Director, Financial Aid

Application materials

must be received by 11:59 pm on April 15,

2026

Specifications are

intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties

performed by employees in the position. Specifications are not

intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

SUMMARY

DESCRIPTION

To plan, organize, coordinate, improve and direct

the financial aid and scholarship programs, if assigned, and other

assigned student support services at a community college; direct

the development, administration, implementation and evaluation of

program activities and operations; prepare and administer annual

program budgets; ensure compliance with District policies and

applicable State and federal regulations related to financial aid;

and train, supervise and evaluate assigned personnel; serve as

custodian of records and ensure the timely, accurate and legal

maintenance, storage, retrieval and release of all records

associated with assignment.

To foster a culture of collaboration, mutual

respect, innovation, and continuous improvement throughout the

District; lead by example; actively participate in and support

District-wide participatory governance components and activities

and other collaborative processes; encourage professional

excellence among the staff and promote an organizational culture of

customer service, innovation, and quality services.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND

EXERCISED

Receives general direction from the

appropriate level manager, administrator, or designee.

Exercises functional and technical

supervision over assigned classified professionals, student staff

and related reporting personnel.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

The following duties

are typical for this position. Incumbents may not perform all of

the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or

different duties from those set forth below to address business

needs and changing business practices.

Assist the

Vice President for Student Services, or designee, in the resolution

of student and faculty concerns related to assigned

programs.

Attend

workshops, professional conferences, and trade shows for program

planning and development; represent the Financial Aid Office, other

assigned student support services programs and the District at a

variety of administrative and professional meetings, as required,

including participation in local, state and national professional

associations.

Communicate with other student services

personnel, District administrators and support personnel, College,

representatives of State and federal agencies, educational

institutions, social service organizations, counselors and others

to coordinate student support service needs, programs, services,

operations and activities; resolve conflicts and issues and develop

new and effective programs and services to meet student

needs.

Coordinate

program activities with other student services functions and

instructional programs; serve on campus and District committees,

task forces and other work groups; provide technical expertise

concerning assigned program(s); work cooperatively and

collaboratively with others to develop, implement and evaluate a

community outreach program to local high schools,

partnerships/agreements with advisory boards, professional

associations, K-12 and transfer institutions, business and industry

regarding financial aid; establish, coordinate and maintain

positive relationships with local high schools and four-year degree

earning institutions.

Create a

positive campus climate that fosters innovation in the development

of programs and services in financial aid and other assigned areas

of student support; assist the Vice President for Student Services,

or designee, in providing direction for the development of new

programs and assist in coordinating program approvals as

appropriate.

Develop,

direct and evaluate program activities and operations; compile and

analyze data related to program participation and evaluation;

develop, implement, coordinate and evaluate policies and procedures

for the administration of various financial aid programs; assure

the programs comply with federal, State and local

requirements.

Develop,

prepare, submit, administer, monitor and review departmental

budget, including the State BFAP budget, as well as annual budgets

for assigned programs, including annual budget requests for

equipment, supplies and personnel; direct the acquisition,

maintenance and use of equipment; and maintain an equipment and

technologyreplacement plan; direct the maintenance of adequate

records and controls to assure that expenditures and operations

remain within established budget limitations; prepare

recommendations and justifications regarding budget requests;

monitor and approve purchase requisitions and prepare agenda items

for Board approval as needed; authorize expenditures according to

District policies and applicable regulations.

Direct the

acquisition, maintenance, and use of technology and other equipment

related to assigned programs; and maintain an equipment and

technology replacement plan.

Direct the

preparation and maintenance of required, detailed and comprehensive

reports, records, statistics and files regarding assigned programs,

operations, activities, personnel and facilities; ; serve as

custodian of records related to area of assignment.

Direct,

oversee, review, monitor and evaluate assigned grants, ensuring

that implementation and management are according to grant

guidelines and that grant budgets are developed and maintained

according to legal requirements and district procedures; develop

and coordinate related grant funding and partnership opportunities

to enhance and expand Financial Aid and other assigned student

support programs.

