Assistant Director, Financial Aid

DEFINITION

The Assistant Director of Financial Aid assists in managing financial aid processes, ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations, and supporting the accurate awarding and delivery of aid. This role provides support to the Director of Financial Aid, works closely with staff and students to address issues, and helps maintain efficient and consistent operations.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives direction from the Director of Financial Aid 

Exercises supervision in the absence of the Director of Financial Aid 

ESSENTIAL AND OTHER IMPORTANT FUNCTION STATEMENTS-Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Assist in the operational activities for the financial aid functions including compliance with various State and Federal guidelines and regulations.
• Participate in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for the financial aid process. 
• Assist in directing, coordinating and reviewing the work plan for the financial aid function; assist in monitoring work flow; assist in reviewing and evaluating work products, methods and procedures.
• Identify opportunities for improving service delivery methods and procedures.
• Assist with the coordination of financial aid actives with those other divisions and outside agencies and organizations; prepare and present reports and other necessary correspondence.
• Recalculate financial aid eligibility for students who have withdrawn from the college. Post revised awards and notify students.
• Advise incoming students on financial aid procedures; provide information and assistance to Student Services staff on the financial aid process.
• Receive applications and assist in the determination of student financial need and eligibility; determine the type and amount of aid available; coordinate student notification of acceptance or denial regarding financial aid applications.
• Assist in administering Federal, State, private and institutional student aid programs including: loans, grants, scholarships; monitor the financial aid process to ensure compliance with Federal, State, and College regulations, and fiscal accountability.
• Assist with training faculty, staff and students on the financial aid process.
• Participate in implementing new technologies, streamlining processes and creating efficiencies in all financial aid operations.  

Other Important Functions:

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• Participate in recruitment activities at local high schools; provide information regarding student resources to students and potential students.
• Participate in professional development to stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of financial aid processes; provide staff support to a variety of boards and committees.
• Answer questions and provide information to students and the public on college activities; investigate complaints and recommend corrective action as necessary to resolve complaints.
• Participate at special events such as College Information Night, New Student Orientation, Open House, etc.
• Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• Operational characteristics, services and activities as it applies to a financial aid program.
• Record keeping and reporting procedures.
• Principles of budget preparation.
• Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment.
• Pertinent federal and state codes and regulations relating to financial aid.

Ability to:

• Collect, interpret and evaluate narrative and statistical data.
• Gain cooperation through discussion and persuasion.
• Prepare clear and concise reports.

Maintain effective audio-visual discrimination and perception needed for:

• Making observations
• Communicating with others
• Reading and writing
• Working with numbers
• Operating assigned equipment

Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities which may include the following:

• sitting for extended periods of time
• operating assigned equipment

Maintain mental capacity which allows the capability of:

• making sound decisions
• demonstrating intellectual capabilities
• working with numbers
• assisting in the evaluation of the effectiveness of programs
• responding to questions
• evaluating various alternatives and making appropriate choices
• maintaining confidentiality

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING GUIDELINES --Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience:

One to two years’ experience in finance management or accounting.  Work experience in financial aid in a post-secondary institution is highly desirable.

Education/Training:

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in student personnel services, business administration, accounting or a related field.

Preferred Experience & Education:

• Related experience in a North Carolina community college setting
• Experience with Colleague
• Experience with Etrieve, and Informer Reports

Special Instructions to Applicants: