Director Of Financial Aid

JOB SUMMARY: The Director of Financial Aid is responsible for the administration and management of student Financial Aid and scholarship programs for all academic programs on all campuses of the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine. The Director of Financial Aid is responsible for the supervision and training of the Financial Aid counselors of all campuses, and must be knowledgeable concerning all aspects of federal and private student loan programs as well as the delivery processes and procedures used in the implementation of all Financial Aid resource programs providing aid to LECOM students.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Promote and preserve the mission of LECOM;
• Comply with all LECOM policies;
• Act as an administrative representative with faculty, staff, students and visitors in a professional, friendly manner at all times;
• Maintain confidentiality, professional appearance and pleasant demeanor;
• Advise and counsel students regarding student Financial Aid, including but not limited to: application assistance, debt management, satisfactory academic progress policies and other related Financial Aid concerns and issues;
• Assist in determining the cost of education budgets for all programs on all campuses.
• Serve as a member of the Admissions Committee for the College of Medicine and School of Pharmacy;
• Ensure student compliance with institutional policies and regulation;
• Establish goals and objectives of long-range planning for the Financial Aid office;
• Calculate student eligibility for all types of Financial Aid, including loans and scholarships.
• Work with the Director of Student Affairs to establish institutional policies and procedures for student loans and scholarships that are consistent with state and federal regulations
• Provide direct supervision and training of all Financial Aid staff;
• Perform verification of students' Financial Aid applications with appropriate documentation per federal regulations;
• Develop and publish student consumer information regarding Financial Aid, including maintenance of Financial Aid information distributed via the LECOM website and portal;
• Establishes and maintains written policies and procedures for the Office of Financial Aid in accordance with all federal and state laws;
• Assist in preparing budget information for the Office of Financial Aid;
• Coordinate with on and off-campus offices and agencies for the delivery of Financial Aid;
• Participate in all LECOM special events and activities, including but not limited to: White Coat Ceremony, Commencement, Registration/Orientation, LECOM Scholarship Auction, and on-campus days;
• Contribute directly to the Mission of LECOM embodying the essence of Osteopathic Principles and Practices by assisting with Institutional fundraising and participating in the LECOM Scholarship Auction;
• Participate in scholarly activity so to enrich and broaden the student learning experience;
• Serve on various college committees to assist with the general operations of the institution;
• Commit to being a representative of LECOM by being actively involved in the community, including, but not limited to, serving on Boards, participating in community fundraisers and overall outreach; and
• Accept new assignments and responsibilities necessary for the efficient and effective management of the Office of Student Affairs.

EEO/AA/M/F/Vets/Disabled

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS: Must possess required knowledge and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• In-depth knowledge of the Federal Student Loan Programs, direct lending, and private loan programs.
• Understanding of issues affecting student Financial Aid for matriculating student and graduates from all programs.
• Knowledge of how to develop and produce informational and training materials for faculty, staff and students. 
• Ability to think strategically and problem solve
• Effective in working with people at all levels of administration, faculty and students.
• Ability to work independently as well as work effectively in a diverse professional environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to create, oversee and manage work plans that result in quality productivity and completion of task for various offices within the college organizational structure.
• Ability to lead and serve in team settings to establish goals, meet objectives and evaluate results.
• Ability to identify and value diverse sets of skills among staff and create and sustain a collaborative working environment.
• Strong computer literacy with MS Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel...etc.) and accurate data entry skills; 
• Enthusiastic, good sense of humor, and a professional positive attitude;
• Excellent understanding of the admissions process and a demonstrated ability to market and promote professional programs in healthcare administration, medicine, pharmacy, and dentistry;
• Willingness to maintain an established work schedule;
• Adherence to all local, state, federal laws and LECOM policies and procedures;
• Ability to organize and prioritize work assignments and meet deadlines;
• Knowledge of pertinent laws, policies / procedures and/or guidelines affecting areas of responsibility;
• Ability to be self-reliant and follow instructions;
• Sound decision-making capabilities and the ability to work independently and as directed by the Institutional Director or his/her designee;
• Willingness to assume responsibility; initiate appropriate action; and maintain confidentiality;
• Knowledge of and ability to maintain confidentiality of patient (HIPAA) and student privacy (FERPA);
• Compliance with State and Federal Regulations and Safety Protocols (OSHA);
• Ability to be trained and certified on the Institutional Data System;
• Effective use of interpersonal and communications skills, including tact and diplomacy;
• Effective use of organizational and planning skills, including attention to detail and follow-through;
• Time management skills in assessing and prioritizing multiple tasks, projects, and demands;
• Willingness to maintain confidentiality of work-related information and materials;
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships;
• Willingness to be flexible and accept other duties needed/assigned; The ability to work cooperatively and collegially with others, consistent with a workplace of dignity and respect in compliance with EEO rules and regulations;
• The ability to report to work as scheduled, ready to devote full attention and energy to the important work of LECOM; and
• The ability to accept work directives from managers and supervisors in a respectful and cooperative manner.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education and experience equivalent to:

The Director of Financial Aid must hold a bachelor's degree (advanced degree preferred) in a related field and have a minimum of 3 years of experience in a management level position at a postsecondary educational institution.  Extensive administration experience in the principles and practices of managing student Financial Aid.  Goal oriented professional with excellent interpersonal, leadership, communication, organizational, planning and public relations skills. Must be eligible to hold membership in the National Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA), as well as regional student Financial Aid organizations.

Experience as a team leader.