Job Description

Organizational Relationship: Vice President of Business & Finance

Position Status: Exempt, Full-time

Position Summary: The Director of Student Financial Services is responsible for the management of the Student Financial Aid Office and the overall administration of the federal Title IV, State, and institutional scholarship programs. The Director of Student Financial Aid Services works in concert with other areas on campus to administer financial aid programs in a manner that meets the needs of the student body and supports the mission and goals of Hope International University.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Major Responsibilities

• supervise and manage the processing of financial aid applications
• develop necessary compliance procedures and implementation steps to ensure that the institution meets institutional, federal, and state performance standards
• plan, lead, and direct the activities of the Federal Pell Grant, Loan, Cal Grant, Institutional, private, and Outreach programs
• to be the next level of referral from staff and students regarding interpretation of regulations and for developing solutions to difficult/extreme problems where precedent may not exist
• develop and implement plans for awarding and distributing funds to eligible students
• provide and train/assist other staff in providing in-depth counseling or comprehensive advisement to students in academics, personal counseling, and financial planning as well as to refer students to other campus departments or off-campus agencies when appropriate
• employ sensitivity, interviewing, and counseling skills to explain the basis for recommendations, decisions, or actions
• prepare budgets for annual allocations of campus-based program funds, institutional scholarships and discounts, and departmental operating budget.
• keep abreast of changes in the student aid system for delivery, disbursement, and record-keeping of aid awards
• oversee university’s student accounts and Collections for current and inactive students
• administer ConServe’s third-party monthly payments

List of Duties for Each Major Responsibility:

Counseling/Program Administration:

• to train staff in counseling techniques with an emphasis on acquiring or utilizing proper skills when interacting with people who are reacting in a hostile or argumentative way.
• counsel students with extenuating or unusual personal problems or hardships and analyze the circumstances of students with special needs and problems.
• counsels’ students and parents regarding all federal, state, and institutional financial aid resources available.
• to ensure compliance with laws, regulations, and policies by evaluating, developing, and implementing local policies and procedures for the delivery process that result in students receiving the type and amount of aid they are entitled to in a timely, responsive manner.
• supervise the Federal Pell Grant Coordinator, Loan Coordinator, and Outreach coordinator and ensure that the program is being managed properly and efficiently.
• to design correspondence or forms
• to ensure that reporting and funding requirements are met, and program integrity is being maintained.
• to plan, develop, and implement policies and procedures related to processing student applications and accounts.
• to supervise the performance of the SFA staff.

Information Dissemination, Information Processing, and Verification

• to train and supervise the performance of staff in the following: (1) disseminating information about financial aid in-person as well as on the telephone, (2) in determining when referral to another staff member is appropriate due to a difficult student problem for resolution, (3) screening students in-person or on the telephone prior to referral to a counselor, (4) outlining and clarifying all requirements for students at the first inquiry to eliminate delays and repeat visits, (5) conducting status checks for students, (6) receiving and reviewing application materials, (7) determining when to request supplemental information, and (8) determining eligibility of applicants using federal methodology.

Administration/Personnel:

• meet weekly with the VP of Business and Finance to discuss current events, emerging issues, and changes that have an impact on the overall operation needs of the office and staff. Also, to discuss the impact of changes affecting eligibility criteria, budgets, needs analysis, and packaging to improve policy formulation, program development, and legislative advocacy.
• to train, supervise, and plan performance expectations with staff and to review and evaluate performances to effect professional and sensitive service to students.
• to keep documents current and reflective of new policies and procedures by evaluating, updating, and designing standard forms/brochures/literature, resulting in an improved image of the office.

Other

• determines methods of attaining prescribed objectives.
• attends professional seminars, conferences, and workshops.
• researches and analyzes current guidelines, regulations, and professional literature in the field and provides input regarding implementation.

Employment Standards:

QUALIFICATIONS: To fulfill this role 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 required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education/Experience: Master’s Degree preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience. Background must reflect significant experience in financial aid and business office.

Knowledge and Skills: Demonstrate strong supervisory skills and ability to establish and maintain a cooperative working environment. Must have experience in goal identification, policy formulation, motivation, and training and development. Must have knowledge of state and federal programs and policies (compliance audits and program review). Must have excellent interpersonal skills and strong oral and written communication skills. Must be able to analyze complex situations and perform complex assignments without detailed instructions. Be able to successfully mediate solutions to parties in conflict. Know Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Powerpoint), EdConnect, California Student Aid Commission Webgrants, Department of Education sites (COD, NSLDS, Etc.), College Student Information Systems, etc.

Mental Demands: Self-directed and able to take initiative; highly organized, detail- and multi-task oriented. Ability to set priorities and responsibilities, solve problems, and dealCo effectively with a variety of personalities and cultural backgrounds. Ability to analyze, understand, and communicate policies and procedures.

Visual Demands: Extended viewing of computer monitor; proofreading and quality control.

Physical Demands: Long intervals at the keyboard, computer monitor, and telephone. Photocopying, faxing, filing, and retrieving documents. Bending and kneeling to access files. Ability to lift and move up to 20 lbs.

Environment: Busy, fast-paced, service-oriented, and multicultural environment. Extensive contact with students, faculty, and staff, both in person and by telephone or e-mail. Supportive team-oriented department. Flexible work hours are required, including some evenings and weekends.

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