Director, Financial Aid

Job Summary Responsible for administering federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs with integrity and in compliance with all applicable federal and state regulations while upholding the mission and vision of Lake-Sumter State College. Provide strategic leadership for financial aid programs in support of enrollment, retention, and student success goals. Monitor budgets, provide financial aid-related advisement, and exercise sound judgment in establishing procedures and policies in compliance with current federal, state, and institutional guidelines.

Responsible for demonstrating LSSC's core values of Caring, Communicating, Collaborating, and Celebrating when interacting with students, employees, visitors, and community members. Essential Duties & Responsibilities Manage and supervise all financial aid processes for awarding student loans, grants, and scholarship packages, ensuring consistency. Responsible for the reconciliation of federal, state funds, and internal reconciliation, and partners cross-functionally with college departments to reduce risk.

Interpret and apply federal laws and regulations; college policies and regulations; and state regulations relating to the delivery of student financial assistance. Develop and direct financial aid strategies within the framework of federal and state regulations that are consistent with the enrollment management objectives of the College, and by administering financial aid, scholarships, and student employment programs that support student recruitment and retention. Contribute to student satisfaction through delivery of quality customer service in all aspects of the administration of financial aid and student employment services.

Ensure that students are informed about their eligibility for financial aid by developing and directing a system for collecting and evaluating applications and for the timely and effective awarding of all types of financial assistance. Maintain confidentiality of information exposed in the course of business regarding students, supervisors, or other employees. Supervise all college-wide federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs.

Interpret, implement, and ensure compliance with federal and state laws, regulations, rules, and guidelines relating to financial aid. Exercises decision-making authority on policy interpretation and institutional implementation. Manage the daily operations of Financial Aid, including customer services management, policy and procedure development, change management, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Develop and administer the department operations budget. Provide fiscal oversight for audits, program reviews, and compliance reporting. Keep staff informed on new regulations, legislation, codes, policies, and procedures.

Lead staff development, performance accountability, and succession planning. Represent Financial Aid in cross-functional discussions related to enrollment management, compliance, technology, and student success initiatives. Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities Advanced knowledge of state, federal, and institutional regulations and guidelines relating to financial aid programs.

Advanced knowledge of the total financial aid process from procurement through delivery of funds. Knowledge of and experience with SCT Banner financial aid software and demonstrated skills in electronic spreadsheet and database software. Demonstrated financial/fiscal management skills, including forecasting and projections.

Excellent analytical, information management, and problem-solving skills. Outstanding human relations, written, oral, and presentation skills. Proven leadership in the areas of supervision, teaching, training, and motivating staff.

Ability to give strong direction to financial aid leveraging strategies to enhance recruitment and retention. ABILITIES/GENERAL: Provide vision, leadership, and high-level management of college-wide awareness and wellness initiatives Increase equitable access to food, personal care items, housing, mental wellness, and financial resources for students in need Facilitates student-related meetings, programs, workshops, and seminars that address student awareness and wellness realities like drug and alcohol awareness, sexual violence prevention, suicide prevention, social media hazards & addiction, bystander intervention training, stress management, etc. Provide education and awareness for related campus health and safety apps used at LSSC Assist with ongoing departmental strategic annual planning and assessment processes, establish performance measures, standards, and learning outcomes, and integrate assessment into the unit's planning and operations Prepare area budget, capital equipment, and technology requests, and ensure compliance with college budgetary procedures Work collaboratively with the Student Life Team to ensure website, platform, and social media sites are effective in helping students find, utilize, and enjoy all services, resources, and programs available to them Serve as a permanent member of the Campus Safety Committee, the Emergency Deans, and the LSSC Care Team Serves as an LSSC Title IX investigator Supervise student employees and/or peer mentors Establish and maintain a college environment respectful of student issues.

Champion a community of collaboration that focuses on student success, satisfaction, persistence, and completion. Maintain visibility and approachability to all students Perform other duties as assigned Minimum Qualifications & Education Required: Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution. Minimum 5-8 years of progressively responsible experience in financial aid administration.

Previous experience as an Associate or Assistant Director. Preferred: Master's degree from a regionally accredited institution. Certified Financial Aid Administrator (CFAA) Higher education experience.