The Director of Financial Aid is responsible for administering a complex and multifaceted financial aid program consisting of scholarships, grants, loans, emergency funds, and student employment opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students. Oversees all aspects of the financial aid operations; ensures overall compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations; and manages overall data collection and dissemination for reports, surveys, and audits. Ensures that financial aid staff and operation delivers high-quality, responsive, customer-service to internal and external audiences. The Director of Financial Aid will provide strong leadership consistent with the College’s enrollment goals and mission of the institution and will work to foster a student-centered and excellent customer-service-oriented approach to financial aid operations. The Director will lead the department through process improvement and is responsible for administering a complex and multifaceted financial aid program consisting of scholarships, grants, loans, emergency funds, and student employment opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students. The Director will ensure overall compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations; and manage overall data collection and dissemination for reports, surveys, and audits. Reporting to the Vice President for Enrollment Management, the Director of Financial Aid is a key member of the departmental leadership team responsible for developing and implementing enrollment management and marketing strategies and driving efforts and results.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

· Administer the College’s financial aid programs for all enrolled on and off-campus students seeking aid, including internally and externally funded loans, grants, and scholarships.

· Develop strategies that maximize and leverage the potential of financial aid awards to increase enrollment.

· Manage application processing and financial packaging.

· Oversee the monitoring of ongoing student eligibility including Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards, professional judgement, petition processing, withdrawals, federal return to Title IV funds, state and institutional refund processes and repayment processing.

· Oversee all Title IV US Department of Education and National Student Loan Data System notifications. Ensure compliance with federal Higher Education Act.

· Prepare and submit federal, state and institutional reports as required; maintain current knowledge of all financial aid program regulations; assist in review and revision of policies and procedures.

· Coordinate internal reconciliation efforts, including but not limited to auditors, program reviewers, and accreditation teams.

· Responsible for the overall hiring of quality staff, training, and operations of the department.

· Provides timely feedback and annual performance review. Provide ongoing mentoring and training of staff to develop and cultivate the team.

· Administer the budget and financial matters of the office operation.

· Maintain memberships and participate actively in appropriate organizations and attend conferences and regular training sessions.

· Represent the university and the financial aid office at on and off campus events.

· Support financial literacy workshops, new student orientations, open houses, advising and financial outreach activities and programs.

· Oversee the administration of athletic aid to student athletes in accordance with NCAA Division I and II regulations.

· Coordinate activities with Academic Affairs, the Admissions Office, the Student Accounts Office, Information Technology Office, and the Human Resources Office.

· Serve as primary resource person for Financial Aid Committee. Collaborates with the Advancement office for scholarship awards.

· Consistently collaborate with various campus partners to address matters related to student success, retention, budget, on-time completion, compliance and recruitment.

· Develop and maintain competitive intelligence, analyses and reporting with respect to financial affordability, customer needs and expectations.

· Provide timely, accurate, and helpful information to prospective and enrolled students.

· Other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS:

· Master’s Degree in higher education or related field from an accredited institution required; Terminal degree preferred.

· Five years experience in a higher-education and/or financial aid management

· Experience developing, implementing, and assessing effective strategies supporting recruitment and matriculation for multiple and diverse student populations

· Experience with strategic planning, data-informed decision making, and program evaluation

· Experience fostering strong partnerships with a variety of internal and external stakeholders

· Demonstrate superior oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills

· Detail oriented and ability to meet deadlines

· Ability to work in and lead a team environment

· Ability to work effectively and prioritize in a fast-paced environment

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES:

The incumbent must possess specific areas of knowledge, skill, and ability to be able to explain and/or demonstrate an ability to perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, using some combination of skills and abilities. Furthermore, he/she must conduct such activities in light of the mission and purpose of Simmons College of Kentucky.

• Must possess knowledge regarding education pipeline and initiatives including, but not limited to college readiness, data sharing, and community outreach.
• Demonstrate strong communication skills inclusive of proving original writing and editing and verbal communication with varying audiences.
• Must possess required knowledge and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.
• Demonstrate expertise in project planning, development and implementation.
• Presenting information and summary reports internally and to the public.
• Understanding of the community college philosophy mission.
• Handling the demands and requirements of senior-level management in higher education.
• Effective management and leadership models and techniques, including Servant-Leadership Principles.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

· Work is normally performed in a typical interior and/or office work environment.

· No or very limited physical effort required.

· No or very limited exposure to physical risk.

Job Types: Full-time, Temporary

Pay: $85,000.00 per year

Benefits: 

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person