The Financial Aid Director (FAD) is the Manager of the Financial Aid Department and is responsible for the oversight and administration of Title IV programs at the campus to ensure compliance with federal, state, and institutional policies and procedures while supporting other departments at the campus to ensure Concorde expands access to health care education. The FAD is responsible for creating an environment that is compliance oriented, customer service heavy, and accountable for specific outcomes related to the administration of Title IV programs and packaging of financial aid The FAD has overall responsibility for the production and quality produced by the Financial Aid Staff and is responsible for the results of the financial aid office. The FAD works within the scope of authority established by Concorde while supporting and adhering to Concorde’s code of ethics, business standards, mission, and core values. The FAD must also operate within specific federal regulatory requirements.
The FAD must exude strength on both a technical level and an interpersonal level. He/She must be results focused. This ability allows the FAD to follow the campus culture with a student focused environment where associates are passionate about their roles, they see the big picture, they work collaboratively, and most of all, understand their purpose of work is to create a positive student experience, while maintaining compliance with our regulatory and institutional requirements. As such, the FAD must be proficient in creating a team environment, developing the talents of individuals on the team and be a coach and leader to the FA Department.
The FAD must be able to balance the demands of the complexity and demands of administering financial aid, while showing appropriate judgment and reasoning skills with respect to decision making. The FAD must be able to work collaboratively with the Admissions department to achieve a pleasant and successful experience for our newly enrolled and inquiring students and be able to stand firm when regulations dictate the answer.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Ensure prospective and existing students are served timely and in accordance with Concorde’s Code of Ethics and Core Values.
Train staff and ensure compliance in all areas of financial aid administration to include, but not limited to, counseling student and/or parent, estimating financial aid outcomes, packaging students, approving funds for disbursement, file completion and review, administration of verification policies and procedures, R2T4 calculations, and administration of Veteran’s Benefits.
Ensure students receive the information as required by the Department of Education as well as improving students’ financial literacy by managing the entrance and exit process.
Ensure allocation isn’t over or under awarded by managing and monitoring FSEOG allocation, state grant allocations, and/or Perkins accounts.
Manages the Financial Aid Department staff to achieve short and long-range campus’ goals and objectives as defined by the Campus President and Corporate Policies.
Work collaboratively with the Admissions Director to ensure future starts are packaged within the set standards and student issues are communicated timely to the Admissions Department.
Oversee the Financial Aid Department’s employee evaluation process, including performance evaluations, merit increases, promotions, and disciplinary actions.
Ensure compliance with documented and comprehensive, quality, regulatory and accreditation programs.
Ensure continuous improvement of key processes to improve audit results through demonstrated discipline and consistency. Maximizes the utilization of information technology into all processes and procedures.
Ensure that any escalated student situations that occur in the Financial Aid Department are handled timely and by the appropriate person.
OTHER COMMENTS/REQUIREMENTS
Business Acumen/Financial Aid Expertise – Acquires and applies knowledge of federal, state, and institutional requirements and changes relating to the administration of Financial Aid to include but not limited to the US Department of Education, State Regulators, accrediting agencies, and Veteran’s Benefit Offices.
Strategist - Understands strategic concepts; able to work with multiple departments to achieve big pictures goals.
Relationship Builder - Establishes professional, candid, and trusting relations; cultivates a network of contacts throughout the organization and community; treats others fairly and with respect; seeks resolution of disagreements through open, constructive discussion. Conducts oneself professionally at external events.
Problem Solver/Decision Maker - Recognizes problems and devises and implements action plans. Specifies goals and constraints, generates alternatives, considers risks, and evaluates and chooses best alternatives. Is results focused and maintains a healthy balance between efficiency and effectiveness.
Staff Development & Team Building – Identifies goals and vision for the department; guides individuals toward priorities; clarifies roles and responsibilities and energizes individuals to achieve; coordinates resources and arranges organizational systems to meet objectives. Encourage personal investment and a desire to excel by others; spurs others to action; recognizes and rewards others' accomplishments. Able to identify key talent and build a pipeline of next generation talent. Develops those employees through the application of talent management methods to include mentoring, individual development planning, and career pathing.
Talent Manager - Employs creative sourcing and critical selection techniques to recruit and retain a high caliber, highly energized, and highly effective team. Recognizes individual contributions within the department that challenges staff to deliver against high and demanding standards. Engages in multi-dimensional interaction with all employees resulting in clear and understandable outcomes. Manages the department with a sense of vision and passion that motivates and unleashes staff potential.
Effective Communicator - Speaks clearly and expresses self well. Listens to others' ideas and opinions; keeps others informed; writes clearly and concisely; extracts substance from complex issues and organizes content effectively; selects appropriate media and message for the audience. Works with staff and students in escalated situations and can appropriately diffuse aggravated situations that may occur.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY
Supervises 3-8 employees including Assistant Director of Financial Aid (if applicable)
Bachelor’s degree or Associates degree with a commitment to receive BA degree within 24 months and a minimum of five years’ experience in Title IV Administration and three years in a supervisory role
Title IV proprietary education experience preferred
If being considered for an internal promotion, the supervisory requirement may be waived if proven to be a team leader in current campus role
Excellent communication skills and demonstrated experience and commitment to customer service with a continuous focus on improvement
