What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Director of Financial Aid position at William Peace University?
Position Information
Position Title:
Assistant Director of Financial Aid
Posting Number:
WPU0054317
University Information:
William Peace University is a nationally-ranked, award-winning institution located in one of the best cities in the United States in downtown Raleigh, NC. WPU provides a culture that values diversity, fosters an energized team environment, builds on our strengths, promotes creativity and innovation, and encourages inclusiveness, respect, and open communication by leading with our actions. Our mission is to prepare our students for careers in the organizations of tomorrow. The ideal candidate will have the ability to embrace the five core values, mission, and vision of William Peace University. Follow your passion and make an impact at WPU!
Department:
Financial Aid
Purpose of Department:
The Office of Financial aid determines and award appropriate sources and levels of aid for students. The department offers extensive opportunities for need and merit-based aid to make William Peace University one of the most affordable private schools in the country.
Summary of Position:
The Assistant Director of Financial Aid is responsible for coordinating, awarding and processing federal, state and institutional student aid programs including grants, scholarships and loans. The position resolves problems including counseling services (through email, phone, virtual meetings and/or in person) and discusses financial aid awards, eligibility, processes and alternative sources and methods of financing education costs for an assigned group of prospective students, current students, and families. The Assistant Director of Financial Aid is also responsible for coordinating the Federal Title IV Work Study program. This position works closely with the Director of Financial Aid and serves as second-in-command in the Director’s absence with the authority to make decisions on the Director’s behalf.
Essential duties and responsibilities:
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Reporting to the Director of Financial Aid, the individual holding this position is responsible for, but not limited to, the following duties:
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability needed in order to perform the duties of the position, including the ability to retain on the job learned skills and abilities. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
PHYSICAL DEMANDSThe physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
WORK ENVIRONMENT The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Assist with the overall administration of the Financial Aid Office including, but not limited to, overseeing all systems processing and reporting aspects of the Ellucian/Colleague Financial Aid module.
- Advise the Director of Financial Aid in financial aid technical matters including system upgrades, reports, software issues, and hardware upgrades.
- Maintain procedures and reports necessary to complete annual federal, state, and institutional reporting requirements and prepare report information for review by the Director of Financial Aid.
- Prepare financial aid award packages using federal and state regulations along with institutional guidelines for incoming students and returning students in the Traditional undergraduate population.
- Provide counseling regarding financial aid options and resources to students and their families, manage missing information, communications, and response to student/family inquiries for a selected population.
- Regularly attend (as budget allows) the Department of Education, National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA), Ellucian, North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority (NCSEAA), and vendor conferences, webinars and events to ensure knowledge of policies and procedures while also remaining in compliance with regulations.
- Research and interpret federal and state regulations and make professional judgment decisions in compliance with federal, state and institutional policies.
- Provide counseling to students and families with extenuating circumstances that may affect the family’s ability to pay. Make professional judgment recommendations to the Director based on documented hardships that comply with federal, state and institutional regulations, policies and procedures.
- Process applications and corrections; conduct need analysis, document tracking, and evaluation of those documents.
- Oversee and maintain verifications records within Inceptia’s Verification Gateway for all students in the traditional undergraduate and School of Professional Studies populations.
- Verify accuracy of documents and consistency of financial aid data, federal tax transcripts, financial aid verification documents and student information.
- Oversee and process Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) and make independent decisions on SAP appeals. Responsible for notifying the student and all applicable offices.
- Oversee the implementation of creating “new year’ information in the Ellucian/Colleague system for each academic year including student budgets, funds management, packaging schemes, and self-service set up.
- Assist the financial aid team with the creation and generation of all Financial Aid communication (both email and print).
- Oversee and process ISIR Alerts to ensure compliance with all federal and state financial aid regulations.
- Check and validate Federal Pell Grant, Direct Loans, and State Aid awarded to students using information from the university, state, and/or Department of Education.
- Resolve Federal Pell Grant, Direct Loan, and State Aid issues (i.e. rejects) as they arise between the university, state and/or Department of Education.
