Assistant Director of Financial Aid Systems

Middle Georgia State University (MGA), a multi-campus, baccalaureate and graduate degree granting public institution, is the most affordable public state university in Georgia. MGA has five campuses-Macon, Cochran, Dublin, Eastman, and Warner Robins, all located in central Georgia-and global outreach through its fully-online campus. Its enrollment of 8,400 students is largely comprised of students from most of Georgia's 159 counties. The University has six academic schools, including Georgia's flagship aviation university, that support its mission to educate and graduate inspired, lifelong learners whose scholarship and careers enhance the state. 

Under the supervision of the Director of Financial Aid, the Assistant Director of Financial Aid Systems is responsible for providing oversight of systems and technology for the Office of Financial Aid and serves on the administrative leadership team.  In partnership with others the Assistant Director works towards automation for complex financial aid functions, ensures compliance with procedures, audit access and use of data and systems, and assists with the training of staff related to system changes. This is an advanced technical and financial aid position. It is expected that the incumbent will develop best practices for managing extensive and complex financial aid data within the Office of Financial Aid. The Assistant Director of Financial Aid Systems will possess strong technical and analytical skills, be self-directed and detail oriented. This position requires accuracy, teamwork, and high productivity in a high functioning office focused on supporting student success.

Administration of Financial Aid Technology and Data (85%) - 
Oversee the analyst and loan coordinator staff.  This includes the leadership of staff and establishing and monitoring goals.
Directs computer systems, technology, and special projects in the Office of Financial Aid. Ensures efficient use of information systems and maintains knowledge of current and new technologies.  Make recommendations on how best to use information systems to support financial aid operations in consultation with the Director and collaboration with the Enterprise Information Systems team.  
Translate federal regulations/business requirements into tangible data to set up Ellucian Banner Financial Aid system for packaging of institutional, state and federal student aid.  This includes preparing, testing, and upgrading of systems utilized within the Office of Financial Aid.
Serves as the Destination Point Administrator for Federal and State systems.  This includes assisting with the preparation of federal, state and institutional fiscal and statistical reports.
Provide technical assistance, documentation, and training for financial aid staff on system procedures, system integration, data integrity, and reporting.
Direct the loan processing, loan advising, and loan default management programs.
Directs staff on the development and assessment of communication to prospective and current students. 
Assist with office-wide strategic planning and implementation, as well as enrollment management and campus initiatives.

Coordinates/Participates in Financial Aid Advisor Functions (5%) - 
Has the knowledge and capability to act as back-up for file processing, customer service, and advising students when needed during peak times or as needed

Other Duties as Assigned (10%) - 
Performs other related duties specific to financial aid regulatory requirements and day-to day operations as assigned by supervisor and/or to provide maximum office efficiency.

Educational Requirements
Knowledge and level of competency commonly associated with the completion of a baccalaureate degree in a course of study related to the occupational field.

Required Experience
Sufficient experience to understand the basic principles relevant to the major duties of the position, usually associated with the completion of an apprenticeship/internship or having had a similar position for five or more years.

Experience in reconciling student financial aid programs at a comparable college or university preferred.
Experience writing simple to complex SQL or other query systems and working with relational databases.
Experience with Ellucian Banner highly preferred.
Knowledge of Oracle database structure and Microsoft Office application suite, particularly Excel.
Must have multi-tasking abilities and be able to process large volumes of work with accuracy.
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and communicate with functional and technical staff, and other departments to resolve programmatic issues and updates.
Knowledge of financial aid regulations and procedures.