Director of Financial Aid

University Overview

Since 1975, Sofia University has aspired to be a leader in transformative higher education offering students an education that transcends beyond a traditional learning environment. Students, staff, and faculty of Sofia are passionate individuals that recognize the need to be a part of something greater than themselves and seek opportunities that will provide them with the tools to empower themselves and their community. As Sofia continues to grow as a University, it remains committed to its transformative transpersonal values, as well as to maintaining a high-quality and diverse workforce representative of the community it services.

Sofia University is Western Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) accredited and offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degree programs in the fields of psychology, business, and computer science. Located in Palo Alto and Costa Mesa, California, the University provides both on campus and online programs, giving students the flexibility to further an education rooted in transformative and transpersonal values, in a format that best suits their schedule and needs. Sofia University is an equal opportunity employer.

Position Overview

The Director of Financial Aid leads the daily operations of Sofia University's Financial Aid Office and is responsible for the accurate, timely, and compliant administration of federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs. The position reports to the Chief Financial Officer.

Responsibilities

Financial Aid Operations — Manage the day-to-day operations of the Financial Aid Office, including financial aid packaging, processing and disbursement; federal, state and institutional aid and scholarships; Federal Work-Study; refunds, repayments and student support.

Title IV Compliance — Ensure compliance with federal, state and institutional financial aid requirements, including SAP, R2T4, verification, COD, NSLDS, ISIR processing, student loan requirements, and required financial aid consumer information and disclosures.

Reporting — Complete FISAP and other required federal, state and institutional financial aid reports accurately and timely.

Audits — Maintain accurate, organized and audit-ready financial aid records and lead the Financial Aid Office's preparation and support for annual financial aid audits, program reviews and related compliance matters.

Reconciliation — Work closely with accounting to reconcile financial aid records, awards, disbursements, refunds and repayments.

Leadership & Staff Management — Lead the Financial Aid team, maintain current policies and procedures, provide appropriate cross-training, and ensure responsive and professional service to students.

Cross-Department Collaboration — Collaborate with Accounting, Admissions, Registrar, IT and other departments to maintain accurate data, effective processes and regulatory compliance.

Systems & Data — Effectively use Campus Cafe and other applicable financial aid systems; maintain accurate financial aid data; and analyze financial aid utilization, trends and needs to support enrollment and institutional decision-making.

Professional Expectations — Meet regulatory and institutional deadlines, communicate effectively, and maintain regular availability during Sofia University's established business hours and for scheduled meetings and University activities. Proactively collaborate and problem solve compliance obligations with relevant offices such as Registrar, Academics, IR, Admissions, and State Authorizations.

Other Duties — Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible financial aid experience; supervisory or leadership experience preferred.
• Strong knowledge of Title IV regulations and federal and California financial aid programs.
• Experience with COD, NSLDS, SAP, R2T4, verification, FISAP, federal grants and Direct Loans, financial aid processing, and reconciliation.
• Experience with financial aid management systems; experience with Campus Cafe preferred.
• Strong organizational, analytical, communication, technical and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, manage deadlines and collaborate effectively across departments.

Preferred Qualifications (if applicable)

• Master's degree in a related field.
• Higher education leadership or supervisory experience.
• General knowledge of accounting practices, data processing and current financial aid best practices.

Sofia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, gender, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, medical condition, marital status, veteran status, and disability. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for applicants with disabilities who self-disclose by contacting the Human Resources Department at 888-820-1484 ext.10200.

Pay: $82,000.00 - $94,000.00 per year

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s)

• Do you have 5 years of progressively responsible financial aid experience?
• Do you have experience with COD, NSLDS, SAP, R2T4 and FISAP?

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Costa Mesa, CA 92626