- Import and export records via Colleague – ISIR records, Master Promissory Note (MPN), Entrance/Exit Counseling, Pell, Loan, Transfer Monitoring, reconciliation reports via COD
- Perform monthly reconciliation of Federal Pell Grant and Direct Loans in accordance with federal regulations.
- Coordinate, complete, and maintain student records to comply with the requirements of the Department of Education.
- Use computer skills with advanced knowledge of Windows Office, Ellucian/Colleague, Department of Education websites, and vending websites
- Create and update financial aid content for University website, MyPacerNet, and university publications.
- Oversee, administer and monitor the Federal Work Study program; provide programmatic leadership in the area of student employment including tracking of work study related documents within regulations established by US Department of Education and US Department of Labor.
- Maintain and grow a roster of community partner sites to ensure they add value to the immersive learning experience and fulfill the Federal Work Study regulations.
- Coordinate positions between various departments and students and monitor payroll.
- Serve as office liaison to supervisors of student employees. Work with payroll on FWS monthly audits.
- Supervise the Federal Work Study Students in the Financial Aid Office and the community service (off-campus) positions.
- Research federal and state regulations along with DOE technical problems.
- Partner with Ellucian/Colleague Information Technology for technical support on financial aid issues and participates in cross-functional working groups.
- Assist in monitoring compliance with federal, state, and institution regulations.
- Assist with professional staff training and supervision.
- Participate in University activities and committees that support the mission and initiatives of the University.
- Speak on behalf of/represent the Office of Financial Aid at various campus events (student orientations, etc.).
- Perform special projects as requested.
- Maintain open and effective communication across the university.
- Manage multiple and ever-changing priorities under established time constraints and in a professional manner.
- Demonstrate commitment to student success and quality customer service delivery.
- Handle confidential information with discretion and independent judgment
- Work effectively with a diverse population of students, families, employees, guests, and visitors.
- Perform other job-related duties and projects assigned.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability needed in order to perform the duties of the position, including the ability to retain on the job learned skills and abilities. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Excellent computer skills with knowledge of Windows XP, Word, and Excel; experience with Datatel/Colleague.
- Ability to think sequentially and analytically.
- Ability to manage multiple and ever-changing priorities under established time constraints and in a professional manner.
- Motivated, organized and detailed oriented, strong communicator with excellent interpersonal skills and willingness to assist as needed in functions that support the mission and initiative of the University.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to service a variety of clients.
- Knowledge of federal and state student financial aid regulations.
- Demonstrated commitment to student success and quality customer service delivery
- Ability to work with a diverse population of students, families, employees, and guests.
PHYSICAL DEMANDSThe physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Ability to detect and read a computer screen and printed material with or without vision aids; close vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
- Ability to move and transport 5 pounds regularly and up to 20 pounds occasionally.
- Ability to operate office equipment such as a calculator, computer, copy machine, printer, etc.
- Ability to communicate in audible tones so that others understand clearly, adjusting volume and pace as required.
- Frequently is required to move and remain in a stationary position at least 50% of the time.
WORK ENVIRONMENT The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- While a hybrid work schedule may be available on occasion, most work will be done on-site and in-person as business needs dictate.
- Work is primarily performed indoors in an office environment with varying temperatures and with noise levels varying from low to moderate, and frequent interruptions.
Minimum Qualifications:
QUALIFICATIONS Candidates who apply within established recruitment dates are required to meet the minimum qualifications to be considered for employment. Minimum qualifications are the absolute smallest amount of experience and education that provide the ability to determine if the candidate could potentially perform well in the position. Preferred are the qualifications that enable a candidate to potentially excel in the position.
Minimum Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree and two years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Preferred Qualifications:
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Accounting or related field and two years of demonstrated successful experience in higher education; two years of financial aid administration experience with federal and state student financial aid programs; experience with Datatel/Colleague application.
Hours per week:
40 hours, 12-month duration
Job Posting Date:
02/07/2025
Priority Deadline:
02/17/2025
Priority Deadline Information:
Priority consideration will be given to applications received by the Priority Date; however, applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
