What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Director of Operations for Financial Aid position at Spartanburg Methodist College?
Job Summary:
The Assistant Director of Operations for Financial Aid is involved in all aspects of financial aid administration, including but not limited to maintaining the student information system, CRM, and forms; counseling of students and families, need analysis, processing of applications, verification, and packaging federal, state, and institutional aid. Must possess a working knowledge of financial aid regulations and industry practices, particularly regarding federal and state programs. Must be proficient in Excel to do monthly aid reconciliation and reporting. Required to do the job well and with enthusiasm while working individually or as part of the enrollment team. A commitment to excellence is expected.
Areas of Responsibility:
- Manages the setup and use of the Financial Aid module in Ellucian’s Colleague system and collaborates with other areas of campus to ensure efficient operation of Colleague and Slate. Initiate new technical processes as needed to ensure operations stay current with State and federal requirements.
- Ensures compliance and conducts internal reviews for quality assurance of all financial aid activities including awarding, loan processes, import/export processes, reconciliation, and funds distribution.
- Responsible for the receipt, review, and submission of all electronic transmissions via TDClient. Responsible for linking student records into Colleague and for managing subsequent records. Assists with monitoring data integration between Colleague and Slate. Manages unlinked records.
- Manages packaging, awarding, and repackaging based on additional awards, student type changes, part-time approval, data inconsistencies, and/or credit hour adjustments. Oversees quality control/recheck procedures.
- Manages reports and processes via Colleague’s scheduler/process handler.
- Manages the determination of federal and SCTG satisfactory academic progress (SAP).
- Researches and responds to various requests for data and/or reports. Responsible for data analysis to ensure all reports are accurate and consistent. Collaborates with IT to update or create Insights Reports.
- Responsible for management of the S.C. Tuition Grant program, including monitoring of applicants’ report, enrollment reports, and reconciliation.
- Ensures timely and accurate setup of Self-Service, the communication plan in Slate, and forms in Dynamic Forms.
- Provides needed training on the use of Colleague. Keeps all processes well documented.
- Responsible for preparation, reconciliation, and reporting for State merit programs to CHE.
- Participates in training opportunities and maintains memberships in professional organizations.
- Other duties as assigned.
Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities:
- Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail and efficiency in recordkeeping.
- Ability to work well with individuals with diverse backgrounds.
- Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
- Ability to establish positive working relationships with members of the college community and members of the public.
- Ability to work independently to perform assigned tasks.
- Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office suite, especially Excel
- Preferred experience with Ellucian Colleague, Technolutions Slate, and/or NextGen Dynamic Forms.
- Preferred experience with Department of Education’s FAFSA Partner Connect and related sites such as COD, NSLDS, and FAFSA Partner Portal.
- Willingness to work evening hours and weekends as needed
Working Conditions:
The work is normally performed in an office environment which, at times, will require significant contact with students and family members. The work may include occasional public presentations both on and off campus.
Physical Requirements:
- Light physical exertion. Normally seated, standing, or walking at will. Periodic handling of parcels or supplies. Use of handcart for transporting admissions materials.
- The incumbent may be required to lift materials up to 25 pounds.
- Ability to access office files and make public presentations.
- Manual and physical dexterity and visual acuity are needed to operate a computer keyboard and handle paper documents.
- Sufficient near vision acuity to read information appearing on a computer display screen, in hand-written form, and printed on paper.
- Adequate hearing and verbal abilities to communicate effectively in person and by telephone.
Education and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree is required.
- SQL or other database knowledge is preferred.
- Minimum of one (1) to three (3) years of experience in higher education is preferred.
- Knowledge of South Carolina State aid is preferred, but not a requirement.
About the College: Founded in 1911, Spartanburg Methodist College is a private residential liberal arts institution serving a diverse student population within the United Methodist Connection. Since its founding as the first co-op school in the nation, SMC has remained dedicated to its mission to connect education and employment. After over 100 years as an Associate Degree granting institution, the college launched its first bachelor’s degree in 2019. SMC is growing significantly, adding new programs, and consistently evaluating operations because of a campus-wide commitment to innovation and a passion for designing all campus programs to serve its student population intentionally. Today, the college’s emphasis on education and employment includes a unique professional development concentration comprised of eight required courses for students seeking associate and bachelor’s degrees. SMC is committed to its student demographic and believes that global impact is possible through their success.
Spartanburg Methodist College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation or any legally protected status in any personnel action regarding the recruiting, hiring, and promotion of faculty and staff members.
All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory results of a background investigation. SMC participates in the federal E-Verify program.
SMC does not maintain an open application file. Unsolicited resumes will not be considered.
