Director of Financial Aid

Position Overview

              Bellevue University, the largest private, non-profit and fastest growing university in Nebraska has an immediate opening for Director of Financial Aid.  Responsible for the overall administration, direction and supervision of the Financial Aid Office, the best candidate will be results and detail-oriented, an intense driver who can manage multiple priorities, and someone who can guide a team by creating and adhering to a disciplined process.

              The Director of Financial Aid will report directly to the Executive Vice President of Administration and be responsible for administrating complex and multi-faceted student financial aid programs consisting of grants, loans and scholarships while remaining compliant with all Title IV and Department of Education regulations.  The Director will also provide leadership, guidance, training and professional development opportunities to team members while systemically collaborating with departments across the university to ensure a seamless and compelling student financial service experience.

Work Location

              Bellevue University campus, Bellevue, NE.  We are willing to be flexible with a remote start for the perfect candidate before relocation if necessary.

Essential Job Functions

• Manages the Financial Aid Program (60%).
  • Administers, coordinates, and manages all financial aid programs, ensuring compliance with all federal, state, and institutional financial aid regulations, policies, and procedures. Ensures compliance with all laws and regulations through accurate reporting and auditing and resolves any issues related to auditors' findings.
  • Processes the awarding of financial aid funds utilizing federal needs analysis calculations. Reviews the processing and edits work performed by the department staff. 
  • Resolves complex problems for office staff, students and other parties involving funding, awarding and/or disbursement of funds.
  • Interprets, develops, implements and revises policies and procedures to ensure compliance with federal and state laws, regulations and college policies related to financial aid.
  • 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.
  • Responsible for all phases of the annual financial aid audit.
  • Develops priorities and goals for the financial aid office in support of strategic objectives of the University.
• Directs the Financial Aid team (40%).
  • Leads, manages, and develops assigned personnel to ensure their development through the introduction of new ideas for enhancing the student experience.
  • Responsible for hiring and training new staff.
  • Provides staff with clear expectations and directions regarding priorities that emphasizes quality standards, service levels, morale building, and teamwork.
  • Sets specific goals for staff members that align with the strategic business objectives.
  • Develops and coaches assigned personnel to systematically assure the highest quality service.
  • Advises staff members in resolving problems and issues that arise with internal and external customers.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business or related area required. Master’s degree preferred.
• Seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in financial management, student enrollment services, business affairs or other transferable management position within business or higher education.
• Five (5) years of managerial experience.
• Working knowledge of federal and state financial aid programs, including trends in the field of financial aid, and of administering these programs.
• Working knowledge of administering both Standard Academic Year (SAY) financial aid programs as well as Borrow Based Academic Year (BBAY) financial aid programs required.
• Experience with Oracle PeopleSoft Student Information System is preferred.
• Experience with Regent Financial Aid system is preferred.
• Flexibility and adaptability to changing requirements dictated by professional services environment.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain positive relationships throughout an organization.
• Solid knowledge and skills with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, Internet) computer software.

Working Conditions:

• Ability to use PC, calculator and/or other office equipment.
• Frequent requirements to meet critical time objectives, often under extreme urgency and stress.
• Works in a normal office environment.

NOTE:  The statements above are intended to describe the general nature and level of work involved for this job.  It is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of this job.  Please refer to the job description when the application is submitted. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” relationship.

Bellevue University is located just south of Omaha and is part of a vibrant and prosperous metropolitan area of nearly one million residents.  Forbes has ranked Omaha as the nation’s most affordable place to live (2011), one of the top ten fastest growing cities in America (2010), and one of the best places for business and careers in America (2010).  We emphasize teaching excellence, cyber-active learning, and interactive education.  Benefits (health, dental, vision, tuition, etc.) are available with this position.  For more information, check out our home page at http://www.bellevue.edu.

The Higher Education Opportunity Act requires institutions participating in federally funded financial aid programs to make information about the institution available to the public, current and prospective students, and current and prospective employees. The Bellevue University Consumer Information webpage, found at www.bellevue.edu/student-support/consumer-information/consumer-information, provides readily accessible information to help consumers make informed decisions about post-secondary education. Bellevue University’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (ASR), found at www.bellevue.edu/student-support/consumer-information/pdfs/annual-safety-report.pdf, provides information about campus crime statistics and institutional security policies and procedures as well as information about student housing fire statistics and fire safety policies. You can obtain a paper copy of these reports from the Bellevue Dean of Students office by calling 402-557-7028. In addition to this, Bellevue University is an Equal Opportunity Employer.