Director of Financial Aid
Overview:
The Director of Financial Aid serves as the TUC Title IV Financial Aid Officer and is primarily responsible for managing the daily operations of TUC Financial Aid services. This position reports directly to the Associate Dean of Enrollment Management at TUC.The director must have expertise in federal financial aid and demonstrate accuracy, results orientation, and strong organizational skills, with meticulous attention to detail. The role requires the ability to manage multiple projects and complete complex administrative tasks in a dynamic environment.
Key responsibilities of the Financial Aid Director include financial aid advising, maintaining financial aid records, supporting policy development, and enforcing academic satisfactory progress and program length standards. The Director also communicates with students regarding personal finances, academic records, registration activities, and financial needs, while certifying needs analysis, awards, and scholarships.Additionally, this position oversees the Federal Work Study (FWS) program and applies professional judgment in cases involving student-specific situations, such as unforeseen medical needs.
Given the nature of the role, the Financial Aid Director handles highly sensitive and confidential matters, maintaining the highest levels of trust and integrity. This position requires adaptability to a fast-paced, flexible environment with a focus on producing high-quality, accurate data in a timely manner.Proficiency in modern student information systems, such as Banner, and expertise in using Excel, Microsoft Office Suite, and other relevant software programs are essential. The Director is also responsible for submitting institutional reports and ensuring the Title IV compliance of the financial aid program, while working to enhance the integrity and efficiency of financial aid recordkeeping.
In addition to these responsibilities, the Director of Financial Aid supervises up to three staff members, including an associate director and two additional team members. Collaboration is a key aspect of the role, as the Director works closely with the TUS Financial Aid team on various projects, policy reviews, and implementations.The Director also partners with fellow directors within the Division of Student Affairs to provide guidance, contribute to strategic plan initiatives, and support the development and implementation of divisional goals.
Responsibilities:
Financial Aid Tasks:
- Oversee the day-to-day operations and management of assigned staff within the Financial Aid office.
- Serve as a Student Affairs Team Leader, working collegially and cooperatively with the TUN and TCUS Financial Aid Directors and leadership teams.
- Collaborate with the Bursar and Registrar to review student data in a collegial and solutions-oriented manner.
- Create, maintain, and update student financial aid records, both electronic and physical.
- Administer and implement university rules, regulations, policies, and procedures related to Title IV federal financial aid, ensuring compliance in student recordkeeping and processing.
- Ensure compliance with all Title IV and regulatory requirements.
- Serve as the primary supervisor for the development and maintenance of the Federal Work Study (FWS) program, overseeing the audit of timesheets, job descriptions, and contracts for accuracy and compliance.
- Oversee the packaging and awarding of federal financial aid to students.
- Certify student eligibility for financial aid.
- Review the impact of financial aid for changes in student academic status, such as leaves of absence, academic suspension, transfers, etc.
- Respond to annual audits and legal or other inquiries regarding student financial aid records.
- Ensure the Financial Aid staff is responsive to the needs of the university, students, faculty, and administrators.
- Oversee the application of Military and Veterans Affairs benefits to student financial aid awards.
- Compile and create a variety of reports for institutional research, campus departments, and federal, state, and regional accreditation processes, including Department of Education reviews, audits, and system-wide financial aid records audits by external agencies.
Division of Student Affairs Tasks:
- Participate in major Student Affairs events, such as new student orientation, white coat ceremonies, commencement, etc.
- Provide input and support for Division of Student Affairs initiatives and strategic planning.
- Participate in university committee work.
- Travel to Touro system campuses for training and system-wide collaborations (currently includes travel to NYC and Nevada, approximately once a year).
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES (if applicable): should reflect who the employee is supervising and what the expectations are.
This position supervises the following positions: Assistant Director of Financial Aid and up to two Financial Aid Advisor or Financial Aid Administrative Assistant(s)
Qualifications:
- Baccalaureate degree required; Master’s degree preferred.
- Demonstrated record of financial aid leadership and compliance expertise.
- Experience and enthusiasm in working with a diverse student, staff, and faculty population
- Ability to work independently or collaboratively as the situation demands; managing competing priorities in a professional and positive manner.
- Experience working with graduate and/or first professional degree students is desired
- Must have in-depth modern database skills such as Banner, Datatel or Jenzabar; Banner is highly preferred
- Must have working knowledge of Title IV regulations and ability to train and assist faculty, staff, and students in understanding the Title IV requirements
- Ability to create and maintain collaborative and productive work relationships
- Ability to implement successful practices in financial aid recordkeeping.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- High level of conceptual, analytical, and organizational skills.
- Ability to be innovative
- Must be detail-oriented and accurate
- Proficient with various computer applications and programs.
Maximum Salary: USD $102,958.80/Yr.
Minimum Salary: USD $82,367.04/Yr.