Director, Student Financial Assistance (FT), AFREDIRSFA
Director, Student Financial Assistance (FT), AFREDIRSFA
The College of DuPage is a comprehensive community college located 27 miles west of downtown Chicago, vitally connected to our local area for over 50 years. We prepare students for a lifelong passion for learning on our 273-acre campus which is home to nine associate degrees and a wide variety of professional and technical certificates. Many of these credentials prepare students to seamlessly articulate into the baccalaureate programs of our higher education partner institutions.
College of DuPage is committed to student success and values an inclusive and welcoming community environment. We are an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity in the workforce. Our connection to the larger metropolitan area is essential to our success and provides a wealth of diverse cultural and recreational opportunities.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
Oversee the day-to-day operations of the Student Financial Aid Office. Ensure timely and accurate awarding of financial aid, including Title IV funds, state funding, and scholarships. Supervise staff and ensure excellent customer service for students and families. Ensure compliance with federal, state, and institutional financial aid regulations. Support the College's enrollment and student success goals.
Operational Leadership:o Oversee daily operations of the Financial Aid Office, ensuring efficient awarding and disbursement processes.o Supervise financial aid staff and foster a culture of continuous improvement and customer service.Financial Aid Awards & Disbursements:o Manage awarding of federal, state, institutional, and private financial aid programs.o Ensure accurate processing and disbursement of Title IV funds, state grants, scholarships, and veterans' benefits.o Ensure compliance with institutional and regulatory guidelines.Customer Service & Communication:o Provide exceptional customer service to students, prospective students, and families.o Ensure clear and accurate communication about financial aid through various channels (email, website, in-person).o Collaborate with Enrollment, Admissions, Registrar, and Student Services teams to improve the student experience.Staff Supervision & Development:o Lead, supervise, and support a team of Financial Aid Representatives, Assistants, and Operations staff.o Provide regular staff training, professional development, and performance evaluations.o Manage staff workload to ensure effective service delivery, particularly during peak times.Compliance & Reporting:o Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and institutional financial aid regulations (Title IV, state programs, etc.).o Oversee the preparation and submission of required reports, including FISAP, Gainful Employment, and state reports.o Monitor and update policies and procedures to ensure compliance with regulatory changes.Financial Aid Packaging:o Oversee the development and implementation of financial aid packaging strategies.o Align financial aid packaging with institutional goals to support recruitment and retention.Technology Management:o Ensure proper functioning of financial aid management systems (e.g., Ellucian Colleague).o Work with IT to resolve technical issues and implement updates to financial aid systems.o Ensure systems integration with other institutional systems for streamlined operations.Processing & Verification:o Oversee the timely processing of financial aid applications, including verification and awarding.o Manage the verification process, ensuring accuracy and efficiency.o Address complex cases and exceptions to ensure compliance with regulations.Training & Professional Development:o Coordinate regular training for staff on current financial aid regulations and best practices.o Encourage staff to attend conferences and seminars for professional growth.Budget Oversight:o Manage the financial aid budget to ensure resources are allocated effectively.o Monitor expenditures to maintain fiscal responsibility while meeting operational needs.Collaboration with External Partners:o Collaborate with scholarship providers, the College Foundation, and other external organizations to administer scholarships.o Maintain relationships with external agencies, such as the Department of Education, Clearinghouse, and state agencies.
Qualifications:
- Education
- Master's degree in Education, Business, Finance, Accounting, or related field required.
- Experience
- Minimum of 5+ years in student financial aid, with at least 3 years in a leadership or supervisory role.
- Extensive experience with Title IV programs and federal, state, and institutional financial aid regulations.
- Proven success in managing staff and providing customer service in a higher education setting.
- Experience with Ellucian Colleague or similar financial aid management systems preferred.
Office setting with high-volume student services.Occasional evening or weekend work during peak periods, such as financial aid processing cycles.Must not be in default on federal student loans to access Federal Student Aid databases (NSLDS, COD, FAAaccess).This position requires a pre-employment background and drug screen at the College's expense.
Pay Grade: 14/ Starting salary beginning $97,373 based on experience
Competitive starting salaries are dependent on education and experience. College of DuPage also offers a generous benefits plan.
To apply please submit your electronic application, unofficial transcripts, current curriculum vita, a cover letter including a list of three references.
Applications accepted until
11:59 p.m. CST, April 6, 2025.
This position requires a pre-employment background and drug screen.
College of DuPage is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to diversity and creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
College of DuPage does not discriminate against individuals in employment opportunities, programs and/or activities on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, national origin, ancestry, veterans' status, marital status, disability, military status, unfavorable discharge from military service, or on any other basis protected by law.
To apply, visit https://cod.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/4/home/requisition/2387?c=cod
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