Manager, Financial Aid Programs

Job Description

The Manager, Financial Aid Programs assists in the management of financial aid programs from federal, state, institutional and private sources. The Manager is responsible for compliance activities and demonstrates strong functional and technical skills in the day-to-day support of the administration of various financial aid programs. The Manager provides oversight and supervision to direct reports and other financial aid staff.

Required Qualification

• Bachelor's degree required. Any and all degree(s) must be from a regionally accredited institution of higher learning.
• Four (4) years relevant experience in a financial aid leadership role required; prior supervisory experience required.
• Computer proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and the Internet required.
• Demonstrated knowledge of financial aid regulations required.
• Demonstrated experience working with enterprise-wide systems required.
• Excellent communication (oral and written) and interpersonal skills in all media (phone, face to face and email) required.
• Ability to demonstrate a positive attitude towards daily challenges and ability to process high volumes of work with accuracy required.
• Detail oriented with excellent organizational skills required.
• Ability to manage multiple, simultaneous priorities and meet deadlines required.
• Commitment to the mission of an urban community college required.
• Must excel in working as a member of a team, model exceptional service to internal and external customers, and work to facilitate change.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in, and appreciation for, a collective bargaining environment preferred.
• Experience with Banner preferred.

Specific Responsibilities

• Assist Financial Aid Office staff in the management of financial aid programs, including federal, state, institutional and private sources; manage compliance activities for all financial aid programs.
• Provide supervisory leadership and guidance to Financial Aid specialists and support staff.
• Produce standard reports for the Office of Financial Aid in support of operational needs.
• Assist in processing administrative withdrawals and administrative full refund withdrawals.
• Conduct internal audit reviews on processed financial aid; provide financial aid files, student withdrawal forms, account activity records and other financial aid materials to external auditors for audit reviews.
• Serve as backup for daily processing for the Federal Pell Grant Program, Federal Direct Student Loan Program, Federal Work-study Program, outside scholarships and Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency State Grant.
• Assist in the processing and awarding of the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency State Grant (PHEAA); administer eligibility requirements.
• Perform verification to determine financial aid eligibility.
• Perform administrative functions related to satisfactory academic progress appeals; record and notify students of decisions.
• Counsel and educate students and parents regarding financial aid; assist with the on-line process of completing a FAFSA; make students and parents aware of other financial alternatives including loans, scholarships, payment plans and tuition remission, if applicable.
• Travel to attend meetings outside the College to stay updated on financial aid policies.
• Function as a "power user" for the BANNER Financial Aid Module, including working collaboratively with the Systems Analyst, Financial Aid and serving as a point of contact for troubleshooting operational issues reported by Financial Aid staff; review and reconcile data exception reports.
• Adhere to FERPA regulations as they pertain to maintaining the security and confidentiality of all student records, as well as maintain the confidentiality of other documents on behalf of the work area and the College.
• Perform assigned duties in a manner consistent with the mission, goals and core values of the College.
• Maintain sensitivity, understanding and respect for a diverse academic environment, inclusive of students, faculty, and staff of varying social, economic, cultural, ideological, and ethnic backgrounds.
• Deliver quality customer services to both internal and external constituents in a professional, helpful and courteous manner.
• Other duties as assigned.