Assistant Director Financial Aid

Job Summary

The Assistant Director of Financial Aid oversees the comprehensive operations of the Financial Aid Office, ensuring that financial aid programs in each area of responsibility are delivered to students consistently. This leadership position entails managing and optimizing daily processes, implementing strategic goals, and fostering a high-performing team. The Assistant Director actively contributes to the department's success by interpreting and adhering to complex federal, state, NCAA, and institutional regulations. Serves as a key representative of the Financial Aid Office, collaborating with internal and external stakeholders, and representing the Director and Sr. Associate Director as needed.

•        Collaborates with the Director to oversee the daily operations of the Financial Aid Office, ensuring efficient processes, timely service delivery, and optimal resource utilization.

•        Supervises, coaches, and mentors a team of financial aid professionals, fostering a collaborative and results-oriented environment

•        Researches and analyzes complex problems and recommends and implements appropriate solutions. Assures staff is trained to support the administration of financial aid programs and compliance requirements.

•        Ensures timely customer service to constituents and support units via telephone, email, and Teams chat to execute efficient, expedient, and quality solutions to escalated cases.

•        Responsible for maintaining and updating the Financial Aid Policies and Procedures Manual and updating and developing application forms through the year. Assists the staff in the resolution of conflicting data that may cause over awards and/or delay the delivery of financial assistance to students.

•        Manages the verification program. Main point of contact with ProEd, our third-party servicer for verification.

•        Analyzes applicants' and their families' financial and personal circumstances to establish their ability to contribute toward cost of education. Counsels students and parents on the availability of financial aid. Conducts general financial aid workshops.

•        Serves as liaison for the Bursar's, Registrar's and Admissions offices. Reviews and updates University's Standards of Academic Progress program in the system. Serves as office liaison to OneStop on all matters.

•        Investigates areas of concern within the Office and explores options for potential resolution. Reviews complaints submitted by financial aid students and provide timely responses to improve the quality of service by the Financial Aid Office. Counsels current and prospective students on application procedures, eligibility criteria, program requirements and other financial aid concern.

•        Creates a comprehensive calendar for all student communications and works within Enrollment Management for a coordinated approach to communicating with students.

•        Leads Early FAFSA Campaign to get students to apply in order to make aid awards to incoming students before most of the other State Universities within Florida.

•        Keeps abreast of trends, education policies, and best practices through professional development opportunities. Provides recommendations to leadership based on learning outcomes. Presents at conferences, seminars, professional development, workshops, etc.

•        Interprets Federal, State, NCAA, and Institutional regulations relative to the Financial aid programs.

•        Performs essential duties in any emergencies such as hurricanes, public health emergencies, and/or any other university emergency closing. The employee is expected to be available to report to work as needed during university emergency closing with appropriate notification of a department administrator.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree and six (6) years of financial aid experience or a Master's degree and four (4) years of financial aid experience.

Departmental Requirements

Must be able to obtain clearance for National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) access, which requires no default on federal financial aid, within 60 days of employment.

Desired Qualifications

•        Experience and knowledge of financial aid philosophy, rules, and regulations.

•        Supervisory and customer service experience.

•        Detail oriented and proficient in the use of web technology. Experience with analyzing data.

•        Experience with handling information of sensitive and confidential nature.

Job Category

Administrative

Advertised Salary

$73,000 - $80,000

Work Schedule

•        Begin time: 8:30 AM

•        End time: 5:00 PM

Pre-Employment Requirements

Expanded Background Check

Other Information

•        Ability to travel locally and nationally.

•        Ability to work occasional evenings, weekends and at locations outside of the University