Director of Financial Aid

Purpose/position code/classification/level/work relationships

• Responsible for the administration of federal, state and institutional financial aid programs that adheres to regulations, along with upholding the mission of Carl Sandburg College.   
• ADMSFA02910
• Administration, II
• Exempt, Non-Bargaining Unit
• Reports to: Dean of Enrollment Management
• Supervises: Financial Aid Office Staff
• Principal Working Relationship: Vice President of Student Development, Dean of Enrollment Management, Director of Recruitment, Advising, TRIO Programs, Business Office, Foundation, and Student Services.

Primary responsibilities

1. Responsible for maintaining Title IV Participation Agreement with the U.S. Department of Education.  Submits new programs for approval of funding and ensures compliance with Title IV aid programs.
2. Supports and actively participates in the college’s major initiatives for process improvement in financial aid and student services.
3. Advises students, parents, staff, high school counselors, other college personnel, and off-campus agencies on all aspects of student financial aid.
4. Manages annual budget process for department.  Approves and monitors office expenditures.
5. Administers satisfactory academic appeal (SAP) evaluation and oversees appeal process for students seeking reinstatement of financial aid eligibility.
6. Oversees and ensures that the College’s Veteran’s Benefits certification process is efficient, timely and accurate. Ensures compliance with VA regulations, monitors student progress and updates records for reporting.  
7. Attends internal and external meetings and conferences, and reports changes to program requirements.
8. Establishes, modifies, and upgrades computer parameters in need analysis, fund management, document tracking, and reporting programs; updates department policies and procedures to ensure compliance.
9. Prepares, writes, and files required state and federal reports; answers questions and provides information during audits and official reviews to justify policies, procedures, and variances.
10. Collaborates with the Carl Sandburg College Foundation office to administer foundation scholarship funds.
11. Supervises, trains, and evaluates department staff; works with staff to assign responsibilities, determines department priorities and procedures.
12. Other duties as assigned.

Risk-management and loss-prevention activities

1. Maintain a working knowledge of the college’s emergency procedures and actively participate in the college risk-management program.
2. Monitor conditions, events and circumstances that present risk to the college community. Intervene and/or report as specified in the college’s risk-management plan.

Minimum necessary education, skills and experience

1. Bachelor’s degree, 120 semester hours, or specialized training required with five years’ progressive experience and responsibility in financial aid.
2. Ability to work cooperatively with students, staff, and community members and be respectful to issues of student and staff diversity.
3. Must be able to perform in an effective and ethical manner including maintaining confidentiality to assure that job duties are met within guidelines of policies, procedures and regulations.
4. Excellent oral and written communication skills.
5. The ability to communicate successfully with clients of all ages, socio-economic status, sex, or race.
6. Spanish or French proficiency preferred

Physical requirements to perform job functions

1. Basic dexterity skills (computer work, telephoning and other office equipment).  
2. General physical effort required includes sitting, bending, reaching and some lifting (20 lbs. or less) and the ability to place a work order for anything over that limit.

Salary : $59,590 - $69,870