Disseminate information about the availability of

external funding; communicate with faculty members and

administrators regarding grants relevant to their academic field;

provide information concerning specific funding sources; coordinate

timelines and protocol for grants.

Evaluate

and prepare statistical data reports relating to financial aid

impact on students and the institution; act on student appeals and

provide necessary recommendations as required.

Guide,

organize, coordinate and, when assigned, make oral presentations to

students, parents, counselors and professional colleagues at

various gatherings and/or conduct workshops to provide specialized

information regarding financial aid and related student services;

develop and direct the distribution of brochures, flyers and other

promotional materials and college publications to publicize

financial aid opportunities for students.

Initiate,

coordinate and supervise the process for the delivery of

campus-based, State and federal financial aid programs, or other

assigned student support services; confer with Information

Technology regarding the identification, development,

implementation and enhancement of data processing systems and

software applications for assigned programs.

Interface

with the community and external agencies in all matters of

community relations associated with area of assignment; serve on a

variety of campus, District, community, and State committees; and

meet with representatives of business, industry, and local

government.

Maintain

current knowledge of financial aid, scholarship, if assigned, and

other assigned student support programs and services.

Monitor,

interpret, apply and explain State and federal regulations and

legislation, and new State Education Code regulations, to determine

impact on assigned programs and services; ensure compliance with

District policies as well as State and federal laws related to

assigned program(s); review and certify the accuracy of data

concerning program participation.

Organize,

attend or chair a variety of administrative and staff meetings

related to areas of assignment, strategic planning, budget,

advisory committees and other activities; participate in collegial

consultation, participatory governance and appropriate advisory

committee meetings and provide in-service and workshops for

employees.

Participate in the development of the College's

strategic plan, communicating the needs, goals, plans and overall

role of areas of assignment; formulate and develop long and

short-range goals and strategic plans, including staffing,

facilities; assure consistency of plans with other college and

District plans; prepare long-range plans and statements of goals

and objectives.

Plan and

coordinate the scholarship award program with the College

Foundation Office; serve as the financial aid liaison coordinator

to the scholarship committees when assigned.

Plan,

organize, coordinate and direct the operations and activities of

the Financial Aid program and other assigned student support

services; develop organizational structures and work processes that

facilitate attainment of established program(s) goals and

objectives; develop and implement appropriate methods and

procedures to optimize efficient and effective delivery of services

to students.

Prepare a

variety of state and federal accountability reports; prepare and

submit a variety of statistical and narrative reports; prepare

budget reports, annual recap data and special reports, proposals,

recommendations and other materials as requested; coordinate and

respond to periodic audits and program reviews; participate in

internal, State and federal audits as needed; respond to findings

and initiate actions as required.

Prepare

annual applications for federal and State funding; plan, organize

and manage the expenditures of College Work-Study, grant and loan

funds to maximize student and institutional needs.

Provide

leadership and advocacy to enhance innovation and participation in

issues related to the administration of financial aid and other

student support services to ensure student success; communicate the

changing expectations, trends and needs of educational preparation

effectively to assigned personnel.

Supervise

and direct Financial Aid Office staff, working cooperatively with

outreach personnel, to plan, develop, implement and evaluate a

comprehensive community financial aid outreach program for local

high schools regarding financial aid and other student support

programs, services and activities directed at the recruitment of

new students and the retention and completion for current

students.

Train, supervise and evaluate the performance of

assigned personnel; observe and evaluate work performance, methods

and effectiveness; participate in the selection of new and

temporary staff in accordance with District policies and legal

requirements; delegate and review assignments and projects; adjust

workload and assignments; evaluate work products and results;

establish and monitor timelines and prioritize work.

Perform assigned duties in a manner

consistent with the values, mission, and goals of the college.

Perform other duties as assigned that support

the overall objective of the position and the District's mission

and philosophy.

Report to work on a regular and consistent

basis, as scheduled, to assigned job.

