DESCRIPTION

Reporting to the Senior Associate Director, the Assistant Director of Financial Aid & Scholarships supervises a team of financial aid counselors and formulates procedures for functional area to ensure accurate, efficient, and timely delivery of student aid that is in compliance with regulations and supports departmental objectives.

This position ensures institutional integrity and ethical standards, monitoring and implementing regulations that govern financial aid programs at the federal, state and university level. Responsible for overall management and direction of financial aid specialty projects, programs and activities as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• A Bachelor's Degree required and five (5+) or more years of experience with administering Financial Aid and Scholarships at an accredited higher education institution required.

• Advanced knowledge of policies, regulations, and practices for awarding financial aid. In-depth knowledge of the financial aid service partners with a thorough understanding of the processing relationships and the technology of different mechanisms between entities (Federal Government, State Government, IRS, central processing agencies, lenders, guarantors, scholarship agencies, etc.) to facilitate eligibility confirmation and problem resolution.

• Advanced knowledge of University policies, processes, and procedures, including those related to supervising employees. Thorough knowledge and understanding of the mission of the University and Student Affairs and the integral role of financial aid in student recruitment and retention. Strong leadership and motivational skills to create a positive and engaging work environment with a focus on customer service and staff development.

• Advanced knowledge of advising and counseling techniques.

• Thorough knowledge and understanding of the mission of Student Affairs and the integral role of financial aid in student recruitment and retention, and the required partnerships that are necessary to successfully administer and manage a multidimensional financial aid program at a large, public research institution.

• Ability to interpret complex policies and develop procedures to ensure compliance. In-depth knowledge of regulations in interpreting and administering of federal Title IV, state and university financial aid programs to ensure compliance. Ability to research interpret and apply complex rules and laws. Write and present concise findings with recommended course of action.

• Advanced problem identification, critical thinking, and problem solving skills; judgment and decision-making ability. Understanding of user testing and quality assurance techniques and practices. Ability to oversee thorough testing of new functionality and to recognize errors or malfunctions.

• Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize work for self and others to meet deadlines. Possesses strong project management skills. Experience in leading multiple complex projects and project teams engaged in process assessment, systems analysis, development, implementation and user testing.

• Proven ability to evaluate workload and available resources and to adjust schedules and priorities as required. Proven ability to direct and assess performance of staff assigned to project teams.

• Possesses strong written and verbal communication skills along with active listening, persuasion, and negotiation skills. Ability to communicate effectively and in a sensitive and confidential manner with campus colleagues to ensure student success and to respond to students who are in financial crisis.

• Interpersonal skills. Possesses and uses strong customer service orientation skills.

• Ability to assess processes and implement improvem