10018272 Director of Financial Aid

JOB SUMMARY: Responsible for the administration of established financial aid programs (federal and state) and institutional as applicable that adheres to all regulatory requirements.

MAJOR DUTIES: 

• Responsible for maintaining Title IV Participation Agreement with the U.S. Department of Education. 
• Submits new programs for approval of funding and ensures compliance with Title IV aid programs.
• Develops and directs financial aid strategies; ensures compliance with federal and state regulations and with the enrollment management objectives of the college; administers financial aid, scholarships and student employment programs that support student recruitment and retention.
• Advises students, parents, staff, high school counselors, other college personnel, and off-campus agencies on all aspects of student financial aid.
• Administers satisfactory academic appeal (SAP) evaluation and oversees appeal process for students seeking reinstatement of financial aid eligibility.
• Oversees the administrative functions of the Financial Aid Office; supervises personnel; providing ongoing professional development opportunities; trains staff in regards to changes in federal and state regulations.
• Ensures exception-free financial audits and program reviews by remaining informed of and implementing all federal and state laws and regulations pertaining to the administration of financial aid programs.
• Utilizes and maintains the Banner system; coordinates system updates as appropriate.
• 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.
• Coordinates reconciled programs to gather information for federal and state reports.
• Collaborates with the Middle Georgia State University foundation office to administer foundation scholarship funds. 
• Supervises, trains, and evaluates department staff; works with staff to assign responsibilities, determines department priorities and procedures, and ensures cross-training occurs.
• Develops and monitors the Financial Aid Office budget.
• Develops student costs of attendance, including tuition, books, fees, room and board.
• Updates Banner system processes and rules in accordance with new policies and procedures.
• Monitors college work study expenditures, student satisfactory academic progress, and federal and grant expenditures.
• Submits statistical data to Institutional Research as requested.
• Updates/coordinates the policy and procedures manual as needed.
• Reviews and processes student financial aid files on as needed basis when customer interactions dictates.
• Review Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Appeals for approval/disapproval.
• Review and processes Special Circumstances (Expected Family Contribution (EFC) adjustment appeals, Dependency Appeals, and Cost of Attendance (COA) appeals for approval/disapproval as needed.
• Performs other related duties specific to financial aid regulatory requirements and day-to day operations as assigned by supervisor and/ or maximum office efficiency.

KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION: 

• Knowledge of federal, state and institutional financial aid programs, policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of college enrollment management policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of the Banner financial aid module.
• Knowledge of federal and state student aid online reporting systems.
• Knowledge of need analysis principles.
• Knowledge of budget development and management principles.
• Knowledge of supervisory principles and practices.
• Skill in the delegation of responsibility and authority.
• Skill in the operation of computers and job related software programs.
• Skill in decision making and problem solving.
• Skill in interpersonal relations and in dealing with the public.
• Skill in oral and written communication.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS: The Vice President for Enrollment Management assigns work in terms of department goals and objectives. The supervisor reviews work through conferences, reports, and observation of department activities.

GUIDELINES: Guidelines include federal and state rules and regulations that pertain to the awarding and disbursing of federal and state aid. These guidelines require judgment, selection and interpretation in application. This position develops department guidelines

COMPLEXITY/SCOPE OF WORK:

• The work consists of varied management and supervisory duties. Strict regulations contribute to the complexity of the position.
• The purpose of this position is to direct the college’s financial aid operations. Success in this position contributes to the efficiency and effectiveness of those operations.

CONTACTS:

• Contacts are typically with co-workers, other college employees, students, parents, representative of student loan companies, representatives of federal agents, and members of the general public.
• Contacts are typically to provide services; to give or exchange information; to resolve problems; to motivate or influence persons; or to justify, defend or negotiate matters                                                                   

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• The work is typically performed while sitting at a desk or table or while intermittently sitting, standing, or stooping. The employee occasionally lifts light objects.
• The work is typically performed in an office.

SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY: This position has direct supervision over Assistant Director of Financial Aid (2), Financial Aid Technical Manager (1), and Financial Aid Operations Manager (1).

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Knowledge and level of competency commonly associated with the completion of a master’s degree in a course of study related to the occupational field.
• Experience sufficient to thoroughly understand the diverse objectives and functions of the subunits in the division/department in order to direct and coordinate work within the division/department, usually interpreted to require three to five years of related experience.

COMPENSATION CLASSIFICATION:

• This position is exempt (monthly paid).
• Pay grade 23.

TO APPLY: Application materials should be emailed as a Microsoft Word or Adobe.pdf attachment to: recruitment@mga.edu with the subject line “10018272 Director of Financial Aid ”.  Application materials are to include a resume, an MGA Staff application; a letter of interest; and three professional references.  Paper application materials will not be accepted.

 Background checks will be conducted on all final candidates.