Senior Director of Financial Aid

SENIOR DIRECTOR OF FINANCIAL AID

Number of Openings:             1

Employee Classification:         Exempt

Institution:                            Cleveland State Community College

Department:                          Financial Aid Office

Campus Location:                  Cleveland, TN

Salary Range:                        $69,479 - $86,848

JOB SUMMARY

The Senior Director of Financial Aid oversees the operations and management of the college’s Financial Aid Office. The Financial Aid Office provides services to students, prospective students, and other community members, assisting them in understanding and accessing various federal, state, and institutional student aid programs. The Director is responsible for the efficient and effective management of aid programs in accordance with federal, state, and institution policies, and is expected to work in cooperation with other Student Services units, other areas of the college, and staff from community agencies and groups.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

1. Financial Aid Administration and Compliance (30%):

• Coordinate the review and processing of financial aid applications, determining awards, maintaining records, and interpreting federal, state and institutional guidelines and policies to ensure compliance.
• Administer and manage Federal, State, Foundation and Institutional aid. Verify program-specific student eligibility requirements, post awards, certify awards, and monitor student progress for continued eligibility. Monitor reconciliation for all financial aid programs as needed.

1. Office Management and Leadership: (25%):

• Provide leadership and supervision for all activities of the Financial Aid Office including the management of daily office operations, administration of federal and state programs, and delivery of funds to students.
• ∙ Supervise professional and support staff in Financial Aid Office.
• ∙ Coordinate use and application of technology resources with the Information Technology Department.

1. Collaboration with the Business Office (25%)
• Coordinate with the Business Office to ensure accurate and timely disbursement of financial aid funds to student accounts.
• Participate in the reconciliation of financial aid expenditures, ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations.
• Collaborate on the development and implementation of policies and procedures related to student account management, refunds, and collections.
• Facilitate the exchange of information and data between the Financial Aid Office and the Business Office to maintain the integrity of student records.

1. Reporting and Budgeting (10%):

• Prepare and submit required federal and state reports related to student aid programs.
• Plan and prepare departmental budget requests and develop financial aid budgets for award packaging.
• Compile and report data relevant to student and institutional needs and evaluation of services.

1. Professional Development and Other Administrative Duties (10%):

• Participate in state, regional, and national professional development opportunities as appropriate to ensure effective application of policies and procedures related to state and federal aid programs.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, attentive to detail, and the ability to remain flexible and manage stressful situations.
• Effective interpersonal skills. 
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including public speaking. 
• Strong administrative, organizational, and time management skills.
• Demonstrated proficiency with various software packages including Microsoft office suite.
• Knowledge of the comprehensive community college concept.
• Ability to think critically, analyze data and interpret federal and state guidelines and policies. 
• Awareness of effective customer service practices, and the ability to implement them within an educational setting.

JOB STANDARDS/QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s Degree in a related field. Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of six years of professional experience in student financial aid services (university or community college).
• Minimum of two years of experience in a supervisory role(s).
• Demonstrated proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office, including Word and Excel.
• Knowledge of Banner software and experience with Sungard is preferred.
• Community college work experience is preferred.

EQUIPMENT

Work activities routinely involve the use of computers, scanners, and peripheral devices.  Photocopy and other office machines are frequently used.

JOB LOCATION

The Financial Aid Office, located on the main campus of Cleveland State Community College in Cleveland, Tennessee is the primary workplace. Travel may be required within the college’s 5-county service area including travel to attend state meetings, etc.

_________________________________________________________________________________

Cleveland State offers a comprehensive benefits package, including but not limited to the following:

Insurance: Health, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability (long and short term), FSA/HSA
Wellness Incentive Program (if enrolled in health)
Educational Assistance: Fee Waiver, Spouse/Dependent Discounts, Tuition Reimbursement
Employee Assistance Program
Longevity Pay
Retirement Options: State of TN Pension (TCRS), 401a, 401k with $50 match, 403b, and 457
14 Paid Holidays/Year
Sick and Annual Leave
Sick Leave Bank
State Employee Discount Program with over 900 merchants

If you are interested, click on the link to apply. 

Applications can be assured full consideration if submitted by December 5, 2024. 

Human Resources Office
Cleveland State Community College
Telephone: 423-478-6203; FAX: 423-478-6257
email: mdarnell01@clevelandstatecc.edu
website: www.clevelandstatecc.edu

Cleveland State Community College does not discriminate against
students, employees, or applicants for admission or employment on the basis of
race, color, religion, creed, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender
identity/expression, disability, age, status as a protected veteran, genetic
information, or any other legally protected class with respect to all
employment, programs and activities sponsored by Cleveland State Community
College. Cleveland State Community College's policy on nondiscrimination
can be found at: 

https://www.clevelandstatecc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/7_04_00_00-…