Director of Financial Aid

Workweek40 Hours | Flexible schedule to meet department needs including evenings and Saturdays.Position SummaryThe Director of Financial Aid assists in student enrollment, retention, and success by providing leadership and oversight of the policies, administration, application, award and reporting of all federal, state, and institutional student financial aid programs and scholarships. The Director is responsible for overseeing Financial Aid, Military Benefits, Work Study, Scholarships, and building an atmosphere dedicated to providing excellent customer service for students and families. Financial Aid plays a significant role in our focus on increasing student access, success, retention, and graduation. The Director should be familiar with the challenges and barriers that community college students and their families face in preparing for and paying for college, and be ready to help students overcome the obstacles in their path to post-secondary education.Essential Job Functions and ResponsibilitiesProvide leadership, management, and supervision for all student financial aid awarding, verification processes and scholarship programs while maintaining compliance with all federal and state regulations, and revise policies and procedures to accommodate changes in federal and state regulations and institutional policies as neededOversee the administration and awarding/disbursement of federal Title IV monies, federal military benefits, state financial aid programs, and institutional and external scholarships and grantsSupervise and direct Financial Aid staff and student employees. This involves hiring, training, motivating, managing, and evaluating so the team performs at the highest level possibleBuild, develop, and lead a knowledgeable, high-performing and customer service-focused Financial Aid team, modeling behavior that inspires coworkers and builds trust with the communityLead a high-impact, student-centered Financial Aid program and coordinate the delivery of services with other campus programs (Admissions, Advising, Enrollment, etc.) to provide seamless, quality services for studentsCommunicate financial information in a professional and courteous manner to help students and families understand their financial package and responsibility to the collegeDirect, prepare, and complete state and federal audits and reports; program reviews; Board reports; and departmental reports. Contribute to college audits and reportsServe as an institutional leader of Financial Aid compliance; research, interpret, and implement all applicable federal and state financial aid related laws and regulations; stay up-to-date on changes and best practices in financial aid and related areas; manage and prepare published consumer information; develop and update departmental policies and procedures; and train colleagues, as neededMaintain knowledge of multiple and ever-changing software and web-based programs mandated by state and federal agenciesAssure reconciliation of all Financial Aid programsPrepare and submit institutional applications to funding agenciesInitiate, develop, and implement communications to students, families, and colleagues about paying for college options, including institutional, MCC Foundation, and private scholarships and grantsEnsure the College is in compliance with all applicable federal audit provisionsApply federal- and state-mandated regulations; complete budgetary requests annually; develop and recommend policies, procedures, and guidelines relative to the Financial Aid DepartmentDevelop and prepare the annual budget for the Financial Aid office; analyze and review budgetary and financial data; control and authorize expenditures in accordance with established limitationsDevelop and maintain a system of data collection and recordkeeping to be used in reporting and evaluating the Financial Aid and Military Benefits programs, as well as keep auditable records for each studentPlan and facilitate one-on-ones with direct reports and team meetingsRefine and keep current the departmental website for financial assistance programs, policies, application procedures, and recipient responsibilitiesSupport outreach efforts by offering Financial Aid presentations and workshops and developing communications plansSupport the Return to Title IV funds processManage all Financial Aid communication documentationProvide technological leadership for the team, learning new systems and solutions as needed, and assisting team members and others with mastering themAssist with collegewide events such as commencement ceremonies, open houses, etc.Work collaboratively with others (e.g. colleagues, stakeholders, vendors) to accomplish functions and responsibilitiesSupport and participate in the College's commitment to continuous improvementAssume additional duties as assigned by immediate supervisorRequired QualificationsBachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution in Higher Education, Student Personnel Administration, or related fieldThree years of Financial Aid experienceThree years of supervisory experienceStrong knowledge of and experience with rules, regulations, procedures, policies, and function of federal and state financial aid programsExperience with financial aid awarding proceduresExtensive experience with computer software used for financial aid processingDesired Qualifications:Master's degree from a regionally accredited institutionFive years of financial aid experienceCommunity college experienceEllucian Colleague experienceSkills and Specifications:Effective supervision in guiding, leading, and motivating a team of individualsStrong public speaking skillsExperience with and appreciation of diverse cultures and a commitment to multiculturalismAbility to learn new technological applications and champion their adoption by othersAbility to show understanding and compassion to prospective students and their families regarding the importance of financial aid, recognizing that without this assistance many will be unable to enroll and/or remain in schoolProficiency in Microsoft Office SuiteAbility to understand personal and financial problems encountered by college students and parents, and adjust communication style and approach based on individualized concernsDetail-oriented and excellent organizational skillsHigh level of ethics and integrity related to all aspects of the positionAbility to work independently yet have a strong team orientation and to develop productive working relationships at all levels of the organizationStrong analytical, problem-solving, interpersonal, and communication skillsCommitment and respect for diversity, equity, and inclusionUnderstanding of and commitment to the College's mission, vision, values, and goalsSupervisory Relationships/Direct Reports:Coordinator of Financial Aid3 Financial Aid SpecialistsMilitary Benefits SpecialistAdministrative Assistant I