26-93 Associate Director of Financial Aid and State Programs (SUA3)

JOB

Join a vibrant campus community whose excellence is reflected in its diversity and student success. West Chester University of Pennsylvania’s Financial Aid Office invites applicants for the position of Associate Director of Financial Aid and State Programs.West Chester University, a member of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, is a public, comprehensive institution committed to offering high-quality undergraduate education, selected post-baccalaureate and graduate programs, and a variety of educational and cultural resources for its students, alumni, and citizens of southeastern Pennsylvania. We are a community of educators dedicated to developing graduates who succeed personally and professionally and contribute to the common good.WCU proudly offers a positive and purposeful work environment; comprehensive employee benefits including health, vision, and dental insurance along with many wellness programs; a commitment to work-life balance including generous paid vacation, paid sick time, military leave and paid time off for most major holidays; and a University mission to support employee personal and professional growth including a tuition waiver for self and family members, training and development, and advancement opportunities.The Financial Aid Office supports the recruitment, retention, and student success efforts of the University’s diverse undergraduate and graduate student population by helping students and their influencers seek, obtain, and make the best use of all financial resources.Reporting to the Deputy Director of Financial Aid, the Associate Director provides leadership and oversight for state aid programs, academic progress appeals, and compliance initiatives. This position administers all programs through Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) and out-of-state grant programs; monitors and ensures compliance with all the laws, rules, regulations, and guidelines; leads the financial aid academic review process; provides financial aid counseling and training; and collaborates with campus partners to provide excellent customer service and support to students and their families.The ideal candidate will demonstrate excellent customer service, problem-solving, communication, and presentation skills; experience managing grant programs and compliance, collaborating with outside agencies, providing financial aid counseling, and serving diverse student populations; and will value teamwork, collaboration, and continual process improvement. Responsibilities include: Administer all programs through the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA)Administer out-of-state grant programsProvide oversight for the Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) process policies, appeal process, and staff trainingCollaborate with campus partners to provide excellent customer service and support to students and their familiesFoster a supportive and student-centered service environmentProvide counseling on the financial aid process to both prospective and current students and parents via email, in-person meetings and phonesMaintain a thorough understanding of current federal, state, and institutional financial aid regulationsInterpret and implement federal, state, private, and institutional program regulations and guidelinesMonitor and ensure compliance with all the laws, rules, regulations, and guidelines for each of the financial aid programs as set forth by the University, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the federal government, and all other private and public funding sourcesDevelop and implement policies and procedures to ensure compliance with regulations and guidelinesCommunicate developments, modifications, and trends in aid programsPrepare reports and documents for federal, state, university, and other agenciesMaintain accurate program and student files and recordsParticipate in program reviews to ensure program integrity Implement and maintain automated processes and regulatory change updatesParticipate in campus events and outreach activitiesProvide financial aid trainings and presentations Develop and update aid publications, forms, and applicationsRepresent the Financial Aid Office on University committeesOther duties assigned

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES

Bachelor’s degreeTwo years of professional financial aid or related higher education work experienceCustomer service experienceDemonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office including Outlook, Word, and Excel

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

Salary and benefits are dictated by the State College and University Professional Association (SCUPA) Collective Bargaining Agreement. Candidates should apply online at https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/wcupa. Cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references are required for consideration. Incomplete applications will not be considered.Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.Applicants must successfully complete the interview process to be considered as a finalist. All offers of employment are subject to and contingent upon satisfactory completion of all pre-employment background checks.Developing and sustaining a diverse faculty and staff advances West Chester University’s educational mission. West Chester University is an Affirmative Action – Equal Opportunity Employer.