The Assistant Director of Financial Aid provides financial aid counseling to students and families for federal, state, and institutional programs in accordance with all applicable rules and regulations. The position is also responsible for maintaining financial aid compliance for award packaging. The Assistant Director of Financial Aid will share in the responsibilities of administering federal and state aid, verification, loans, professional judgements, satisfactory academic progress (SAP), Scholarships, Federal Work-Study, Veterans Education Benefits and other related financial aid functions. Working hours will vary. Travel throughout the Richmond Service Area is required.

Demonstrate strong customer service and student advocacy through a positive attitude of approachability, adaptability, strong problem-solving skills and desire to identify and support student success.

Engage in behaviors that create an inclusive environment in which all people are valued and supported.

Outreach to current and prospective students via various outlets of email, text, phone calls, and presentations both on campus and in the community.

Provide both individual and group counseling regarding availability of financial assistance, explain the application process and assist with the completing of applications.

Process applications and other materials related to financial assistance, including Student Aid Reports (SAR), student/parent loan applications, tax transcripts, verification of information and certification of student eligibility.

Package financial aid awards, disburse funds, notify students and agencies of disbursements and process necessary reports related to federal, state and institutional aid programs.

Run, review, and process appropriate reports as required.

Utilize various governmental websites (Scholar Track, CPS, COD, NSLDS) to research and resolve difficult student issues.

Maintains accurate records for student aid applicants and helps in collecting data for required reporting.

Monitor and enforce progress Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP). Update system as needed after review of SAP.

Assist with efforts with the Financial Aid and Veterans Affairs processing centers.

Conduct all activities within the established guidelines of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

Process forms for external agencies including forms for housing, TANF, Workforce Development and Vocational Rehabilitation.

Assist in workshops such as College Goal Sunday, High School Financial Aid Nights, Orientations and other activities on and off campus designed for new students.

Organize resources and initiate actions within established guidelines to achieve departmental objectives.

Provide recommendations/decisions that may affect activities, programs, groups and/or departmental operations.

Attend training events (in person or virtually) to increase and maintain financial aid knowledge.

Earn at least one credential through NASFAA.

This is not to be construed as an exhaustive list. Other duties logically associated with this position may be assigned. All responsibilities will be conducted within the parameters of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), other applicable regulatory requirements, and professional standards.

Must demonstrate ability to promote an inclusive environment that reflects the broad diversity and backgrounds represented by our students and employees and which every individual feels respected and valued.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Director of Financial Aid (Richmond)
SUPERVISION GIVEN: None

Associate Degree and at least 3-4 years of related work experience, or Bachelor’s Degree and at least 1-3 years of related work experience.

At least two years of relevant experience demonstrating leadership qualities and a customer-service focus.

Ability to work in a self-directed team environment.

Excellent written and verbal communication.

Knowledge of financial aid regulations and processes.

Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work with college departments to obtain and maintain accurate information for callers.

Ability to set priorities, manage time effectively, handle multiple responsibilities simultaneously, and demonstrated ability to work with a diverse student population in a fast-paced environment.

Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

N/A