Assistant Director of Financial Aid

Posted 3/10/2025 - 3/24/2025 or until filled

Pierpont Community & Technical College

Job Description                 

JOB TITLE:   Assistant Director, Financial Aid 

AGENCY:       Pierpont Community and Technical College     

WORK LOCATION: Pierpont Advanced Technology Center, 500 Galliher Drive Fairmont, West Virginia 26554

REPORTS TO:           Director, Financial Aid 

FLSA Status:      Exempt 

Employee Category:     Nonclassified                                          

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GENERAL JOB SUMMARY:

The Assistant Director of Financial Aid assists in planning, organizing, managing, and providing administrative direction and operational oversight of the Financial Aid department. The Assistant Director assists in coordinating activities with other departments, outside agencies, and the public. This position assists the Director of Financial Aid serving as the department head in the Director’s absence. This position also acts as backup to other positions within the unit and may be required to perform others' duties. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

·         Advise students, families, and prospective students in matters related to state, federal and institutional student aid             programs, scholarships, and grants, including explanation of application procedures, regulations, and policies. Processes student financial aid files in accordance with federal and state regulations.

·         Assist with walk-ins, campus visits, taking phone calls, and answering emails sent to the financial aid office email address, including the necessary research, obtaining assistance from other staff when needed, and responding to the student/parent in a timely fashion.      

·         Determines students' eligibility for the various financial aid programs.  Coordinate and process packaging and/or adjusting aid packages by evaluating their applications for the West Virginia Invests Grant as well as all other offerings of State aid, Institutional Scholarships/Tuition Waivers and Third-Party Scholarships.

·         Assist with outreach activities and dissemination of financial aid information to the campus community working in conjunction with other offices on student recruitment as it relates to the financial aid process. This includes participation in events both on and off campus. Participate in orientations and FAFSA workshops. Promote a positive image of the Financial Aid Office by making presentations to inform the public about the various financial aid programs and associated application processes.

·         Aid students and families with the completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)and other required forms needed for the application, acceptance, and disbursement of financial aid.

·         Assist the director in the development, evaluation and implementation of institutional policies and procedures related to the day-to-day operations of student financial aid.

·         Evaluate and assist in making decisions regarding high level, complex policies, and procedures as they relate to professional judgment which includes but is not limited to SAP appeal, verification, dependency override, budget review and C-flag review and resolution.

·         Identify opportunities for improvement and review recommendations with director. Communicate and implement improvements as needed.

·         Assist in the selection, training, and evaluation of Financial Aid staff and other division or department staff as needed in conjunction with the Director. Develop and implement ongoing training programs for the Financial Aid Office. Serve as an information resource on complex problems relating to policy interpretation, compliance requirements, and/or regulatory explanations pertaining to financial aid issues.

·         Assist in managing Federal Work Study program, to include awarding aid to eligible students, communicating procedures, placing students in available positions, and balancing work-study earnings bi-monthly.

·         Assist Director to evaluate, update, print, distribute and ensure compliance of financial aid forms and placement on website.

·         Assist in the preparation, review, analysis and submission of statistical and electronic data’s related to financial aid to compile reports utilizing Excel, Argos, and Banner for the Director of Financial Aid regarding: Satisfactory Academic Progress, Scholarships, FISAP, state aid programs, and ad-hoc reports as needed to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations.

·         Maintain professional knowledge through self-directed professional reading, developing professional contacts, active participation, and leadership in NASFAA, WVASFAA, committees, workshops, and trainings both internal and external to the College.

·         Contribute to the overall success of the Student Financial Aid Office and Pierpont by performing all other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

·         Excellent communication skills are required.

·         Leadership, human resource management, problem solving, and public speaking skills are required, as are organizational and management skills.

·         Proficiency with computers and a highly automated financial aid management system is required.

·         The ability to develop knowledge of, respect for, and skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds is required.

·         Knowledge of Banner financial aid management system is preferred.

·          Must have a thorough knowledge of federal regulations as they pertain to the programs administered by the office.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

·         An Associate's Degree is required. A Bachelor's degree is preferred. 

·         At least three years of professional experience in higher education financial aid or a related field is required.

·         An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

·         Experience in an automated financial aid office is preferred. Knowledge of Banner financial aid management system is strongly preferred. Prior supervisory experience is preferred. 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Ability to travel and visit internal and external individuals in various locations.
• Must be able to lift 15 pounds occasionally.

Equal Opportunity Employer 

The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission and the Community and Technical College System of West Virginia are equal opportunity employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. The Commission and Council provide a collegial and respectful environment that values the contributions all staff.     

 DISCLAIMER:

This description does not state or imply that the duties listed are the only duties to be performed by the position incumbent. Employees are required to follow job-related instructions and perform other job-related activities assigned by their supervisor.  Most requirements are subject to possible modification in order to provide a reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities.  Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves, students, other employees, or the general public.