Life University is looking for a dynamic and progressive Director of Financial Aid who will manage financial aid processes and staff ensuring a strong commitment to customer service and problem solving. Under the supervision of the Senior Director of Student Administration and Compliance, this position is responsible for the overall administration of financial aid programs by providing leadership and effective management to ensure compliance with federal, state, and institutional programs, policies, and regulations.  

Essential Job Responsibilities

1. Manage operations, allocate and monitor operating budgets and provide direction to staff members in the Department of Financial Aid.
2. Manage all financial aid program awarding, disbursement, and reporting and ensure compliance with institutional policies and state/federal regulations. Establish best practices to ensure regulatory compliance.
3. Address all concerns and issues from students, parents, and administrators pertaining to the core functions of financial aid in a diplomatic and thoughtful manner.
4. Develop and recommend policies for financial aid programs that support the mission and goals of the University which ensure compliance with state and federal regulations.
5. Maintain a high-performance environment through the leadership, hiring, supervision, training, and development of the financial aid staff.
6. Assist to develop and implement policies and strategies for awarding financial aid that best maximize the yield of new students and the retention of current students.
7. Provide oversight and management over all audit functions, both internal and external, related to financial aid. Ensure that appropriate action plans are developed and implemented to address any audit findings and recommendations, and ensure compliance with all federal, state and university regulatory requirements, policies, and procedures.
8. Assist with the management, creation, and submission of all reports including but not limited to the Fiscal Operations Report and Application to Participate (FISAP), Cost of Attendance (COA), and the Program Participation Agreement (PPA).
9. Foster a collaborative and positive environment that promotes access and openness among team members and responsiveness to internal and external constituents.
10. Leverage the available technology to create efficiencies, improve communication, and ensure data integrity in the financial aid functional areas. Develop and execute communication plans with current and prospective students.
11. Develop, execute, and represent financial aid education presentations on-campus.
12. Serve on University committees and task groups; serve as the chair of SAP Appeal Committee.
13. Maintains working knowledge of databases to include Ellucian Colleague, Perceptive Content, Georgia Student Finance systems, Central Processing System (CPS), Common Origination and Disbursement (COD), and the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS).
14. Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending professional development conferences, educational workshops, reviewing professional publications, researching new or proposed legislation.
15. Ensures departmental staff has clear direction and information needed to perform their duties, tracks project flow and assists with challenges and problems as needed. Maintains advocacy for department needs and resources.
16. Use of social media and other communication campaigns to increase student engagement.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Personal Characteristics

1. Ability to manage multiple and ever-changing priorities under established time constraints and in a professional manner.
2. Motivated, organized, detailed oriented, strong communicator with excellent interpersonal skills and willingness to assist as needed in functions that support the mission and initiative of the University.
3. Knowledge of federal and state student financial aid regulations.
4. Experience with academic policies and their relationship to federal requirements.
5. Demonstrated commitment to student success and quality customer service delivery working within a diverse environment and interacting with students, faculty, staff, and visitors from different backgrounds daily.
6. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other staff members, campus departments, outside agencies, and students/families.
7. Team building and supervisory skills; organizational and staff development skills.
8. High degree of initiative and independent judgment with the ability to perform duties independently with minimal supervision.
9. Well-developed analytical and problem-solving abilities and general accounting skills.
10. Experience in managing and administering financial aid programs in a higher education environment.
11. Demonstrate integrity and professionalism in appearance and demeanor; ability to share and impart knowledge and reasoning to others.
12. Excellent oral and written communication skills with a high comfort level with speaking before large groups is required, and an ability to effectively engage audiences through dynamic oral presentations is essential.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Participates in University activities and committees that support the mission and initiatives of the University.
2. Assumes additional responsibilities and performs special projects as needed or directed.
3. Handles confidential information with discretion and independent judgment.
4. Exhibits student centeredness in performance of all job duties.
5. Treats all others with respect; understands the impact of culture/background on the behavior of others; respects differences among the Life community and demonstrates inclusive behavior.
6. Anticipates, listens to, understands, and responds to customer needs. Delivers work products and services to customers in a way that reflects positively upon the department and the University.

Education and Experience Requirements

1. Master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education or bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education in a related field.
2. Minimum five (5) years of progressive growth experience within financial aid.
3. Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, Teams, etc.) and data management.
4. Must be, and remain, in good standing with personal Title IV loans.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

1. Minimum two (2) years of supervisory/management experience is recommended.
2. Experience at a Director/Assistant Director level is beneficial.
3. Experience working in Ellucian Colleague.