Director of Financial Aid

Job Summary

The Director of Financial Aid is responsible for the leadership, administration, and strategic direction of all financial aid programs. This role ensures compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations while delivering exceptional service to students. The Director oversees financial aid operations, supervises staff, manages budgets, and collaborates with internal and external partners to support student success.

Job Duties:

Leadership & Compliance

• Administer all financial aid programs, including Title IV, state grants, institutional aid, and scholarships.
• Maintain accurate and current information in the Electron Application (E-App) and Eligibility and Certification Approval Report (ECAR).
• Manage the recertification of the Program Participation Agreement (PPA).
• Develop and implement policies, procedures, and systems to ensure regulatory compliance.

Student Support & Counseling

• Provide guidance on financial aid options, SAP, appeals, and return to Title IV.
• Review and process professional judgment requests, including dependency overrides and special/unusual circumstances.
• Adjust aid packages and notify students of changes in eligibility.
• Evaluate Cost of Attendance adjustments based on documented educational expenses.

Operations & Supervision

• Supervise financial aid staff and oversee daily office operations and budget.
• Coordinate student communications, data reconciliation, enrollment reporting, and audit preparation.

Outreach & Collaboration

• Conduct financial aid presentations and workshops for students, families, and community groups.
• Partner with area high schools, external agencies, and internal departments.
• Serve on institutional and external committees as a financial aid representative.

Default Management

• Lead the college’s default management efforts, including strategy development and coordination with servicers.
• Implement the college’s default management plan to reduce cohort default rates.

Special Programs

• Complete and manage consortium agreements, including coordination with host schools to verify remote hours for Gateway degree requirements.
• Perform additional responsibilities as assigned to support the mission of the college and the financial aid office.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent
• Previous experience in a supervisory or leadership role
• Working knowledge of financial aid systems and processes.
• 3-4 years direct experience in financial aid operations in a higher education setting
• Ability to handle conflicts and provide constructive feedback.
• Strong leadership, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
• Strong communication skills
• Detail-oriented, self-motivated, ability to work independently and adapt seamlessly to fast-paced, dynamic environments.
• Skilled in engaging and supporting students from different cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Professional and courteous communication at all levels, both internally and externally.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities effectively and meet tight deadlines.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Forms, Outlook, Teams, SharePoint, Word).
   

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree or equivalent
• Previous experience in a community college setting