Director of Financial Aid

Job Description:

The Director of Financial Aid is responsible for the comprehensive operation of the student financial aid program and ensures compliance with all regulations while maximizing resources for students and the College. This position includes oversight for the College's Financial Aid department to ensure the appropriate implementation of all Title IV Federal Student Aid Programs, New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) and all other avenues for student financing, procedures, and regulations for a predominantly high-needs population. The Financial Aid Director must be able to manage staff effectively and perform standard financial aid duties such as Needs Analysis, Verification, Loan Processing, Return to Title IV, TAP applicable coursework and Satisfactory Academic Progress tracking.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop, implement and revise strategies, policies and procedures for the effective delivery and awarding of financial aid; monitor, approve, and/or revise all financial aid packaging for all qualified applicants in accordance with federal, state, institutional, and other policies and procedures.
• Coordinate and manage all financial aid programs, ensuring compliance with all federal and state laws, regulations and College policies related to financial aid and scholarships.
• Manage the processing of financial aid applications, the collection of all required documents and data, the determination of awards, and the Colleague student information systems database management as it pertains to the financial aid process.
• Develop, modify, implement and maintain the application intake and tracking process for proper documentation of all awards for audit trail; maintain fund control records in accordance with funding level limitations; complete federal, state, and institutional reports including applications for federal funding and reports for the expenditure of funds allocated, such as the FISAP; and, coordinate internal reconciliation efforts and report to reviewing entities, such as auditors, program reviewers, and accreditation teams.
• Oversee the Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) and Return of Title IV Funds processes, the coordination of student loan processing between students, federal government, and the College, and Title IV refunds and repayments, including U.S. Department of Education and National Student Loan Data System notifications.
• Administer the appeals process related to SAP and Special Circumstances; establish appeals committee and appeal guidelines; train appeals committee to ensure they follow procedural and regulatory requirements; notify students of appeal outcomes; and, counsel students on available options.
• Work with Financial Services and Student Accounts to ensure accurate and timely exchange of information and awards between school information systems; oversee reconciliation process for PELL, TAP and Loans.
• Report necessary information about students enrolled in Title IV eligible educational programs that lead to gainful employment in a recognized occupation (GE programs) and disclose to prospective students, certain information about the institution's GE Programs.
• Update E-App to include changes such as, but not limited to, new programs or certifications.
• Facilitate and encourage a helpful and constructive work environment whereby all students can be assured the best possible experience when engaging the assistance of the Financial Aid department.
• Work closely with the offices of Admissions, Student Accounts, Student Central, Registration and Records, and the campus Bookstore to ensure College compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations policies and procedures; collaborate with and keep Student Central team members up-to-date on current policies and procedures within the Financial Aid Management Office so they can accurately advise students.
• Assist the Student Accounts Office with financial aid disbursements and award reconciliation, and provide timely and accurate information to ensure payment of student bills.
• Develop and implement on- and off-campus workshops and programs that facilitate prospective students' and families' understanding of the cost of higher education, FASFA completion, and financial literacy tools to create enrollment pathways; participate in outreach activities, such as new student outreach, high school outreach, financial aid workshops, financial literacy workshops, etc.
• Counsel and advise students and parents regarding financial needs and problems, and recommend financial aid opportunities, academic progress, eligibility and procedures.
• Facilitate coordination and communication between respective College departments as they relate to the Financial Aid Office's role in creating a positive educational experience for students; integrate efforts to maximize Financial Aid's role in recruiting and retention.
• Oversee coordination with other agencies such as, but not limited to EOP, CSTEP, OnPoint and SAY YES.
• Oversee the coordination of awarding scholarships with Financial Aid, the Development Office and the OCC Foundation, awarding of SEOG and administration of the Federal Work Study Program.
• Ensure that FERPA regulations and confidentiality of student records are maintained at all times.
• Ensure timely and accurate reporting of all necessary data to the federal government, the state of New York and the College's senior administration.
• Maintain, research and document information regarding Cost of Attendance as needed.
• Oversee relationships and performance of third party vendors engaged to assist with the financial aid process
• Assist in the development and implementation of a campus-wide case management approach to facilitate the enrollment and retention of low socio-economic status and first generation students in support of the College's mission through counseling services, hands-on workshops, etc.
• Develop, design, revise, and update all publications (website, College catalog, and other media) relating to financial aid, such as financial aid applications, forms used for tracking applications, correspondence forms, and brochures. Provide training and materials to College staff regarding the financial aid process.
• Develop, supervise and mentor Financial Aid staff in fulfilling the mission of the College; lead staff meetings, share information as appropriate, promote the development of ideas for improved service and efficiency, and encourage teamwork; conduct staff performance reviews and evaluations.
• Maintain current knowledge of College Financial Aid policies, procedures, and programs.
• Attend trainings/conferences as necessary to keep knowledge current.
• Perform other duties as assigned. 

Requirements:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, or related discipline from an accredited college, university or foreign equivalency.
• A minimum of seven years of progressive experience and increased responsibility in the administration of student financial aid and financial literacy programs, including two years of supervisory experience. 
• Must have excellent interpersonal and communication skills, a thorough understanding of and ability to interpret and apply federal and state financial aid regulations; the ability to motivate and supervise staff, knowledge of student information systems, preferably Colleague; commitment to exceptional customer service, and the flexibility to address changing needs in service delivery.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:   

• Master's degree from an accredited college, university or foreign equivalency.
• Experience with high-needs populations in community college/higher education setting.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish. English and other languages will be considered.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Broad knowledge of state and federal financial aid programs and record-keeping requirements; working  knowledge of higher education student information systems, supervisory and personnel practices, training methodologies,  communication techniques and computer software;  knowledge of data processing and computer applications including rule writing and query building;  able to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing, and at all management levels; able to work independently and as part of a project team to meet deadlines.

Additional Information:

• Salary range is: $70,862 - $88,578 commensurate with credentials and relevant experience.
• Onondaga Community College offers a generous and competitive benefits package including:
  • New York State Local Retirement System (pension) or an Optional Retirement Plan (401a).
  • Excellent health, dental, and vision insurance plans (qualifying domestic partner included).
• Onondaga Community College participates in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program for eligible borrowers.

Please contact [email protected] if you have questions.