Director of Financial Aid

The Director of Financial Aid is responsible for the comprehensive operation of the Financial Aid Office, including the implementation of all Title IV federal and state programs, procedures, and regulations; responsible for the dissemination of pertinent information to students, families and the campus community and coordinating regulation changes with affected departments; coordinate the processing of financial aid applications, the collection of all required documents and data, the determination of awards, and Colleague student information systems database management; supervise appropriate case review and record maintenance; provide appropriate performance reviews of staff and have budgetary responsibility for the department; manage the development and distribution of campus-specific communications; work closely with the offices of Academic Advising, Career and Transfer Services, Admissions, Student Accounts, One Stop Center, Student Records and Bookstore to insure college compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations policies and procedures; coordinate the advisement and counseling of students on financial aid and financial literacy related matters and refer students to appropriate offices or departments for other matters; play a key role in supporting college-wide recruitment and retention efforts; promote staff professional development and training; assure that FERPA regulations and confidentiality of student records are maintained at all times; work as a team member with enrollment management offices as well as across College divisions.

FLCC is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion, and strives to provide an environment that embodies these principles. We strive to attract talented personnel from diverse backgrounds and traditions, particularly of race and ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, nationality, culture, religion, worldview and physical and mental abilities. As such, applicants from historically under-represented groups are highly encouraged to apply.

1. Qualifications :

A. Educational Background : Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree required in business or related field, with a Master's degree in student personnel services, higher education, public administration, business, or a related field completed within five years of employment with FLCC.

B. Experience : A minimum of five years of progressive experience and increased responsibility in the administration of student financial aid and financial literacy programs, including one year of supervisory experience. Community college experience preferred.

C. Special Skills : Must have excellent interpersonal and communication skills, a thorough understanding and ability to interpret and apply federal and state financial aid regulations; the ability to motivate and supervise staff, knowledge of student information systems, preferably Colleague; commitment to exceptional customer service, and the flexibility to address changing needs in service delivery. Spanish language fluency preferred.

2. Benefits and salary range:

1. The competitive salary range for this position is $65,000 up to $95,000 and is commensurate with qualifications
2. NYS Retirement or Optional SUNY Retirement Program
3. SUNY Voluntary Savings Plan with a 2% FLCC match
4. Comprehensive Health and Dental Insurance through Excellus BCBS
5. FSA
6. 21 days of annual leave, 12 sick days and 13.5 holidays annually
7. FLCC Tuition Waiver for employee and dependents
8. Tuition assistance at 4-year institutions

3. Essential Functions :

A. Assure timely and accurate reporting of all necessary data to the federal government, the state of New York and the institution’s top level administration.

B. Promote staff participation in college committees, and specifically participate in the Enrollment Services Procedures (ESP) Committee.

C. Develop and implement on- and off-campus workshops and programs that facilitate prospective students’ and families’ understanding of the cost of higher education, FASFA completion, and financial literacy tools to create enrollment pathways.

D. Participate in Admissions campus visit days, SUNY Financial Aid Day, high school parent night programs, high school counselor presentations and other community association presentations (e.g., Rotary, Chamber of Commerce).

E. Prepare and administer the annual department budget.

F. Develop the annual office operational plan to support the division’s master plan and college strategic plan goals.

G. Participate in the service area program review process and develop the office’s assessment plan in collaboration with the Office of Institutional Effectiveness.

H. Review technical materials and/or professional publications relating to financial aid applications and award aid in a consistent and fair manner.

I. Be accessible and responsive to answer questions from any member of the college community concerning financial aid awards or the regulations pertaining to the awarding process.

J. Review and update office content on the College’s website, publications and forms as necessary.

K. Actively participate in all audits or program reviews and periodically do internal audits of programs to ensure compliance.

L. Work collaboratively with Information Technology to ensure software and equipment is up-to-date and functioning properly.

M. Coordinate campus book charge program and emergency loan program in collaboration with the Executive Director of the FLCC Association and the Campus Bookstore Director.

N. Assist the Student Accounts Office with financial aid disbursements and award reconciliation, and provide timely and accurate information to ensure payment of student bills.

O. Plan and execute procedural changes as related to federal and state regulations.

P. Develop and implement strategies, policies and procedures for the effective delivery and awarding of financial aid.

Q. Responsible for maintaining a positive working relationship with external agencies and organizations.

R. Develop and implement a case management approach to facilitate the enrollment and retention of low socio-economic status and first generation students in support of the College’s mission through counseling services, hands-on workshops, etc.

S. Collaborate with the One Stop Center Director to keep One Stop staff up-to-date on current policies and procedures within the Financial Aid Office so they can accurately advise students.

T. Oversee the review of satisfactory academic progress for maintaining state and federal financial aid eligibility.

U. Work collaboratively with other members of the enrollment management division to award institutional scholarships to incoming freshmen.

V. Oversee the compliance and certification of veteran’s benefits.

W. Participate in professional development activities at the institutional, regional, state and federal levels.

X. Develop, supervise and mentor staff in fulfilling the mission of the College, and conduct performance reviews and evaluations.

Y. Perform other duties as assigned by the Vice President of Enrollment Management.

Application Instructions:

Applicants interested in applying MUST submit the following documents via online:

1. Resume/Cv
2. Cover letter

Applications will only be accepted online.

Finger Lakes Community College does not discriminate against any employee, applicant for employment, student or applicant for admission based on an individual’s race, color, national origin, religion, creed, age, disability, sex, gender identification, gender expression, sexual orientation, familial status, pregnancy, predisposing genetic characteristics, military status, veteran status, domestic violence victim status, criminal conviction or any other category protected by law. The College adheres to all federal and state civil rights laws prohibiting discrimination in public institutions of higher education.