Director of Financial Aid
Responsible for the administration of an established financial aid program (federal, state and institutional funds) that adheres to regulations with integrity, along with upholding the mission and vision of Kirtland Community College. Monitors budgets, provides financial aid related advisement, and establishes procedures and policies in compliance with current federal, state and institutional guidelines.
PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES*
- Responsible for maintaining Title IV Participation Agreement with the U.S. Department of Education. Submits new programs for approval of funding and ensures compliance with Title IV aid programs.
- Supports and actively participates in the college’s major initiatives for process improvement in financial aid and student services.
- Advises students, parents, staff, high school counselors, other college personnel, and off-campus agencies on all aspects of student financial aid.
- Manages annual budget process for department. Approves and monitors office expenditures. Monitors fund balances in institutional computer system and external systems. Take appropriate action to maximize usage of grant funds and to prevent over awards.
- Administers satisfactory academic appeal (SAP) evaluation and oversees appeal process for students seeking reinstatement of financial aid eligibility.
- Monitors enrollment reports to identify students subject to Return of Title IV aid policy. Calculates aid earned, makes necessary adjustments, and notifies students and accounts receivable of outcome.
- Oversees and ensures that the College’s Veteran’s Benefits certification process is efficient, timely and accurate. Ensures compliance with VA regulations, monitors student progress and updates records for reporting. Works with the Michigan State Approving Agency to obtain approval of new programs.
- Attends internal and external meetings and conferences, and reports changes to program requirements.
- Establishes, modifies, and upgrades computer parameters in need analysis, fund management, document tracking, and reporting programs; updates department policies and procedures to ensure compliance with fund limitations and requirements.
- Prepares, writes, and files required state and federal reports; answers questions and provides information during audits and official reviews to justify policies, procedures, and variances.
- Collaborates with the Kirtland Community College foundation director to administer foundation scholarship funds. Participates in an advisory capacity to the foundation.
- Supervises, trains, and evaluates department staff; works with staff to assign responsibilities, determines department priorities and procedures, and ensures cross-training occurs.
- Performs other related tasks as required.
SUPERVISION – Works under the general supervision of the Vice President of Student Services.
ATTENDANCE – Individuals in this position are expected to be available during the normal business hours of the college, and during peak operations must work evenings, holiday breaks and weekends. Also is expected to perform special presentations and events that occur in off business hours.
WORKING CONDITIONS – Conditions are those of a typical office environment, requiring frequent oral communication with students and colleagues, the ability to enter data and written communications in electronic format in a timely manner, and sufficient mobility to be present and address students, their parents, and fellow professionals at appropriate college and regional functions.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in public or business administration, accounting, liberal arts, or related field
- Five or more years of financial aid experience, or combination of education and experience commensurate with the requirements of this position
- Completion of three or more NASFAA Professional Credentials.
- Leadership, problem-solving, organizational, management, and public speaking skills required.
- Demonstrated critical thinking skills to solve problems, analyze trends and provide recommendations.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Master’s degree in accounting, business, student affairs or public administration.
- Three or more years of work experience in providing supervision or leadership to a financial aid department or related department in a higher education setting.
- Willingness to become a NASFAA Certified Financial Aid Administrator.
DIMENSIONS – Analysis, judgment, decisiveness, planning and organizing, influence, sensitivity, stress tolerance, performance results, commitment to the college, teamwork, attention to detail, work standards, initiative, informal communications, written communications, oral presentations, impact, delegation, knowledge of work, dependability.
Kirtland Community College is an equal opportunity employer
* This job description is intended to describe the type and level of work being performed by a person in this position. It is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities required by a person so classified.
01/2021
