Director of Financial Aid

Company Description:

Established in 1958, North Central Michigan College (NCMC) was founded to make higher education accessible, affordable, and convenient for Emmet County residents. Initially serving Michigan's northern tip, NCMC now attracts a diverse student population. Over the years, it expanded programs in liberal arts, nursing, allied health, criminal justice, and more. The 207-acre Petoskey campus was established in 1960, with Cheboygan and Gaylord education centers added in 1973.

NCMC's $16 million budget and over 230 valued and dedicated employees, including full-time, part-time, adjunct and student workers, has allowed it to provide accessible and relevant education to the region. This is exemplified by over $6 million in financial aid and over 11,000 credentials awarded.

By offering 24 Associate Degrees and 39 Certificates, NCMC aims to enhance the region's workforce, quality of life, and educational opportunities for years to come.

Job Description:

PERKS & BENEFITS:

• Full-time position, salary range of $69,900 - $78,650 per year.
• Multiple generous medical plans offered with employee and family coverage options and cash in-lieu option if waiving coverage. Effective on first day.
• Employer-paid vision & dental with employee and family coverage options, employer-paid employee life insurance, employer-paid AD&D and employer-paid long-term disability insurance. Effective on first day.
• Multiple retirement plans offered, including through the state of Michigan, all with employer matching. Effective on first day.
• 6+ paid holidays. Eligible upon date of hire.
• Paid time off and paid bereavement time offered. Eligible upon date of hire.
• Tuition waiver and reimbursement program for eligible employee and/or dependents.
• Employer-paid access to confidential employee assistance program for employee and/or dependents.
• Free access to gym, fitness center and home sporting events.
• On-site cafeteria
• College bookstore discount.
• Discounts on Lifelong Learning series and Luncheon Lectures hosted by Corporate & Community Education.
• And more!

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

The Director of Financial Aid is responsible for the administration of an established financial aid program (federal, state and institutional funds) that adheres to regulations with integrity, along with upholding the mission and vision of North Central Michigan College. Monitors budgets, provides financial aid related advisement, and establishes procedures and policies in compliance with current federal, state and institutional guidelines. Director to be available during normal business hours and during peak operations, position may require working evenings, holiday breaks and/or weekends.

DUTIES:

• Provides leadership in areas of Title IV Federal, State, Institutional & VA funding to ensure compliance with regulations.
• Responsible for timely and accurate submission of Program Participation Agreement (PPA), FISAP, IPEDS, Gainful Employment (GE), State of Michigan and other required reports.
• Oversees matters of policy and procedure related to financial aid compliance.
• Evaluates and interprets Title IV regulations & provide clarification on Title IV regulations to internal and external customers.
• Informs Vice President of Student Affairs of changes to regulations.
• Oversees student cost of attendance budgets by evaluating local cost of living figures through outside agencies, such as U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
• Maintains consortium agreements contracts from other institutions. Facilitate paperwork needed to keep consortium agreements in compliance.
• Maintains the federal campus work study program contracts.
• Advises students, parents, staff, high school counselors, other college personnel and off-campus agencies on all aspects of student financial aid.
• Maintains college webpages and catalog to ensure financial aid consumer disclosure compliance.
• Evaluates and implements new technology and systems for the delivery and monitoring of financial aid. Work with IT Department staff to ensure computer development and maintenance issues for the Financial Aid Office.
• Collaborates with Director of Business Services for audits, and disbursements.
• Administers Financial Aid Office budget development and control.
• Serves as college representative at professional conferences and other meetings related to financial aid.
• Coordinates high school and area FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) presentations as requested.
• Maintains open communication and good working relationship with college faculty members, administrators, and staff to promote compliance with funded programs (on campus and off campus locations).
• Processes professional judgment requests in unique/uncommon situations to determine financial aid awards for special student populations.
• Disburses all federal, state, and institutional aid through the PowerFAIDS/Jenzabar software interface.
• Administers satisfactory academic appeal (SAP) evaluation and oversees appeal process for students seeing reinstatement of financial aid eligibility.
• Facilitates processing of Return to Title IV (R2T4) refunds.
• Annually updates PowerFAIDS and Jenzabar software with new-year set-up. Program PowerFAIDS to correctly request student information, set up enrollment dates, and any new funds.
• Oversees and ensures that the college's Veteran's Benefits certification process is efficient, timely and accurate.
• Collaborates with the North Central Community foundation director 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.
• Participates at all Student Registration Day sessions, representing financial aid with explanation of aid opportunities available.
• Reconciles Pell amounts regularly with the U.S. Department of Education and the NCMC Business Office.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in appropriate field. Master's degree preferred.
• Three (3) to five (5) years of directly applicable experience, customer-oriented office with extensive personal computer experience.
• Knowledge of spreadsheet and word processing skills and web access software system (knowledge of PowerFAIDS/Jenzabar software helpful).
• Preferred three or more years of work experience in providing supervision or leadership to a financial aid department or related department in a higher education setting.
• Enjoy working with public; be able to relate well to college students, faculty and staff.
• Ability to read and interpret government regulations.
• Knowledge and understanding of community college philosophy and North Central Community College vision, mission, and values.

Additional Information:

DIVERSITY IN HIRING STATEMENT

North Central Michigan College is committed to broaden diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging on campus through initiatives, programs and outreach; student recruitment, retention and completion; and in employment and hiring practices. Individuals from underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.

Application Instructions:

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

• Complete applications will be given first consideration and shall include:
  • Work history
  • Education level
  • 3+ professional references
• Please also include an updated resume as well as cover letter.
• Unofficial (student) copies of all higher education transcripts are also required. Official transcripts will be required upon hire.
• Additional upload spots will be available for other related documentation, such as licenses or certifications.

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