Associate Director of Financial Aid

 Position: Associate Director of Financial Aid

Reports to: Director of Student Financial Services 

Under general supervision, The Associate Director of Financial Aid will assist in the development of the financial aid department and ensure the dissemination of the student financial aid programs available to students in accordance with federal, state, and university policies and procedures. Provide excellent customer service to all students, internal community, and the external community. 

Typically works Monday-Friday; 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. May work beyond normal office hours to include evenings, weekends, and peak times. Under general supervision, The Associate Director will assist in the development of the financial aid department and ensure the dissemination of the student financial aid programs available to students in accordance with federal, state, and university policies and procedures. Provide excellent customer service to all students, internal community, and the external community. 

Responsibilities: 

·Oversees the Pell, Loan, Grants, Return of Title IV Funds process and Student Aid Report functions and processes.

·Oversee the internal and external processing of scholarships.

·Working in conjunction with the Director of Student Financial Services with internal audits.

·Partners with outside agencies to develop policies and guidelines in the distribution of third party scholarships.

·Formalize the coordination and development with collaboration of the Director of Student Financial Services for the implementation of a default management plan and continue to monitor annually.

·Conducts qualitative data analysis of the CAMS system with the Director of Student Financial Services

·Represents the Office and the University at various meetings, functions and conferences related to financial aid.

·Deliver and request funding for the State of Georgia Grant Financial Aid executive report in partnership with the Office of Financial Aid leadership.

·Ensures that all appropriate state-level finance issues and professional conduct meet compliance with state and federal laws.

·Create and monitor the implementation of internal controls for compliance.

·Identifies financial aid questions, issues, and concerns for relevant scholarships.

·Updates college databases using the Student Aid Internet Gateway (SAIG). Exchanges Federal student financial aid data with Title IV Application Systems, including Common Origination and Delivery (COD) and Central Processing System (CPS). Process Electronic Data Exchange (EDE) transactions with the U.S. Department of Education.

·Provides leadership and supervision of professional, clerical, and part-time staff that assures a student centered approach to financial aid administration.

·Oversees daily operations of Student Financial Aid ensuring the best customer service is provided.

·Evaluates existing Financial Aid Office policies, making recommendations for changes to improve office efficiency and keep up with current technology. Assists the Director in building and preparing student budgets and packaging and makes recommendations concerning program funding levels. Assists in the development and implementation of procedures for financial aid audits, and other external agencies. Responds to questions regarding policies and procedures.

·Work with Student Accounts Coordinator and insure that accounting principles and practices are in compliance with all federal and state regulations.

·Ability to work effectively in a collegial environment. A “collegial” environment not only includes the physical campus, but also extends to working effectively in like manner from home. That is, this individual must be able to perform equally at home or on campus in every venue of duty and responsibility.

·Represents the Office of Financial Aid at professional meetings. Serves on University committees and performs other duties as assigned.

Education & Experience: 

·Master degree and ten years of financial aid experience

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 

·Knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications.

·Knowledge of higher education.

·Knowledge of student financial aid processes and related federal and state regulations.

·Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others. Oral and written communication skills.

·Organizational skills.

·Demonstrated leadership ability.

·Ability to solve complex problems.