Director of Financial Aid and Student Accounts

Director of Financial Aid and Student Accounts

SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES

The Director of Financial Aid and Student Accounts works under the direction of the Vice President for Enrollment Management and serves as the primary departmental liaison for financial aid audits and regulatory compliance matters. The Director coordinates the preparation and submission of documentation maintained by Financial Services. Other university departments remain responsible for providing records and information within their respective areas of responsibility. In addition, the Director oversees the student account functions for the University including monitoring outstanding balances, determining students who are cleared to enroll, issuing refunds, and ensuring funds from all sources are processed and disbursed in a timely manner.

The Director collaborates with other university departments, including Accounting and Business Services (ABS), to support institutional operations and ensure appropriate coordination of financial aid, student accounts, and compliance-related activities. The Financial Services division operates under the direction and supervision of the Vice President for Enrollment Management. The Director maintains responsibility for the management, operations, and priorities of Financial Services, with departmental assignments and direction established through the Vice President for Enrollment Management.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Supervise personnel in accordance with university policies and applicable federal laws.
• Develop, implement and revise policies and procedures to ensure compliance with federal and state laws, regulations and college policies related to financial aid and scholarships.
• Prepare financial aid reports to include (but not limited to) those required by:
• – U.S. Department of Education (ED)
• – Texas Higher

Education Coordinating Board (THECB)

• – Independent Colleges and Universities of Texas (ICUT)
• – National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)
• – National Student Loan Disbursement System (NSLDS)
• Monitor, approve, and/or revise all financial aid packaging for all qualified applicants in accordance with federal, state, institutional, and other policies and procedures for new, returning, and persisting students.
• Manage all Title IV, state, federal and institutional grant, scholarship, loan and work-study programs to ensure compliance with regulations and spending within budgetary limits.
• Collaborate with university departments to facilitate the exchange of information, coordinate institutional processes, and support compliance requirements within the scope of Financial Services responsibilities. Departmental priorities, special projects, and work assignments are established through the Vice President for Enrollment Management.
• Oversee the use of Financial Services systems, with backend administration, integrations, maintenance, and technical support managed by Information Technology (IT).
• Work with the Director of Admissions, Director of Residence Life, and Registrar to ensure accurate and timely exchange of information and awards between school information systems.
• Facilitate the process to ensure student accounts are clear in advance of the start of each semester.
• Counsel students and families regarding financial aid regulations and financing options.
• Develop a financial literacy program for prospective and current students as well as alumni in an effort to address Title IV requirements and the Federal Default Rate for the University.
• Provide documentation and information to auditors during annual audits and assist in preparing management responses to audit findings within the scope of Financial Services responsibilities.
• Reconcile student financial aid programs periodically during the year and at year-end to show uniformity between Financial Services and funding sources.
• Implement and maintain S. Department of Education electronic processes in order to meet the administrative capability requirement for participation in the Title IV Student Financial Assistance Programs.
• Develop, design, revise, and update al publications (website, college catalog, and other media) relating to financial aid, such as financial aid applications, forms used for tracking applications, correspondence forms, and brochures. Provide training and materials to staff regarding the financial aid process.
• Attend professional development conferences, seminars and workshops in order to stay abreast of current regulations in the student financial aid industry.
• Develop, recommend, and implement student financial aid and student academic progress policy.
• Oversee operation of all financial aid counselors to ensure timeliness and accuracy of all processes.
• Conduct workshops and presentations on financial aid programs to staff, students, parents and high school counselors.
• Implement NCAA Division III policies regarding recruitment and financial aid.
• Aid and adhere to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
• Perform additional duties and special projects within the scope of Financial Services as assigned by the Vice President for Enrollment Management.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS REQUIRED

• Bachelor’s Degree; Master’s Degree preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of direct supervision.
• University student financial aid experience of at least 10 years; private university preferred.
• Understanding of discount rates within the awarding spectrum.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to relate to students, parents, faculty, staff and external groups.
• Excellent quantitative and budget management skills.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Knowledge and ability to learn software package and other software packages, including PowerFAIDS, Jenzabar, and Microsoft Office.