Assistant Director of Financial Aid

Job Description

The Assistant Director manages the Office of Financial Aid’s imaging and student information systems; provides guidance to supervisor on program and staff issues; participates in the development and effectuation of the program or unit goals, policies and procedures which may involve development of college policy for the direction of the unit and/or program; does related work as required. In addition, provides students, parents and the campus community with consistent and accurate advice about financial aid, educational expenses, debt management, and the full range of resources available to meet financial obligations at Bergen Community College. Lastly, provides a high level customer service in interactions with students and their family members.

POSITION SUMMARY

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Directs office activities, including setting department goals and priorities, clarifying policies and developing internal procedures.

Maintains current knowledge in all aspects of financial aid including changes to federal and state regulations, participating in annual training, professional organizations, and conferences to keep abreast of new information and program changes to be implemented.

Assist the AVP with managing daily office operations including scheduling, evaluation, and other administrative tasks as assigned.

Develops a set of core outcomes for the department and measures and tracks annual performance against objectives.

Monitors and reviews projects to ensure that all deadlines are met.

Assist the AVP in evaluating and updating policies and procedures as well as automating various functions of the office.

Ensures the department maintains compliance with all applicable federal, state and institutional rules and regulations.

Perform federal need analysis, verification, and determine student award eligibility for Title IV, state, and/or institutional aid programs, in compliance with relevant regulations and policies.

Calculates and processes Return of Title IV for all students.

Ensures the timely and accurate packaging and disbursement of student aid; the effective flow of information and documentation throughout the process; the full implementation of all institutional aid programs.

Administers and interprets applicable federal and/or state laws and regulations.

Enforces the up-to-date reconciliation of all State and Federal funds; ensures that all federal, state and institutional funds are awarded in compliance with Federal, State and institutional policies, regulations and/or laws.

Gathers and analyzes data and produces reports as needed for FISAP and other mandatory state reports.

Assists the AVP with federal, state, and institutional reviews and annual audits.

Monitors awards and students’ academic progress to confirm eligibility criteria are met.

Counsels students and parents regarding college financial aid opportunities; participates in workshops, open houses, both on and off campus, promoting financial aid materials and information.

Assists AVP with the development of informational materials related to financial aid for students, parents, and other interested parties.

Educates students on the information required for completing financial aid applications and assists them with accurate data input as required by Federal and State financial aid websites.

Supports development of content for the Financial Aid website and ensures content is accurate and current.

Assists the AVP with maintaining and updating the department policy manual.

Collaborates with Public Relations to design, write, and oversee the production of printed promotional materials including catalogs, brochures, flyers, program and media guides.

Provides in-service training for staff in reference to the various federal and state policy changes.

Establishes and maintains communication and cooperative working relationships with college administrators, faculty, staff, students and student organizations, government and private agencies and/or the public in order to accomplish the objectives of the sections supervised.

Acts as performance manager for all direct reports including managing day to day performance, producing and communicating written performance evaluations, approving requested time off, and other points of compliance with HR rules, regulations, and unit collective bargaining agreements.

Subject to senior management review and final board approval, has the responsibility, power and authority to hire, fire, discipline and promote full and part-time employees.

Represents the office, as appropriate, on college committees and professional meetings.

Performs additional tasks or duties as assigned by the Assistant Vice President of Financial Aid and Compliance or other designated management.

SPECIAL SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

Demonstrates understanding of the community college mission and practices an open-door policy. Possesses broad knowledge of financial aid methodology, financial aid software, and federal regulations governing student Financial Aid programs. Has basic to intermediate proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office suite. Exhibits strong skills in:

Leadership

Managing People

Communication

Customer and Student Focus

Building Relationships

Organizing

Planning

Education: Bachelor’s Degree required; Master’s Degree preferred.

Experience: Eight years of financial aid experience; community college experience preferred.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

Annual Salary is $75,000-$85,000

NJ Educators Health Plan with free Vision and Dental. NJ State Pension plan.

15 vacation days, 15 sick days, 4 personal days, 2 floating holidays, 3 Partial Sick Days. All designated holidays and 5 non-designated holidays a year.

Bergen Community College provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Full-time