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Director of Financial Aid
Job Description
Under the direction of the Dean of Enrollment Services, provide leadership, management, and supervision for the Financial Aid Office (FAO) staff. Direct, implement, monitor, and evaluate the institution's financial aid programs and staff including the administration of the state and federal grant programs, federal student loans, institutional loan programs, student employment, veterans’ programs, and scholarships.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Related Duties may be assigned.
- Provide direction, leadership, supervision, and evaluation for FAO staff, including but not limited to planning staff schedules, establishing and monitoring daily office processes, assigning work priorities, hiring and evaluating staff, and coordinating staff development opportunities.
- Complete required state and federal reports, such as those required by the Illinois Community College Board, Illinois Board of Higher Education, Department of Education, and the Illinois Student Assistance Commission.
- Assure office and appropriate college personnel remain current with ongoing changes in federal and state regulations relevant to student aid programs. This role will serve as one of the main points of contact for the college and maintain compliance.
- Coordinate all financial aid audits and compliance audits and assist with departmental audits as required
- Act as liaison between the financial aid office and auditors in performing annual audits
- Maintain good standings with Governing agencies.
- Administer the application, awarding, and disbursement, of approximately $6 million, of all financial aid funds (federal, state, local, grants, and scholarships) to students according to federal, state, and institutional regulations, policies, and procedures. Monitor college compliance in meeting state and federal regulations related to financial aid and veterans’ programs.
- Manage and administer the (1) federal Stafford and institutional short-term emergency loan programs, which include authorizing and certifying loan applications and managing the default reduction plan; (2) the Rock Valley College Foundation state and private scholarships for students attending RVC; (3) the Pell and SEOG grant processes including calculating awards; (4) the ISAC award process including requesting funds; (5) state and federal Veteran's programs, and (6) student employment(7) federal COVID relief funding.
- Exercise professional judgment and make administrative decisions when evaluating financial aid appeals to determine a student's eligibility for current and future financial aid.
- Provide leadership for establishing/reviewing institutional policies for all financial aid programs including but not limited to Pell, MAP, IIA, IVG, ING, MIA/POW, FFEL, Standards of Progress, enrollment verification, Return of Title IV Funds, SEOG, CWS, and scholarships. Coordinate and ensure timely communication with students, staff, and faculty with regard to decisions, procedures, or changes as they relate to the office.
- Organize and supervise the maintenance of student financial aid records according to federal and state regulatory statutes and ensure the protection of student privacy.
- Counsel students and parents on the availability of federal, state, and institutional student aid and the financing of an RVC education and beyond including both need-based and merit funding. Triage student's circumstances and make referrals to other agencies when appropriate.
- Work effectively and collaboratively with appropriate college offices, especially Accounts Receivable, Admissions, Records and Registration, Testing Center, Counseling/Advising, Foundation, and academic departments to coordinate and implement services.
- Ensure that financial aid information about types of programs, eligibility criteria, and application procedures are widely disseminated throughout the college and district by publicizing the availability of all programs, offering workshops, presentations and participating in college activities.
- Serve an active leadership role in the Division of Student Affairs and assist in divisional strategic goal setting and establishing the metrics associated with student financial aid short and long-term goals.
- Proficiently utilize technologies employed in the provision of financial aid programs, which includes working closely with Information Technology to program testing software when needed.
- Develop and manage yearly budgets, goals, and objectives.
- Develops, with the Dean of Students and Vice President, policies, procedures, and budgets for student financial aid to include federal, state, and institutional programs.
- Student financial aid to include federal, state, and institutional programs.
- Calculate student budgets (e.g. cost of attendance).
- Act as liaison between the financial aid office and auditors in performing an annual audit.
- Speaks with high school groups about financial aid sources when requested.
- Actively participate on college committees as requested.
- Regular attendance is expected.
- Using tact and courtesy, the ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with persons contacted in the course of work.
Qualification
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, skills, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree required. Master's degree in business or education preferred. Five years of experience in post-secondary education and/or management in banking or a related field is required. Direct experience in financial aid is strongly desired. Experience in supervision and/or management preferred. Knowledge of federal and state regulatory guidelines, budgeting, and financial educational costs is desirable. Strong computer skills. Ellucian-Colleague experience preferred. Excellent communication (both oral and written), problem-solving, organizational, and human relations skills. Demonstrated ability to work well with others. Organized and thorough, including attention to detail and high-quality standards.
Work Environment
While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in an office setting.
Physical Demands
Physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands and fingers to handle, feel, or operate objects, tools or controls, and reach with hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to stand, talk and hear.
Full-time Positions: (ADL, ADM, PSA, ESP)
The chosen candidate for this position will be offered an excellent benefit package including medical, dental, vision, and group life along with AD&D insurance. In addition, optional flexible spending accounts, LTD, supplemental life insurance and AD&D for you and your dependents. State Universities Retirement System (SURS) pension in place of Social Security and optional retirement savings programs. Complimentary use of the Fitness Center for employee and spouse or domestic partner, Educational Assistance, and Tuition Waivers for employee and dependents, paid holidays, 20 vacation days first year, 12 days paid sick leave each year, three personal days each year, which can accumulate up to 9 days. The College has an onsite clinic - RVCare.
Rock Valley College values diversity and is committed to fostering an inclusive, diverse and respectful environment, as we believe that diversity in our organization encourages a rich and creative environment. We are actively engaged in building a more diverse organization and encourage all qualified applicants to apply today. We are also committed to providing accommodation for persons with disabilities. If you require accommodations, please contact our Human Resources Department at (815) 921-4760. Check out Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Wellness, Benefits, job openings, and more at Rock Valley College!
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