Assistant Director of Financial Aid

POSITION SUMMARY

The Assistant Director of Financial Aid assists with the management of daily operations within the Financial Aid Office. This position reports to the Director of Financial Aid and assists with administering the University's financial aid programs in accordance with all federal, state, and institutional regulations and policies.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Assist Director in administering over $40 million annually in federal, state, and institutional funds. Implements financial aid policies and procedures in accordance with federal, state, and institutional regulations and policies.
• Assist Director in providing staff with ongoing training including file completion, awarding, and accuracy assessment for financial aid counselors. Ensures that daily process workflow objectives are met, monitors financial aid counselor progress, and enforces accountability.
• Develop criteria to expedite completion, verification, and awarding financial aid files to meet University approved cycles
• Involved with efficient and effective planning and implementation of administrative functions related to processing and reporting of financial aid.
• Assist Director with development and implementation of short and long-range plan(s) to conduct internal audits of files for compliance.
• Research financial aid policies on IFAP, in the FSA Handbook, and USA Funds Ask Policy.
• Assist Director with hiring full-time staff. Hires and manages student intern(s). May supervise full-time support staff.
• Assist with preparation of financial aid program printed and electronic materials and presentations for on and off campus recruiting and enrollment events.
• Lead staff to implement and maintain Financial Literacy program.
• Communicate accurately, effectively, and professionally with students and parents, campus constituents, and government agencies. Counsel students and parents through the financial aid application and awarding process including financial registration and late academic registration.
• Collaborate with various University offices including Admissions, Accounting, Advancement, and Registrar on effective and efficient workflow processes and deadlines.
• Primary backup for Director and provides leadership in the absence of Director.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of three years of experience in financial aid or related field required. Previous management experience preferred.
• Excellent experience in customer relations and service administration required
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Strong collaborative and team-oriented interpersonal skills
• Detail-oriented, accurate, organized and efficient. Ability to work independently, handle large volumes of work, and multi-task with interruptions
• Ability to handle information in a confidential and professional manner
• Demonstrated computer proficiency in Microsoft Office. Experience with vendor software and databases such as Ellucian Colleague, Sallie Mae OpenNet, ELM, EDconnect, and/or Direct Loan Tools preferred.
• Excellent analytical and data interpretation skills
• Be able to work occasional evening or weekend special events
• Knowledge and acceptance of principles and philosophies of Vanguard University, its programs, and requirements

SALARY

• Full-time position, $55,000 - $60,000 Annualized. Salary is commensurate with education and experience and includes a generous benefits package.