Director of Financial Aid

A successful candidate will play an active role in FMU's existing academic and operational success. The Director of Financial Aid shall have the primary responsibilities of providing leadership and management to the Financial Aid Office. Ensures compliance with all Federal; State; Local; Institutional applicable laws and regulations as they pertain to Financial Aid. This student centric role will direct investigations whenever he/she finds any possible misuse of funds. Supervises, develops and coordinates the activities of a direct report. Interprets university financial aid-related policies and procedures and provides recommendations on procedures for the unit to improve administrative and fiscal operation for the office site.

Essential Functions:

Responsible for the administration of financial aid programs. Supervises the financial aid team. Gathers; monitors and analyzes data to inform strategic decision.

• Responsible for the day to day administration of federal, state and institutional financial aid and scholarships; maintaining compliance with federal, state, institutional and Division II awarding and eligibility requirements. Manages and reconciles program funds and transactions, providing analysis and recommendations for efficient and effective awarding.
• 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. Serve as the compliance officer for the financial aid office, including managing audits, researching compliance-related questions, and ensuring adherence with federal and state financial aid compliance requirements. Ensure timely submission of annual FISAP and all other federal and state reporting, and administers SAP evaluation and supervises SAP review and processing.
• Monitors enrollment reports to identify students subject to Return of Title IV aid policy. Processes Return of Title IV funds as needed.
• Develop and revises, as needed, departmental policies and procedures in compliance with federal, state and institutional regulations, guidelines and requirements. Ensures adherence to such policies and procedures.
• Supervises, trains, and evaluates department staff; works with staff to assign responsibilities, determines department priorities and procedures, and ensures cross-training occurs.
• Counsels students, parents, faculty and staff regarding financial aid programs, eligibility requirements and the application process. Determines award eligibility and packages students accordingly based on federal, state, institutional and Division II guidelines.
• Counsels students, parents, faculty and staff regarding financial aid programs, eligibility requirements and the application process. Determines award eligibility and packages students accordingly based on federal, state, institutional and Division II guidelines.
• Participates and engages in pertinent meeting and trainings as requested. Preforms other related duties as assigned.
• The omission of specific duties does not preclude the supervisor from assigning duties that logically relates to the position.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to handle information of sensitive and confidential nature in the utmost professional manner. Demonstrate a high level of professionalism, initiative, resourcefulness, and personal accountability.
• Effective analytical and decision-making skills. Excellent communication (oral and written), organizational, and time management skills. Effective interpersonal skills and ability to work with diverse constituents.
• Attention to detail and adaptability to a changing environment is extremely important as well as dependability.
• Moderate physical activity. Requires handling objects of average-weight up to fifty (50) pounds or standing and/or walking for more than four (4) hours per day.
• Note: In compliance with the American Disabilities Act (ADA), those functions of the job which are identified essential are required to be performed with or without reasonable accommodations. Requests to facilitate the performance of essential functions will be given careful consideration.

Qualifications:

• The position requires a master's degree from an accredited institution in an appropriate area of specialization and two years of financial aid and customer service experience. Seven to ten (7-10) years of progressive senior leadership in a finance role in lieu of a master's degree. Higher education experience preferred.
• Prior management experience is preferred. Preferred systems: PowerFAIDS and Jenzabar.
• Knowledge of financial aid management systems and/or student information systems.
• Ability to work under pressure and in fast-paced environments.
• Must have the ability to hold information in confidence, be able to communicate to all levels of staff, make unbiased decisions and recommendations.
• Attention to detail and adaptability to a changing environment is extremely important as well as dependability.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite, as well as knowledge and understanding of the organizational structure, workflow, and operating procedures. Familiar with Jenzabar technology suite for higher education.
• Flexibility to work outside of normal business hours.
• Pre-Employment screening is required: criminal background check and drug testing.

Qualified applicants are asked to upload a cover letter of interest, resume/curriculum vitae, and/or certifications, if applicable.

Supplemental Information

We offer a competitive salary commensurate to experience. In addition to the completed application, candidates must submit a list of three professional references (at least one from a previous employer) that includes names and contact information. Review of application materials will begin ASAP and will continue until the position is filled. No phone calls, please.

Florida Memorial University is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.