MINIMUM

QUALIFICATIONS

The following generally

describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job

and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to

successfully perform the assigned duties.

EDUCATION AND

EXPERIENCE GUIDELINES

Any combination of

education and experience that would likely provide the required

knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the

knowledge and abilities would be

Education

A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or

university with major course work in business or public

administration, education, or closely related field.

Experience

At least five years of increasingly responsible

financial aid experience, including at least three years as a

financial aid program manager, coordinator, or lead

Commitment to equity and diversity.

All applicants must have demonstrated sensitivity to and

understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural,

disability, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic

backgrounds of community college students, faculty and staff. The

applicant must be able to demonstrate how these factors relate to

the need for equity-minded practices within an educational

environment.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATES, AND/OR

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

A valid California driver’s license.

KNOWLEDGE

OF

A community college system.

All divisions and their inter-relationships; a

thorough knowledge of the various student support services required

to enhance instruction.

Applicable District policies and local, State and

federal laws, codes and regulations, Including Title V and

California Education Code.

Basic data collection and analysis related to

student learning outcomes, retention, and success.

California Community Colleges basic skills

initiative.

Collective bargaining, contract negotiation and

administration.

Community college organization, operations and

objectives.

Community relations and external resource

development.

Computer systems and software applications

related to area of assignment.

Conflict resolution and team building

Correct English composition, grammar, spelling

and vocabulary.

District and College organization, operations and

objectives.

District safety policies and

procedures.

Evidence of sensitivity to and understanding of

the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, and

ethnic backgrounds of students, faculty and staff.

Evidence of understanding and experience with the

principles of collegial consultation.

Federal, State and District programs, policies,

procedures, rules and regulations of student financial assistance

programs.

Financial aid programs and services.

Interpersonal skills including tact, patience,

diplomacy and courtesy.

Management techniques that encourage creativity,

improve efficiency, and increase productivity.

Modern office practices, procedures, methods, and

equipment.

Modern principles, practices, methods and

techniques of administrative leadership, management and

supervision.

Needs, interests and concerns of various groups

of community college students.

Operation of computer, peripherals and software

programs, including student information systems, database

management, spreadsheet, word processing and specialized

software.

Organizational and management practices as

applied to area of assignment.

Participatory governance process and venue

fostering open communication among divisions, programs and

services.

Planning and organizational skills.

Principles and practices of budget preparation

and management.

Principles and practices of management, training

and supervision.

Principles and procedures of automated financial

record-keeping.

Principles of program evaluation, student

assessment, and organizational development.

Program analysis, cost estimating and

evaluation.

Public relations skills.

Purpose, mission and goals of a community college

district.

Role and purpose of technological systems in

providing student support services.

Scholarship award programs and services, if

assigned.

Web page design, Canvas and/or other course

management systems, and other instructional and student services

software.

ABILITY

TO

Allocate financial and human

resources in accordance with sound management

principles.

Analyze problems, identify

alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and

implement recommendations in support of goals.

Apply for annual financial aid

funding and prepare required reports.

Assess, manage, implement, use and

apply technology in the management and delivery of the financial

aid and other student support services programs.

Assist in forecasting current and

future needs and costs affecting assigned programs.

Collect, compile and analyze

data.

Communicate clearly, concisely and

effectively, both orally and in writing, with diverse

constituencies within and outside of the District.

Coordinate program activities and

services with other District, College and community

programs.

Demonstrate commitment to innovative

and effective user-centered services.

Demonstrate flexibility and

adaptability.

Demonstrate sensitivity to ethnically

and culturally changing student populations.

Develop and administer policies and

procedures for areas of assignment.

Develop budget and administer annual

funding for financial aid programs.

Develop promotional strategies for

programs and services that will promote enrollment growth,

retention and student success.

Develop, administer and control

annual budget for area of assignment.

Embrace and work effectively within a

system of participatory governance.

Encourage professional excellence

among the staff and promote an organizational culture of customer

service, innovation, and quality services.

Establish and maintain effective,

harmonious, cooperative, and collaborative working relationships

with a diverse population of students, staff, community and those

contacted in the course of work.

