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Biola University · 2 months ago

Associate Director of Financial Aid, Processing

, , US

Full-time

Onsite

Lead/Staff, Director/Executive

$5,833/mo - $6,380/mo

Biola University is seeking an Associate Director of Financial Aid Processing to assist the Senior Director in ensuring efficient and accurate financial aid systems. The role involves overseeing financial aid software, training staff, and ensuring compliance with aid program rules while providing leadership and support to the financial aid team.

Higher Education

Culture & Values

Responsibilities

Oversees the design, update, implementation, maintenance, testing, evaluation, and documentation of the financial aid software systems at Biola (including but not limited to Ellucian Banner, CampusLogic, PerceptiveContent, and U.S. Department of Education software)

Maintains an up-to-date understanding of the functions that financial aid software can provide through training and self-initiated research. Coordinates Ellucian Banner financial aid upgrade activities with the Office of Information Technology, Financial Aid staff members and others

Performs extensive yearly financial aid systems configuration functions and process flow evaluation and implementation

Determines whether the financial aid software systems meet federal and state aid regulations, with the assistance of relevant staff. Informs the Senior Director of major inconsistencies between regulatory requirements and what the systems provide. Recommends proposals for systems with rationale (pros/cons) for such recommendations

Prepares and conducts systems training sessions for departmental staff

Coordinates timely documentation of policies and procedures related to using the financial aid software system, largely by departmental staff

Participates on relevant interdepartmental committees that address technical and data integrity issues affecting administrative and academic departments at Biola and provides input for scheduling system down time and purchase of relevant software

Supervise the specialist team members and assist with supervising the front office, counseling staff, and student workers

Supervise day-to-day operations of the specialist team

Regularly consider how students can be better served by the Office of Financial Aid

Works with staff to identify ways in which systems can be used more effectively in the processing of aid

Supervise progress of weekly file processing goals and awarding preparation, monitors progress towards meeting those goals, and addresses issues related to meeting those goals including staff performance and system issues

Oversee the financial aid disbursement process

Oversee and assist with auditing files for over awards

Oversee the processing systems for aid programs to ensure they are functioning appropriately

Oversee and assist with the processing of R2T4 calculations

Maintain a positive, customer service-oriented office atmosphere while providing administrative support and oversight of daily operations

Attend training/conferences/office retreats (including out of state/overnight conferences) and disseminate information to other staff and direct reports

Provide backup for various office functions such as file processing, loan processing, Cal Grant processing, etc

Oversee and contribute to the development of written procedures, and maintenance of a yearly calendar for office functions and office calendar related to systems, aid programs, and the other office activities

Remain current with federal, state, and institutional financial aid regulations and policies, interpreting and implementing relevant actions and practices accordingly

Assist with the Special Circumstance/Professional Judgment review process and function as a leadership team contact for that process. The rules governing this process allow for a high-level of discretion in determining allowable adjustments for individual students related to the federal aid process. This position will use professional judgment in determining how to proceed with more challenging situations

Serve as the office liaison for the annual A-133 compliance audit and lead the office in assisting with those audits

Serve as the office liaison for other internal and external audits

Assist with counseling students and families as needed

Assist in the process of awarding financial aid

Assist in the file review process

Serve as a key resource to staff members for determining how to handle unique situations in accordance with federal, state, and institutional rules

Make judgment calls on the interpretation and practical implementation of federal and state regulations and statutes

Perform such other duties as may be assigned

Qualification

Financial aid regulationsStaff managementFinancial aid softwareCritical thinkingCommunication skillsStrategic thinkingCustomer serviceResourcefulnessComputer proficiencyConfidentialityProblem solving

Required

Bachelor's degree preferred. Relevant experience may be considered

Welcoming, personable personality that provides helpful interactions with staff and customers

Proficient verbal and written communication

Computer proficiency with basic knowledge of Microsoft Office software (such as Word and Excel) and common knowledge of the web browsers and the Internet

Ability to thrive in a fast paced, high-volume environment

Ability to work in an environment that is highly stressful throughout much of the year

Critical thinking skills including the ability to problem solve complex regulatory and customer service issues by providing practical solutions

Knowledge of federal and state student financial aid laws and regulations

Confidentiality in the handling of sensitive information with discretion and respecting privacy and maintaining trust

Ability to interpret regulatory and statutory documents

Strategic thinking for considering how to lead the department in navigating the dynamic financial aid profession

Resourcefulness: Finding creative solutions and adapting to changing situations