Director of Financial Aid

The Director of Financial Aid provides leadership and oversight for the development, implementation and management of processes and systems related to the administration of Title IV programs, institutional assistance programs, state programs, and other assistance programs. The Director also manages the University's operational resources used to fund access for students. The candidate should also have demonstrated successful experience in managing a student financial aid function and in developing, evaluating, and improving financial aid awarding from a data-driven perspective. Substantial knowledge of and experience with Banner software, administering student work-­study programs, and managing endowed and gift fund budgets are highly preferred. Preference will be given to those candidates with proven technical skills in data management, data processing concepts, worked with financial aid leveraging firms, and computerized systems related to student financial aid as well as proficiency with statistical software.

Salary : $87,000-$96,000 annual

Essential Responsibilities:

• Responsible for all operations of financial aid and records related to aid from federal, state, institutional and other funding sources both at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
• Processes applications for financial aid including determining eligibility, award amounts and notification of student's awards.
• Develop and implement programs for students on money management and personal budgeting; prepares documentation and validations and resolves students appeals.
• Supervises staff and provides orientation and training.
• Plans and reviews requirements and established goals and ensures compliance with federal, state, institutional, private and University regulations.
• Reports expenditures of aid as required.
• Establishes and maintains operational and financial aid budget.
• Projects and plans for increases in University size and financial aid program size (in consultation with the vice president for enrollment management and the Enrollment Management Leadership Team).
• Collaborate with the Enrollment Management Leadership Team to establish and review the division's strategic plan.
• Develops, reviews, and advises on federal, state, University and private sources of funds.
• Coordinates with information technology and recommends enhancements to the financial aid systems.
• Represents the financial aid office to other colleges, private and public organizations and institutions, community, state and federal personnel and divisions.
• Serves on committees as appropriate.
• Responsible for security and confidentiality of assigned records.
• Approves announcement materials for publicity, workshops and resource development.
• Present at various on and off campus events including both Alfred University affiliated and outside of Alfred University.
• Prepares yearly reports for federal and state aid.
• Maintains and updates ECAR and PPA for institutional eligibility.
• Provides data and responds to questions for the Single Audit.
• Works with IT for development of new reports.
• Maintains security log for financial aid and systems.

Other Duties & Responsibilities:

• Maintains a safe working environment within and around their facilities and associated equipment and supplies including, but not limited to, obtaining Safety Data Sheet (SDS) information pertaining to any hazards associated with their work environment.
• Second VA SCO
• Safety: Participate in safety training and comply with safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Participates in all required assigned trainings.
• Highly effective written and oral communication skills.
• A commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion and a high degree of cultural competence and respect for a wide range of identities and experience.
• Contributes to the overall success of the University by performing other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree required; master's preferred.
• Minimum five years' work experience preferably at a private, non-profit educational institution.
• Preference and knowledge of NYS Aid programs such as TAP and H/EOP.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills. Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, Excel, and Access. Must demonstrate and have good analytical and decision-making skills.
• Ability to work independently.

About Alfred University

Lighting the way for students since 1836. "We've always been a place for makers, especially those who make the future. Our commitment to independent thinking, creativity, academic rigor and community have made us a unique kind of leader since 1836."

Alfred University (AU) was founded on principles of social justice in 1836 by liberal, independent thinkers who placed high value on education for all citizens. The University has retained and built upon the strong values of its founders, developing as an institution of national and international renown that is responsive to the needs of contemporary society while remaining consistent with the spirit of its origins. Alfred University is the second oldest coeducational college in the United States as well as one of the earliest nineteenth century colleges to have enrolled African American and Native American students. It has a long-standing history of educating socially conscious students who make a difference in their professions and their communities.

Over the course of the twentieth century, Alfred University evolved into a complex institution offering a full range of programs in the liberal arts and sciences, art and design, engineering, business, education, counseling, and school psychology to its nearly 2,000 undergraduate and graduate students that live, learn, and play on a 232-acre campus located in an idyllic, creative valley in Western New York. Today, Alfred University focuses on a professional education with an emphasis on APEX (applied and experiential learning program). To learn more, visit alfred.edu.

Alfred University actively subscribes to a policy of equal employment opportunity, and will not discriminate against any employee, student or applicant because of race, age, sex, color, sexual orientation, gender identification or expression, physical or mental disability, religion, ancestry or national origin, marital status, genetic information, military or veteran status, domestic violence victim status, criminal conviction status, political affiliation or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Protected veterans, minorities and women are encouraged to apply.