What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Director of Financial Aid position at Bennett College?
GENERAL SUMMARY:
This is a highly professional position, which works in support of all processes and programs for the Department of Financial Aid at Bennett College. The Assistant Director will supervise, train, evaluate, and provide work direction and guidance to assigned staff. The Assistant Director will also assist with support and execution of the management, administration, and strategic direction for all student financial aid programs and possess a working knowledge of the overall operation of the Department of Financial Aid. The individual in this position will assist the Director with the administration of the Department of Financial Aid, represent the office in administrative and public venues, and has a key role in decision-making and policy development. The Assistant Director’s position is a professional role that is guided by the College’s mission and policies, and enhances the academic and intellectual life of the College. The Assistant Director is expected to perform at the highest level of professional service and to assure that staff under their supervision provides consistent and accurate financial aid work and advice to students, parents and all other stakeholders. This position requires close adherence to and compliance with all Federal, State, and College financial aid laws, regulations, guidelines, and operating procedures. This position also manages the day-to-day operations of the Department of Financial Aid in the absence of the Director of Financial Aid.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
- Manage the processing of all forms of federal and state aid
- Coordinate and attend workshops for training of financial aid staff
- Assist with securing and attending trainings that enhances awareness of financial aid processes
- Assist with training financial aid staff on current financial aid processes
- Manage and coordinate the verification process
- Serve as coordinator and a member of the Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Review Committee
- Assist with ensuring customer service through counseling students and families
- Manage the transmission of importing and exporting electronic data
- Manage disbursement of funds processes
- Coordinate and reconcile funds monthly and reconcile files to ensure program integrity
- Assist with determining eligibility of financial aid and electronic packaging
- Assist with maintenance of the financial aid website
- Coordinate Title IV processing
- Generate reports as needed
- Travel with Admissions team for recruitment events or travel alone
- Perform other duties as assigned
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
- Ability to think critically and creatively, have a high standard of integrity, and be motivated to incorporate best practices into the organizational culture
- Ability to exhibit a thorough knowledge of policies, procedures, and outside regulations pertaining to the position
- Working knowledge of operational and fiscal analysis techniques
- Ability to take initiative and independently plan, organize, coordinate and perform work in various situations where numerous and diverse demands are involved
- Ability to anticipate, investigate, and analyze problems and address them proactively
- Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in written form
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with faculty, staff, students and the public
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, demanding environment
- Ability to work independently and follow through on assignments
- Ability to exhibit solid organizational skills and be detail oriented
- Ability to work with a variety of constituencies and be willing to contribute to a team effort
- Ability to exercise discretion and good judgment at all times and in all contexts and maintain confidentiality
- Ability to work effectively with all constituencies of the College
- Ability to collect, organize, analyze and present information in a meaningful manner
- Ability to collaborate and be effective when working with diverse populations
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Required:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Minimum of five (5) years experience in financial aid
Preferred:
- Previous experience in enrollment management capacity or higher education
- Master’s degree
