What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director, Financial Aid position at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College?
The Director of Financial Aid Services at Reynolds Community College is responsible for managing and administrating student financial aid programs, ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations while supporting the college’s mission to provide equitable access to higher education. Reporting to the Dean of Enrollment Services, the Director oversees the daily operations of the financial aid office, supervises a team of full-time and part-time staff, and manages the fiscal responsibilities of the office. This position requires developing and implementing policies and procedures that align with the college’s strategic goals and support student success by fostering a transparent, accessible, and effective financial aid process.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Lead the comprehensive administration of all student financial aid programs, including federal and state grants, student loans, work-study programs, and scholarships, ensuring that funds are disbursed accurately and in compliance with all regulations.
- Develop, implement, and continuously update policies, procedures, and strategies that comply with federal and state financial aid regulations. Ensure institutional practices are compliant while optimizing students’ access to financial assistance.
- Oversee and manage financial aid operations in an automated environment, utilizing the latest technology to streamline processes and ensure efficient and timely delivery of services to students.
- Supervise, mentor, and develop financial aid staff, promoting a culture of continuous learning, professional growth, and exceptional customer service. Ensure staff members are well-equipped to meet evolving student and regulatory needs.
- Facilitates professional development opportunities for Financial Aid staff by supporting participation in annual Financial Aid-related conferences, managing membership enrollment, coordinating registration, and overseeing assistance with travel arrangements and expenditures.
- Coordinate and collaborate with other units within the Division, ensuring a seamless student experience and cohesive financial aid services across all departments.
- Continuously monitor and assess staff performance, providing constructive feedback and conducting performance evaluations to foster a high-performing team. Encourage staff to meet departmental goals while maintaining high efficiency and service standards.
- Lead the development and regular updating of internal financial aid policies and procedures, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and compliance. Identify areas for process improvement and implement solutions that enhance operational workflows.
- Spearhead efforts to automate financial aid processes, integrating cutting-edge technological tools to improve operational efficiency and student experience.
- Oversee the financial aid office’s budget, ensuring resources are allocated effectively and responsibly. Monitor expenditures and recommend adjustments to ensure the office operates within budgetary constraints.
- Ensure that federal, state, and institutional financial aid funds are appropriately managed, ensuring accurate disbursements, compliance with regulations, and proper reconciliation of accounts.
- Uphold and enforce the highest customer service standards in all interactions with students, faculty, administrators, and staff. Ensure that financial aid services are accessible, efficient, and supportive of students’ academic and financial needs.
- Effectively communicate complex financial aid policies, procedures, and requirements to students and other stakeholders, ensuring that information is conveyed in a clear, concise, and accessible manner.
- Respond promptly to financial aid inquiries, providing accurate, up-to-date information and guidance to students and their families regarding available financial aid options, application processes, and eligibility.
- Ensure full compliance with all federal, state, and institutional financial aid regulations. Prepare, complete, and submit all required federal and state financial aid applications and reports, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and thorough documentation.
- Collaborate closely with leaders within the Division of Student Affairs to align financial aid strategies and initiatives with the broader institutional goals and priorities.
- Work with departments outside the Division, including the Business Office, Finance, Marketing, and the Foundation, to provide coordinated and streamlined services that support students’ financial aid needs and enhance institutional effectiveness.
- Support the financial aid enrollment efforts by building relationships with high schools and community organizations in the service region. Promote awareness of financial aid opportunities, ensuring equitable access and support for students.
May be required to perform other duties as assigned. May be required to assist the agency or state government generally in the event of an emergency declaration by the Governor.
- Master’s degree from an accredited institution.
- Extensive knowledge of federal and state student financial aid regulations, program administration, and grant management.
- Expertise in automated financial aid processes, including managing federal and state grants, loans, and work-study programs.
- Strong leadership and supervisory skills, with experience managing professional and support staff.
- Proven ability to develop policies, implement process improvements, and manage office budgets effectively.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse constituencies.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office and spreadsheet software.
- Skilled at managing multiple large-scale projects simultaneously.
The selected candidate’s offer is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background investigation, which may include: fingerprint checks, local agency checks, employment verification, verification of education, credit checks (relevant to employment). Additionally, selected candidates may be required to complete the Commonwealth’s Statement of Economic Interest. For more information, please follow this link: http://ethics.dls.virginia.gov/
The Virginia Community College System, an EEO employer, welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds and recognizes the benefits of a diverse workforce. Therefore, the VCCS is committed to providing a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. Employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications. We prohibit discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, mental or physical disabilities, political affiliation, veteran status, gender identity, or other non-merit factors.
The VCCS is an EOE and Affirmative Action Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Acts (ADA and ADAAA), VCCS will provide, if requested, reasonable accommodation to applicants in need of access to the application, interviewing and selection processes.
VCCS uses E-Verify to check employee eligibility to work in the United States. You will be required to complete an I-9 form and provide documentation of your identity for employment purposes.
Salary : $105,000