Director of Financial Aid at Lamar Institute of Technology (TX) – Beaumont, Texas

The Director of Financial Aid provides strategic leadership and oversight for all student aid programs on campus, including financial aid and certain aspects of veterans' services. This position is responsible for guiding the operations of the Financial Aid Office and ensuring effective administrative direction. This position must possess a thorough understanding of financial aid regulations, along with the ability to accurately interpret and apply federal, state, and institutional policies. The Director of Financial Aid reports directly to the Associate Vice President of Student Services and is an exempt level position.

• Supervises the operational team within the Financial Aid Office, including hiring, training, and evaluating departmental staff.
• Prepare and submit all required financial aid and certain veterans’ administration reports to federal, state, city, and institutional entities, ensuring compliance with regulations and adherence to all deadlines.
• Ensure compliance with all federal and state reporting requirements related to grants and loans.
• Develop and maintain institutional policies and procedures related to financial aid packaging, including Title IV, ensuring ongoing monitoring for compliance and effectiveness.
• Responsible for compliance with both internal audits and external evaluations.
• Manage the daily operations involved in processing student applications to determine eligibility for federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs administered by the institution.
• Designs and delivers streamlined, student-centered services that prioritize accessibility and customer satisfaction.
• Manages the preparation and timely submission of statistical reports and data requests to external agencies as required.
• Provides guidance and support to students and parents throughout the financial aid process.
• Ensures institutional compliance with federal and state regulations regarding Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP).
• Ability to work with computerized financial aid administration software systems.
• Possesses comprehensive knowledge of state and federal aid programs, including the digital platforms and web-based applications required for program participation to provide ongoing enhanced processes.
• Evaluates student eligibility for various financial aid sources using federal and institutional needs analysis methodologies.
• Engages with the community by delivering financial aid presentations at local high schools, college fairs, and civic events.
• Offer exceptional customer service in a student-centered, professional environment at all times.
• Other duties may be assigned to this position on a regular or occasional basis to respond to needs of the Institute.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree
• Three years of experience within financial aid in higher education
• Selection and/or continued employment requires acceptable financial standing within the academic system and the ability to secure and retain full access to the National Student Loan Database system (NSLDS).

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s degree
• Five years of experience within financial aid in higher education
• Selection and/or continued employment requires acceptable financial standing within the academic system and the ability to secure and retain full access to the National Student Loan Database system (NSLDS).

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

This position requires the ability to: remain in a stationary position for most of the time; occasionally move about inside an office to access documents, office equipment, etc.; constantly operate a computer or other office equipment, such as a printer or copy machine.