Financial Aid Manager

Financial Aid Manager

Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships

Student Affairs

Tsaile Campus

Duty Schedule:

Typical schedule: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (minimum 40 hours per week). Evenings and/or work may be required as needed.

Summary/Objective of Position:

The Financial Aid Manager oversees the daily operations of the Financial Aid Office of Diné College, ensuring adherence to best practices and compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations for all students receiving financial aid. This role provides leadership, accountability, and strategic management of financial aid services. The manager fosters a culture of quality customer service, building positive relationships with students, families, and institutional partners. The position is also responsible for maintaining regulatory compliance to safeguard the integrity and accessibility of financial aid programs at the College.

Disclaimer: This is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, skills, efforts, requirements, or working conditions associated with the job. While this list is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current job, management reserves the right to revise the job or to require that other or different tasks be performed as assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Supervision and Leadership: 40%

• Manage the Financial Aid and Scholarship Office at the Tsaile and Shiprock campuses.
• Supervise and develop Financial Aid staff, enhancing the efficiency and scalability of operations.
• Conduct performance evaluations and identify areas for improvement in collaboration with the DHR Director and Director of Student Enrollment & Student Access.
• Develop and lead strategic planning for the Financial Aid Department, aligning goals with the instituion's mission and enhancing operations and services.

Compliance and Process Management and Development: 20%

• Develop, revise, and implement financial aid policies and procedures to ensure compliance with federal, state, tribal, and institutional regulations.
• Maintain the College's Title IV eligibility by compiling and sharing necessary compliance data.
• Collaborate with internal departments (e.g., Registrar, Finance) to ensure quality student support services.
• Monitor FERPA compliance and address regulatory updates through workshops, webinars, and conferences.
• Stay updated on financial aid regulations and industry trends.
• Train Financial Aid staff on current practices and emerging issues.
• Support special projects and other duties as assigned.

Communication and Collaboration: 10%

• Provide regular updates on financial aid programs to all regional sites and key administrators.
• Build and sustain networks with private, tribal state, and federal organizations to expand student financial aid resources.
• Review and recommend quarterly updates to financial aid content on the College's website.

Reporting and Analysis: 10%

• Prepare and present comprehensive financial aid program reports.
• Manage and submit annual compliance documents (e.g., FISAP, Single Act Audit).
• Contribute financial aid data to institutional reports, including BIE, NMPED, IPEDS, and AIHEC submissions.

Budget Management: 10%

• Develop and monitor annual departmental budgets, ensuring alignment with program goals and operational needs.
• Assess financial aid program expenditures to maintain fiscal responsibility.

Customer Services and Operational Excellence: 5%

• Design and implement practices and procedures that ensure a consistently high level of customer service.
• Utilize technology to enhance office operations and improve efficiency.

Other Duties Assigned: 5%

QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Experience

Minimum:

• A Bachelor Degree in Education, Business Administration or a related field. Must have a minimum of two years of work experience in Higher Education with at least one year in a Supervisory capacity.

Preferred:

• A Master's Degree in Business Administration or a related area. Three years of work experience in Finance or Budget Management with at least one year in a Program Supervisory capacity.

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of Diné College Mission and Philosophy.
• Knowledge and administration of Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCUs).
• Knowledge and administration of federal, state, and tribal financial aid programs within the Federal, State, Tribal, and institutional compliances.
• Experience in processing student financial aid through a relational database system is desired.
• Required to maintain a high level of confidentiality.
  
• Working knowledge of Strategic Planning and Curricular Assessment.

Skills:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Independent decision-making and problem-solving abilities.
• Strategic Planning and Management.
• Professional appearance and demeanor.
• Promote Student Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity.
• Proficient skills with Microsoft Office: i.e. Excel, Pivot Tables, etc.
• Strong project management, organizational abilities, and skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; written, oral, active listening, and interpersonal skills.
• Work effectively in team situations.
• Excellent customer service skills using tact and diplomacy; professional and pleasant office manner.
• Excellent listening skills; patient and calm.

Abilities:

• Ability to adhere to and uphold federal, student, and tribal regulations.
• Ability to adapt to new regulations, directions, etc.
• Ability to new information and systems.
• Ability to analyze and interpret data.
• Ability to prioritize information in a timely manner.
• Ability to communicate clearly by phone and in person.
• Detail-oriented, able to organize, and manage multiple projects while maintaining a high level of accuracy.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and issues.
• Ability to understand and explain to others technical information in a manner that is easily understood.
• Ability to deal effectively and sensitively with student financial information.
• Ability to handle confidential material according to institutional and federal guidelines.

Physical Requirements, Work Environment & Travel:

• Work is typically done in an Office work environment.
• At times required to lift typical office equipment and supplies.
• Travel required to other campuses and sites.
• Travel is required by vehicle and at times by air to conferences and training out of state.
  
• Able to work in a high-pressure office setting during peak business times of the year.

Other Requirement(s):

• Valid State Driver's License.

Please upload all documents relevant to the position you are applying for. This should include at a minimum;

(1) Resume,

(2) Three - Letters of Recommendation (Dated within One-Year from the Application), and

(3) Copies of Academic Transcripts.

Other documents may be required for the position, for example, if claiming Navajo Preference upload your CIB (Certificate of Indian Blood) or DD-214 if claiming Veterans Preference. Please upload and appropriately title those documents if the position requires additional certification and/or licensures.

Note: if any documents are missing or not uploaded, your application will not be complete and therefore not considered.

Salary : $50,000 - $58,240