Director of Student Financial Services in Rochester, New York at Roberts Wesleyan University

Job Objective: Provide leadership, accountability, and daily management of the Office of Student Financial Services. Create and maintain an attitude of quality customer service to students, families, and partners. Maintain regulatory compliance and protect the integrity of the financial aid services of the University.

Job Responsibilities:

Operational Oversight:

• Oversee full-service financial aid processing, including document collection, budgeting, awarding, FAFSA verification, and loan certification for college related programs.
• Monitor student Satisfactory Academic Progress for all students.
• Review financial aid eligibility for students and allocate funds to students accordingly.
• Provide leadership and direction around processes related to the disbursement of funds.
• Demonstrate attitude of quality customer service to students and families.
• Maintain current knowledge of federal and institutional policies and procedures regulating student aid.
• Present material related to financial aid and/or internal policies and procedures to various audiences.
• Manage processes to allow for efficient and accurate processing of financial aid.
• Complete annual, quarterly, and monthly audits and reconciliations.
• Maintain compliance with all regulations

Policy and Planning Participation:

• Oversee the development and implementation of policies and procedures which ensure the successes of all functions of the financial aid awarding process including:
  • Preparing and delivering financial aid awards to students in an effective manner.
  • All aspects of financial aid processing including document collection, budgeting, awarding,
  • FAFSA verification, and loan certification.
  • Counseling to students and families through each step of the financial aid process.
• Develop a communication plan for students and families through each step of the financial aid and students finance model.
• Manage staff to provide insight and leadership, regarding various functions including (but not limited to): compliance review, communications, systems review, and budget discussions.
• Develop strategies for new and returning students which promote sound financial planning for the purpose of successfully financing the academic goals of each student.
• Provide data for key performing indicators.

Collaboration:

• Coordinate financial aid functions with appropriate offices and recruitment vendor(s), as it relates to financial aid.
• Coordinate communication with admissions offices and other student services offices, and those involved in academic advising to ensure they have accurate information and contacts to help students make solid financial decisions.

Team Management and Supervision:

• Hire, train, and supervise Student Financial Services staff in the essentials of customer service, student outreach, student financial planning, and the necessary elements of federal and state financial aid compliance.
• Provide leadership, training, and accountability for financial aid staff as they work with prospective students with application to graduation.
• Implement and document regular and consistent quality control functions to measure accuracy and quality of Title IV awarding as well as institutional controls.
• Provide technical training and guidance.

Qualifications

• 5 years comparable work experience
• Previous accounting or customer service background is required.
• Financial Aid system experience.
• Attention to detail
• Familiarity with accounting procedures
• Strong project management skills
• Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Ability to project a positive image of the College to all constituents
• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or Public Administration
• Excellent communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Excellent teamwork skills