Director of Financial Aid & Veterans Services

The Director of Financial Aid reports to the Vice President of Student Affairs and is primarily responsible for the overall operation of the student Financial Aid programs and Veterans and Military Affairs. The Director establishes and adheres to federal, state and institutional policies and regulations, along with upholding the mission and vision of Shawnee Community College. The Director coordinates with other departments and the campus as a whole to implement processes and practices to ensure compliance with regulations and policies and procedures.

The essential duties and primary responsibilities below are intended to describe the general requirements of this job and are not intended to be an exhaustive statement of duties. Other duties may be assigned.

• Financial Aid Operations & Compliance
• * Manages and supervises all financial aid processes for awarding student loans, grants, and scholarship packages
• Manages Colleague and other systems as necessary
• Interprets and applies federal laws and regulations; college policies and regulations; and state regulations relating to the delivery of student financial assistance and military benefits
• Maintains the College’s Financial Aid data to ensure timely and accurate submission of required federal, state and institutional reporting
• Calculates refunds and repayments for students who withdraw from school;
• Manages the R2T4 process and assists the Counselors in determining and processing withdrawn students
• Monitors satisfactory academic progress
• Audit financial aid files for compliance with federal and state regulations.
• Budgeting, Reporting & Program Oversight
• * Develops and monitors the Financial Aid Office budget including personnel needs, departmental operating expenses
• Develops student costs of attendance (individual student budgets) including tuition, books, fees, room and board etc.
• Monitors college work-study expenditures
• Manages the monthly reconciliation of funds process with the Business Office
• Develops and directs 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
• Prepare reports and correspondence as required by the financial aid office.
• Student Services & Support
• * Greet and assist students, parents, and visitors, both in person and over the phone, answering inquiries and providing guidance on financial aid procedures including processes for Veterans.
• Assist students with completing financial aid applications and required documents.
• Provide inquires with information on available scholarships, grants, and loans, and explain eligibility criteria.
• Offer guidance on budgeting, financial literacy, and debt management to students.
• Contributes to student satisfaction through delivery of quality customer service in all aspects of the administration of financial aid and student employment services
• Ensures 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 aid
• Office Administration & Record Management
• * Maintain and organize paper and electronic files, ensuring compliance with confidentiality and data security policies.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of student interactions and financial aid-related activities.
• Verifying and reconcile student enrollment and financial aid data.
• Manage office supplies and maintain an organized and welcoming office environment.
• Maintains confidentiality of information exposed to in the course of business regarding students, supervisors or other employees
• Leadership & Collaboration
• * Oversees all administrative functions of the Financial Aid Office by supervising, and providing ongoing professional development opportunities, and evaluating all full-time employees
• Serve as a liaison between the financial aid office and other campus departments.
• Communicate important deadlines, updates, and announcements to students through various channels
• Bachelor’s Degree (Master’s degree preferred) in student personnel or related area and a minimum of three years of increased administrative responsibilities for financial aid programs at a college or university or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Knowledge of federal and state financial aid programs.
• Experience with need analysis, counseling, and packaging.
• Ability to deal effectively with a diverse student body.
• Ability to commit to a team-building approach.
• Ability to work under pressure to meet timelines and objectives.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills.