experience preferred, but not required.
• Requires strong initiative and consistently dependable judgment in assuring compliance with Siena Heights University policies governing the confidential financial information of Students.
• Must be able to maintain absolute confidentiality regarding all aspects of the office functions.
• Requires basic accounting skills necessary that are involved in student accounts and audit preparation.
• Requires ability to effectively respond to changes in the workload as determined by the academic calendar, special events or prioritization of tasks by the Director of Student Financial Services.
• Ability to prioritize, organize, delegate and effectively complete assigned duties and responsibilities.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective work relationships with students, faculty, staff, and the public.
• Exercises detailed knowledge and sound judgment to assure ongoing compliance with legal, policy and procedural standards established at Federal, State, and Institutional levels. Knowledge of supervisory practices and techniques, management principles, state and federal labor laws, regulations, etc.
• Functional knowledge of state and federal laws affecting University Accounting. Possesses a thorough knowledge of general office procedures and practices. Knowledge of general invoicing and collection practices and procedures. Skilled knowledge of the use of personal computers and other office equipment. Skillful knowledge of the use of Microsoft Office Suite programs. Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication and problem resolution skills are essential. Skilled aptitude for the analysis and interpretation of accounting and financial data.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Must be able to alternately sit and stand for substantial periods.
• Must be able to bend, lift, stoop, and carry objects weighing no more than 30 lbs. on an occasional basis. Must be able to tolerate moderately changing temperatures and humidity levels.
• Must be able to perform data input through keyboarding for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to work occasional evening and weekend hours.

DISCLAIMER:

This is not an all-inclusive list. There may be additional duties required to ensure the delivery of services.

SUPERVISED BY: Director of Student Financial Services

SUPERVISES: Financial Aid Officer, Graduate Assistant, Summer Assistants, Work Study Employees

INTERACTION: Current, former, and potential students; current university faculty and staff; outside agencies, organizations, or individuals.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work required of this position. It is not meant to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required.

This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 403(b)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Supplemental schedule:

• Evenings as needed

Ability to Relocate:

• Adrian, MI 49221: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person