Director Of Financial Aid

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Director of Financial Aid leads a team of 4 full time staff and is directly responsible for the effective and efficient administration of federal, state, private, and institutional Financial Aid. The Director develops and implements strategies, policies, and procedures that are in compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations. As part of the Enrollment Management team, this person works to ensure the institution's recruitment, retention, and net tuition revenue goals are met. The Director is responsible for the development and implementation of Financial Aid leveraging, scholarship (funded and unfunded) strategies and awarding practices to ensure the accurate, equitable, efficient, and strategic distribution of aid. The Director will be the point person and official owner of the A-133 audit procedures, the annual FISAP process, and additional review and audits initiated by the Department of Education and Department of Veteran Affairs.

Other specific responsibilities include utilization and optimization of a fully-integrated computerized student information system; developing and administering Financial Aid and office administrative budgets, training, supervising, and evaluating support staff, Financial Aid counseling and advising of students and their families and other special duties.

The Director will have a deep knowledge of best practices in Financial Aid and scholarship management, excellent customer service skills, a high level of comfort and ability with technology. The Director will demonstrate leadership role in setting the tone of inclusion and integrity to the department and division.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITITES/FUNCTIONS

• Set expectations, give work direction and evaluate the performance of Financial Aid staff.
• Establish department goals and objectives (both long and short term).
• Develop policies and procedures that provide effective delivery of the Financial Aid program.
• Responsible for the disbursement and strategic use of federal funds in strict compliance with federal regulations governing each program.
• Ensure that compliance with federal regulations results in the avoidance of any kind of institutional fiscal liability.
• Serve as key point person for data collection and submission for A-133 audit.
• Oversee reporting to internal and external constituencies including the federal government (FISAP, IPEDS), professional organizations (COFHE, College Board, Common Data Set), auditors and the USD Office of Institutional Research & Planning.
• Oversee the management of available institutional funds and scholarships in accordance with institutional objectives and priorities.
• Ensure effective budget control of all monies allocated to Financial Aid programs and office administration expenses.
• Ensure that adequate documentation, audit trails, and accountability exist for all funds disbursed for the current academic year as well as the five prior academic years.
• Ensure that all students receiving aid are maintaining satisfactory progress in accordance with written federal and institutional requirements.
• Oversee the administration of all aspects of Veteran's Benefits and 3rd Party participants.
• Partner with Student Accounts in efforts to achieve cohort default rate goals.
• Establish office procedures in accordance with federal aid objectives.
• Administer refunds, repayments, and return of Title IV aid for all withdrawing federal aid recipients.
• Ensure that all Financial Aid staff are properly trained and up to date to perform their job duties.
• Responsible for preparing and maintaining department operating budget.
• Work closely with Human Resources to screen and hire department staff.
• Provide operating status to administration as appropriate.
• Counsel students and parents regarding Financial Aid in a timely manner.
• Develop and maintain a community work study database that will offer potential work study jobs for our students.
• Supervise aid work-study students in the Financial Aid department.
• Review policies and procedures to ensure that Dunwoody is in compliance with Financial Aid regulations and processes.
• Participate in recruiting and student services events.
• Maintain highest level of customer service.
• Assure the confidentiality of student records and personal circumstances.
• Provide services that do not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, disability, age or economic status.
• Provide and measure customer satisfaction.
• Ensure that adequate documentation and records are kept for all students receiving Financial Aid.
• Submit federal reports on aid recipients on a regular basis.
• Maintain schedule of timely upgrades electronic functions and computer capability of office in delivery of Financial Aid.
• Regularly attend state and regional seminars and training that provide current information of the delivery of Financial Aid services.
• Ensure that staff receives adequate and on-going training to maintain up-to-date Financial Aid and other student services information.
• Benchmark with other college campuses to determine better ways of providing Financial Aid services.
• Ability to learn new computer programs and database management systems and demonstrate proficiency given adequate training.
• Participate in activities aimed at professional development beyond college in-service requirements.
• Ability to analyze and interpret data.
• Ability to think critically and strategically to develop new strategies and goals.
• Ability to talk on the phone.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills including ability to communicate effectively with students, faculty, staff, and other external constituents.
• Ability to communicate difficult messages in a professional manner.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and to meet frequently occurring deadlines.
• Must be goal and team oriented to build positive working relationships, and conduct business with attention to ethical considerations, and school/accreditation guidelines.
• Ability to speak publicly and present information and training material in a cohesive, organized manner.
• Ability to coach students in Financial Aid processes.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality as required by FERPA regulations.
• Ability to work with and communicate effectively with people from all backgrounds and at all levels.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to meet deadlines and budgets.
• Must have strong organizational skills, and consistently displays the highest levels of integrity.
• Ability to prioritize, multi-task and manage competing priorities, and work flexible schedule including select evenings and weekends to meet college business needs.
• Must be professional in all aspects of the position including appearance, demeanor, and attitude.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Strategic Skills:Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills to do the job at a high level. Makes good decisions. Provides sound advice and problem solution. Provides honest and in-depth analysis on problems and issues.
• Operating Skills:Makes decisions in a timely manner. Accepts responsibility for tasks and meets objectives and measures. Documents process, progress, and results. Is committed to continuous improvement. Works toward the most efficient and effective work processes.
• Courage: Has difficult conversations as necessary. Faces up to people problems on any person or situations quickly and directly.
• Energy and Drive:Is action oriented and full of energy for challenging tasks/issues. Is constantly and consistently one of the top performers. Steadfastly pushes self and others for results.
• Organizational Positioning Skills:Can maneuver through complex situations effectively and quietly. Is sensitive to how people and organizations function. Anticipates where the land mines are and plans his/her approach accordingly.
• Personal/Interpersonal Skills:Relates well to all kinds of people. Builds constructive and effective relationships. Is dedicated to meeting the expectations and requirements of internal and external customers. Supports equal and fair treatment and opportunity for all. Adheres to Dunwoody's core values. Is widely trusted - Keeps confidences and admits mistakes. Practices attentive and active listening. Is personally committed to and actively works to continuously improve him/herself.

• Ability to work 40 hours per week, some flexible hours including nights and weekends.
• Excellent computer skills including knowledge of Microsoft Office: Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, and PowerFAIDS
• Bachelor's degree and 5 years progressively responsible experience in Financial Aid or Student Accounts or Accounting
• Knowledge of federal, state, private, and institutional Financial Aid programs, processes, and regulations.
• Knowledge of student employment program and other grant, loan, and scholarship programs.