Job Description

POSITION SUMMARY

The Director of Financial Aid is responsible for overseeing and managing all aspects of financial aid programs, ensuring that students receive appropriate financial assistance to achieve their educational goals. This includes administering federal, state, institutional, and private financial aid programs, managing a team of financial aid professionals, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations, and providing strategic direction to enhance the accessibility of higher education through financial support. The Director of Financial Aid plays a key role in fostering a positive, inclusive, and equitable environment for all students. 

TASKS & RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership and Management:

• Lead, supervise, and mentor the financial aid staff to ensure the efficient operation of the financial aid office.
• Develop and implement policies and procedures related to financial aid administration.
• Serve as a key member of the leadership team, advising on financial aid strategies, budget planning, and financial sustainability.

Program Administration:

• Oversee the administration of federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs, including grants, loans, scholarships, and work-study programs.
• Ensure timely and accurate processing of financial aid applications and disbursements.
• Review and approve financial aid packages to ensure compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations and policies.
• Coordinate and manage student appeals for financial aid and work with students to resolve issues related to their financial aid status.

Compliance and Reporting:

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations, including Title IV regulations, the Higher Education Act (HEA), and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
• Prepare and submit federal, state, and institutional reports, including financial aid audits and required documentation.
• Stay current on changes in financial aid laws, regulations, and industry trends to ensure the institution's policies and practices are up to date.

Student and Stakeholder Support:

• Provide guidance and counseling to students and families on financial aid options, application processes, and debt management.
• Develop and implement financial literacy programs for students to help them manage their finances effectively.
• Collaborate with other departments, such as Admissions, Registrar, and Student Accounts, to ensure seamless financial aid services for students.

Budgeting and Financial Planning:

• Manage the financial aid office budget, ensuring effective allocation of resources and cost-effective management of financial aid programs.
• Develop and monitor institutional financial aid policies to promote equitable distribution of aid.

Communication and Outreach:

• Create and maintain clear communication channels with students, parents, and staff regarding financial aid processes, deadlines, and eligibility requirements.
• Lead workshops, presentations, and outreach programs to educate students and families about financial aid options and the application process.

 

QUALIFICATIONS

• A Master's degree in higher education administration, business administration, finance, or a related field is preferred.
• At least 5-7 years of experience in financial aid administration, with a proven track record of managing teams and complex financial aid programs.
• Experience in financial aid at a postsecondary institution, preferably in a leadership or director role.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and institutional financial aid regulations, including Title IV, FAFSA, and student loan programs.

 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES

 

• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills with the ability to manage a diverse team and collaborate with various campus departments.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, with the ability to convey complex financial aid information to a wide range of audiences.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills to assess financial aid cases and resolve issues in a timely and effective manner.
• High level of attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in financial aid software and student information systems (SIS); required experience with Colleague, PowerFAIDS, and Jenezebar CX.

 

SUPERVISION 

• This position reports to the Dean of Enrollment Management.

 

SALARY RANGE

• $70,000 Annually, plus benefits!

 

POSITION STATUS

 

SETTING

Founded in 1875, Huston-Tillotson University is Austin's first institution of higher education. The University is an independent, liberal arts, church-related, historically black institution located on a 23-acre tree-lined campus near downtown Austin, Texas. The University is affiliated with United Methodist Church, the United Church of Christ, and the United Negro College Fund. Undergraduate, four-year degrees in business, education, the humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences are awarded. Huston-Tillotson University is multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, and multi-faith, and welcomes students of all ages, races, and religions. All faculty are engaged in a range of activities, their primary focus is teaching. The student-teacher ratio is 15 to one, which allows an environment of personalized attention to students.

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