Exercise initiative and work

independently with minimum administrative direction.

Exercise judgment or choice among

possible actions, sometimes without clear precedents and often with

concern for the consequences of the action.

Interpret, analyze, apply and explain

complex and technical District, local, State and federal laws,

codes and regulations related to financial aid and scholarship

programs, if assigned.

Lead, train, supervise, and evaluate

assigned staff.

Maintain current knowledge of

financial aid programs, strategies, trends and technological

advancements in assigned areas of responsibility.

Maintain the security of confidential

materials.

Manage complex budgets including

grants.

Operate computer and applications

software, including database management, spreadsheet, word

processing and specialized software related to area of

assignment.

Operate modern office equipment such

as computer, printer, calculator, copier and fax

machine.

Plan, develop, organize, coordinate,

implement, direct and evaluate comprehensive financial aid programs

and services and their effective delivery to students.

Plan, organize, coordinate, manage

and expedite assigned projects and activities related to assignment

in a manner conducive to full performance and high

morale.

Prepare and deliver clear and concise

oral and written reports, recommendations, and

presentations.

Prepare complex and comprehensive

narrative and statistical records, reports, projections, summaries,

statements, analyses, proposals and recommendations.

Prepare, maintain and retain records,

reports and files of area(s) of assignment according to federal,

State and district requirements.

Provide leadership for the continual

improvement of area of assignment based on established goals and

objectives.

Provide overall management of

scholarship programs, if assigned.

Read, interpret, and explain laws,

rules and regulations, and to develop and implement personnel

policies and procedures.

Relate effectively to people of

varied academic, cultural and socioeconomic background using tact,

diplomacy and courtesy.

Represent the college at the

community, state and national levels.

Resolve conflicts and solve

problems.

Train, supervise and evaluate the

performance of assigned personnel.

Understand and effectively and

collaboratively work in a complicated multi-college environment, as

well as within a system of community college districts.

Use independent judgment in the

interpretation and application of rules, regulations, policies and

procedures.

Work collaboratively with

administration, classified management, faculty, staff and

students.

Work cooperatively in an environment

of shared governance.

Work cooperatively with other

District and College administrators to develop sound information

and reporting systems and procedures.

Work effectively as a leader and

Student Services Team member.

Work effectively in a fast-paced

environment with numerous interruptions.

Work effectively with others to

achieve common goals including student recruitment and

retention.

Application

Procedure

To be considered a candidate for

this position, the following materials must be electronically

uploaded

• Completed South Orange County Community College District online

application including education and experience.

• Cover letter.
• Current resume and/or curriculum vitae.

You will also be required to answer the following

question

How has your professional background and

experience prepared you to be an effective leader at a college that

is committed to equity, values diversity, and expects

inclusion?

Incomplete application packages

will not be considered.

WORK

ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The conditions

herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee

to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with

disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Work

Environment

Standard office setting. Duties are performed

primarily in an office environment while sitting at a desk or

computer workstation. Incumbents are subject to constant contact

with students, frequent interruptions, noise from talking or office

equipment and demanding legal timelines. At least minimal

environmental controls to assure health and comfort.

Physical

Demands

Incumbents regularly sit for long periods, walk

short distances on a regular basis, travel to various locations to

attend meetings and conduct work, use hands and fingers to operate

an electronic keyboard or other office machines, reach with hands

and arms, stoop or kneel or crouch to file, speak clearly and

distinctly to answer telephones and to provide information; see to

read fine print and operate computer; hear and understand voices

over telephone and in person; and lift, carry and/or move objects

weighing up to 10 pounds.

Range

17

of the District Management Team Salary Schedule

Work Schedule

Monday - Friday (8:00 AM

• 5:00 PM)

(evening and weekends as

needed)

Required Documents :Resume

and Cover

Letter

Applications missing the required documents will

not be considered.

Hours per Week

40

Months: 12

Application materials

must be received by 11:59 pm on April 15,

2026