ASST DIR FINANCIAL AID

SUMMARY:

The Assistant Director of Financial Aid is responsible for assisting in directing the overall operation of student financial aid services, reviewing the packaging of financial aid awards, and counseling students regarding financial aid information. This position is governed by state and federal laws and institution policy.

TYPICAL FUNCTIONS:

Provides direction to Financial Aid Officers by developing and establishing short and long term program goals and objectives, administering and evaluating project assignments, and interpreting policies and laws, in the absence of precedents, to resolve issues and achieve implementation of project goals and objectives.

Monitors expenditures of all student financial aid programs, assists in developing policies and procedures concerning awards, prepares various reports on financial aid activities, monitors processing of awards and verification of information, and keeps abreast of state and federal financial aid regulations.

Coordinates maintenance of files on students receiving financial assistance, determines computer needs and modifications through computer services, and serves as liaison to outside vendors.

Performs research and collects data for the application of funds and filing of reports, reviews student requests for financial aid adjustments, and considers special circumstances for awards.

Conducts staff meetings, serves on various campus committees, counsels students in financial management and evaluates and updates office publications and printed correspondence.

Assigns students participating in college work study program, receives deposits, and authorizes disbursement of private and campus based scholarship funds as needed.

Interviews students to evaluate financial aid application, determines financial needs of students, prepares financial aid packages such as loans, grants, and scholarships and answers questions concerning awards.

Administers financial aid presentations/workshops for high school students, transfer students, and academic advisors.

Performs other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES, AND SKILLS:

Knowledge of student financial aid programs, guidelines, and procedures. Knowledge of interviewing and counseling techniques. Knowledge of institution policies and procedures concerning the administration of student financial aid. Ability to analyze and evaluate student financial needs and prepare financial aid package. Ability to prepare reports and collect financial aid data. Ability to disseminate information orally and in writing. Ability to supervise the work of subordinates.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

The formal education equivalent of a bachelor’s degree with a major in general business, business administration, finance or a related field; plus two years of experience in student financial aid or a related area, including one year in a leadership capacity.

Additional requirements determined by the agency for recruiting purposes require review and approval by the Arkansas Division of Higher Education.

OTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE.