Director, Financial Aid

Financial Aid is experiencing exciting growth, and we are thrilled that you are considering joining our team. We are surrounded by individuals empowered to use their expertise and talents to achieve our mission of excellence. Are you ready for us? Are you seeking an opportunity with purpose and direction? If you are, we have the perfect opportunity for you! We are committed to hiring exceptional individuals because it strengthens our team and enhances our ability to succeed. The Office of Student Financial Services, Student Financial Aid is seeking a Director, Financial Aid to join the already awesome team, taking the department to the next level of excellence! For more information on the Office of Student Financial Services, Student Financial Aid , please refer to our website: h ttp://recreation.gsu.edu/ WHAT MAKES THE Office of Student Financial Services, Student Financial Aid A GREAT PLACE? Generous benefits, including health, dental, vision, tuition assistance, retirement, etc. A knowledge-sharing organization that works collaboratively. Professional development opportunity and mentorship A rapidly growing center within an academic setting HERE IS WHAT YOU WILL DO In the Office of Student Financial Services, the primary responsibility of the Director, Student Financial Aid is to play an important role of ensuring that more than $500 million in Title IV financial aid, along with hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarships and grants, is administered and awarded accurately and in compliance with applicable regulations. The role also carries significant responsibility for federal reporting, audits, regulatory compliance, system configuration, testing, and the implementation of federal and institutional changes. Given the financial and compliance risks associated with these responsibilities, the position requires a high degree of independent judgment, technical and regulatory expertise, and decision-making authority to ensure the University remains compliant while maintaining the accurate and timely delivery of financial aid to students Plans, creates, and implements strategic and operational initiatives for the Office of Student Financial Aid, collaborating with academic units, enrollment services and other university departments, to ensure the effective and efficient delivery of services for undergraduate and graduate students. Provides leadership, direction, and supervision for the development of a comprehensive student‐centered and proactive culture providing enhanced services to students, families, public and university community partners. Delivers optimum service to all internal and external customers and provides necessary training and updates to ensure accurate communication. Ensures all service level agreements are achieved. Oversee monthly reconciliation to ensure university student information systems data is consistent with external funding systems, Administers Title IV, State and Institutional Aid programs to optimize funding available to students. Maintain the Universities Program Participation Agreement with the US Department of Education. Oversee the annual closeout of Direct Loans, Pell, TEACH, Hope, Scholarship and other funding sources. Ensure Campus‐Based funds are received and disbursed in accordance with regulations. Ensures data‐reporting to university, state and federal entities is accurate and timely. Provides guidance and oversees testing for annual updates to processing. Serves as a Strategic Partner to the Student Financial Management Center, Student Accounts, Admissions and Academic Advising. Represents the department and serves various department and university committees. Participates actively in Student Success initiatives. Collaborate with Systems Development team and University Technology Office to assist with testing, implementation, maintenance, and enhancements on a regular basis. Serves as a representative of the University at state, regional and national organizations, boards, councils, and committees as assigned. Maintain a comprehensive knowledge of new federal and state initiatives and make recommendations regarding implementation; maintain accurate records of aid awards, aid adjustments, appeals requests, and documentation, in accordance with state and federal regulations. Responsible for coordinating the annual review and updates of all reas related to preparation for verification processing and aid delivery for the next aid year. Ensures that all publications meet the requirements of the Department of Education with respect to consumer information regulations. Serve as audit contact for Financial Aid and collects, validates, and reports data through the FISAP, IPEDS and FADC reports. Develops, maintains, and implements department policies and procedures. Ensures performance coaching and employee development programs are active and beneficial, resulting in continuous performance improvement to ensure compliance with relevant regulatory requirements, strengthen weaknesses, and build new capabilities. Develop and maintain appropriate tracking of people, process, and technology capabilities to ensure adequate coverage of tasks is achieved. Oversee and participates in the hiring, training, supervising and evaluation of assigned staff. Design and implement quality control mechanisms for all technological tools and systems, as well as all office operations. Designs process flows to ensure effective, efficient, and timely completion of all tasks assigned and to ensure all Service Level Agreements are achieved. Reviews electronic processing activities, rules and procedures to ensure accurate operations. Recommend changes to electronic processing activities, rules and procedures to ensure efficient and compliant processing. Conducts and assists with the development of long‐range and short‐range goals required to achieve strategic outcomes. Plans, evaluates, and develops department long‐term and short‐term goals, and develops objectives and activities based on these goals. Provides guidance and support to AVP Student Financial Services. Qualifications : Minimum Requirements : Bachelor's degree and six years of supervisory/management experience, or a combination of education and related experience. Preferred Hiring Requirements: Preference will be given to candidates demonstrating a knowledge of FERPA and are Certified Financial Aid Administrator with National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA). Must have a working knowledge of integrated student record data systems, such as Banner, InContact/Nice system, Salesforce CRM system, Slate system etc. Must have a collaborative, energetic and resourceful work style. Excellent oral and written communication skills. Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills. Ability to multi-task; pay attention to detail; and exhibit excellent customer service skills. Experience in a financial aid environment or unit (i.e., academic records, admissions, financial aid, registrar, student accounts). Anticipated Hiring Range: $89,300 - $142,800. Salary offers will be determined based on the candidate's qualifications in relation to the Minimum Hiring Standards. Candidates earlier in their careers are typically offered salaries closer to the minimum of the hiring range, while those with more advanced or relevant experience may be considered for compensation at or above the hiring range.