Description

PURPOSE OF POSITION:
The Director of Financial Aid serves as the chief administrator for the Financial Aid department and oversees the administration of a student aid program that consists of federal, state, and local funds averaging $30 million annually. The Director serves as the primary contact between the institution and the Department of Education and oversees the accurate receipt, evaluation, and approval of requests for all aid programs including establishing procedures, maintaining transactions, records, and ensuring the effective and efficient use of systems and databases, while meeting all regulatory requirements. The Director provides leadership and direction to 10 full-time classified, part-time, and student personnel, and ensures that departmental systems and processes are in place to meet institutional goals and maintain financial aid program compliance. The Director is an active leader on campus, serves on multiple committees and is responsible for sharing information about aid programs, state regulations, and for providing data-driven financial aid strategies that support student recruitment and retention efforts.  

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:1.  Administers Financial Aid Programs (50% of Time)

1.1.  Administers federal and state financial aid and work programs effectively to meet student needs and enrollment management objectives including developing, planning, implementing, administering, and assessing department priorities and objectives to meet identified goals.
1.2.  Responsible for maintaining Title IV Program Participation Agreement with the U.S. Department of Education.  Stays current with changes and regulations and submits new programs for approval of funding and ensures compliance with Title IV aid programs.
1.3.  Effectively utilizes the student information system (Colleague) and federal systems to administer budgets for Financial Aid, Student Employment and related funding options, monitors fund balances, ensures funds are spent properly, and takes appropriate action to maximize usage of fund and prevent over awarding.
1.4.  Oversees the satisfactory academic progress (SAP) evaluation process and serves as the final reviewer in the appeal process for students seeking reinstatement of financial aid eligibility.
1.5.  Prepares, writes, and files required state and federal reports; answers questions and provides information during audits and official reviews to justify policies, procedures, and variances. Ensures the data integrity of results reported to the College and to the US Department of Education.
1.6.  Manages the College’s policy & procedure manual for Financial Aid programs to ensure aid programs are compliant with federal, state, and Foundation rules, regulations, and bylaws. Continuously reviews, updates, and ensures the processing of financial aid, grants and scholarships follow the published policy & procedure manual.  
1.7.  Actively demonstrates a commitment to student service and student development and proactively works with staff within the department and across the campus to ensure that the student experience with Financial Aid is accessible without unnecessary barriers.
1.8.  Proactively responds and works to resolve grievances and complaints about financial aid processes, procedures, and staff. Meets with students who have complaints about financial aid in general or specific to the College. Obtains and investigates complaints, determines facts, and responds appropriately to students or agencies with final decisions.
1.9.  Collaborates with CCC Marketing teams to promote financial aid, scholarship and work study programs appropriately to prospective and current students and ensure that all required notifications and materials are accurate.

2.  Supervision of Employees (35% of Time)

2.1.  Develops a knowledgeable, productive and effective departmental staff who are adept at meeting the needs of today’s students, by hiring, training, and supervising full-time classified, part-time, and student employees both directly and through delegation.
2.2.  Develops office-wide goals and objectives to ensure that staff in the department are administering financial aid, scholarship and work programs effectively, efficiently, and that the department is meeting identified institutional outcomes.
2.3.  Maintains open and effective communication among all supervised areas engaging employees in regular team and individual meetings to set individual and team expectations and priorities, build consensus, address conflict and communicate changes or new expectations appropriately.  
2.4.  Advocates for the staffing, professional development, cross-training and technology needs required for the department to achieve identified goals.    
2.5.  Works with employees to train, improve, and correct deficiencies, set goals, and learn new skills and tasks; implements discipline and termination procedures and follows requirements set by collective bargaining agreements.  
2.6.  Works closely with the Financial Aid Coordinator and Systems Analyst to ensure that day-to-day operations in the department are running smoothly, staff are clear about daily tasks and assigned projects, processes and procedures are accurately being applied and that regulatory and service needs are being met.  

3.  District-wide Financial Aid Resource (15% of Time)
3.1.  Provides financial aid expertise to faculty and staff across the campus and contributes to the development of good financial aid policy and strategic planning at the college by serving on departmental and college-wide committees representing financial aid programs including Access, Retention and Completion, Chairs and Directors, Student Accounts and Curriculum Committees.
3.2.  Represents CCC at the state and federal level by participating in regular OASFAA meetings and related conferences and taking advantage of opportunities for input provided by the U.S. Department of Education, Oregon Department of Higher Education, and various professional associations.
3.3.  Develops and maintains positive and productive relationships across campus with faculty and staff; gives presentations and shares information about financial aid rules and regulations, addresses concerns, areas of noncompliance, and helps mitigate financial risk for the College.
3.4. Collaborates with the CCC foundation and Business Office staff to administer additional grant, aid, and scholarship funds. Participates in an advisory capacity to the foundation and business offices.
3.5.  Demonstrates an understanding and awareness of other cultures and belief systems, advocates to remove barriers for students who may experience systemic barriers, and facilitates a work environment that encourages knowledge of, respect for, and development of skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds.
3.6.  Performs other related tasks as required.

Requirements

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Master’s degree in Student Services or related field (e.g. Education, Business, Accounting, and Public Administration) and at least five years’ work experience in a financial aid office and three years of management and supervisory experience in a higher education setting. An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
Advanced knowledge of Title IV federal financial aid program guidelines and requirements; advanced skills using a student information system (E.g. Colleague or Banner) to administer financial aid programs; demonstrated understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion; excellent written, verbal communication, and public speaking skills.
Ability to exemplify traits that reflect the College’s culture, including integrity, a customer service orientation, cultural competency, trustworthiness, flexibility and a willingness to change.
PREFERED QUALIFICATIONS:

Previous experience working in a Community College setting.
Previous experience using Colleague as a Student Information System.
NASFAA Credentials or CFFA 

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS OR LICENSES:A driver’s license valid in the State of Oregon or an acceptable means of alternate transportation.
This person works with sensitive financial and student data and much pass a criminal background check prior to starting.