Associate Director of Financial Aid

The Associate Director works collaboratively with the Executive Director of Financial Aid and other staff members to administer all aspects of the financial aid process, including but assisting in the development, administration and interpretation of financial aid policies and procedures in accordance with established federal, state and institutional guidelines. This position must ensure there is continuous development and implementation of plans and activities that result in long term benefit to the University and students and that policies, procedures and processes are clear, consistent and easily accessible for assigned areas of responsibility. This position must ensure students have access and appropriate sources of financial aid thereby enabling the University to reach its enrollment goals. This position must ensure customer services are fostered in an atmosphere of respect for all students and members of the University community. The Associate Director will serve as a liaison to other student support service offices to ensure consistent communication of FA policies.

The following are the functions essential to performing this job.              

1. Assist the Executive Director in establishing and implementing financial aid guidelines, policies, and procedures as well as recommend departmental processes and procedures to increase and improve operational efficiency and to ensure proper controls and regulatory compliance.
2. Assist in management of general office operations in the absence of the Executive Director.
3. Assist Executive Director in the creation and management of Financial Aid disbursement calendar.
4. Assists with ensuring that the department is running efficiently and effectively while maintaining compliance with all federal, state and university regulations, laws, and policies and procedures.
5. Provide counseling and assistance to students with regard to various types of educational funding, probation and suspension, satisfactory academic progress for FA; SAP appeals; return to Title IV issues; completion of forms; consortium agreements; acts as a liaison for students with other internal and external offices
6. Primary contact for student escalations.
7. Monitor the day-to-day management of federal and state student financial aid programs.
8. Monitor staff productivity and accuracy to ensure deadlines are met and compliance is maintained.
9. Research regulatory questions and well as assist Executive Director and researching and responding to Department of Education Federal Student Aid student complaints.
10. Participate in training of ever changing federal, state and institutional regulations; review and make recommendations to ensure institutional policies and procedures are updated on a regular and consistent basis.
11. Develop and assess professional development program for entry and mid-level Financial Aid staff members.
12. Evaluate employee performance through the review of completed work assignments and work techniques
13. Coordinate activities by scheduling work assignments, setting priorities, and directing the work of subordinate employees
14. Supervise all student award processing including the verification of student information and the determination of student eligibility
15. Develop and execute communication campaigns to prospective, incoming, and returning students as it relates to application for and understanding of financial aid packages.
16. Participate in program reviews/audits; design and coordinate regular periodic assessments of financial aid programs, services and internal operation controls and reports. Provide findings and recommendations for improvement to the Executive Director.
17. Coordinate and administer one or more of the various programs within financial aid including Federal Direct loan reconciliation, Pell reconciliation, Return of Title IV funds, NCAA scholarships, consortium agreements, etc.
18. Independently perform high-level decision work involving professional judgment in the interpretation and application of policy and procedures. Exercises independent judgment in the management of operational details of the financial aid.
19. Represent the Office of Financial Aid Services serving as a member of various on-campus and/or external professional committees.
20. Assist in the security access for various systems (Banner, NSLDS, COD, & FAA Access).
21. Assist to ensuring overall compliance with federal consumer protection and disclosure requirements.
22. Assist in reviewing and providing guidance for the development of federally compliant content for financial aid web site.
23. Assist the management and other office staff in special project assignments
24. Serve as a member of the Strategic Enrollment Management Divisional Team and other duties as assigned
25. Performs special projects and other duties as assigned.

Individuals in this job may be assigned one or more of the following tasks on a rotating or as-needed basis.

1. On an occasional basis, travel to an off-campus meeting site to attend institutional workshops
2. Provide support to other strategic enrollment departments, as needed.
3. Handle discrepancy resolutions of awards.
4. Required to work some evenings and weekends.

The individual in this job must possess these skills and abilities or be able to explain and demonstrate that they can perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, using some other combination of skills and abilities.

1. Knowledge of all regulations, policies and procedures governing financial aid programs ensuring institutional compliance at all times.
2. Knowledge of departmental policies and procedures.
3. Knowledge of University policies and procedures.
4. Knowledge of external funding criteria for each scholarship.

1. Education:  Equivalent to a Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Public Administration or a related field from an accredited college/university, three (3) or more years of experience may substitute degree requirements

• Master’s Degree M.A. M.Sc. or MBA preferred.

1. Successful experience:  Application of Title IV funding; comprehensive knowledge of Title IV laws and regulations; proven success in customer service and higher education; excellent written and oral communications; computer proficiency; organizational skills; experience working with a student/business information system and database.
2. Other: Professional demeanor and ability to work effectively with various constituencies including potential/incoming students and their families, current students and their families, faculty, administrators, and the public.

The criteria for evaluation in this position include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Excellent verbal and written communication skills are required; ability to discuss aid/full pay concerns with students
2. Demonstrate knowledge of the DSU Fundamentals.
3. Demonstrate ability to resolve problems timely and effectively.
4. Demonstrate ability to manage multiple priorities

Delaware State University is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive academic global community. The University is dedicated to enhancing diversity and inclusion in all aspects of recruitment and employment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, military and veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. The University is committed to achieving a diverse faculty and staff and encourages members of underrepresented groups to apply.