Director, Financial Aid
Position Summary
The Director, Financial Aid is responsible for overseeing all aspects of financial aid services, including administration, compliance, and strategic planning. This role ensures that students have access to financial resources and are well-informed about their financial aid options. The Director will lead a team to deliver high-quality service, maintain compliance with federal and state regulations, and contribute to enrollment and retention goals. Performs all functions and activities within the guidelines and philosophy set forth in the BMCC Mission, Vision, and Strategic Plan.
Essential Functions
Develop, implement, and evaluate financial aid policies and procedures to ensure efficient and compliant operations.
Align financial aid strategies with institutional enrollment and retention goals.
Analyze data to assess the effectiveness of financial aid programs and make data-informed decisions.
Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and institutional regulations, policies, and guidelines related to financial aid.
Stay current on regulatory changes and manage the necessary adjustments in financial aid programs and processes.
Assist in the development and implementation of the computer assisted financial aid information system, including the development of on-going reports, and responding to ad hoc requests for statistical data from administration and faculty.
Oversee audits and assessments, addressing any issues or findings promptly.
Prepare and submit state, federal and other reports in a timely manner. Reports to include but not limited to; FISAP, Title IV Program Participation Agreement and associated updates as required by federal regulation, Application for the Waiver of Institutional-Share for Federal Work Study and Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, MOU with the Department of Defense, Department of Veterans Affairs 85/15 report, and Gainful Employment/Financial Value Transparency.
Oversee the return of Title IV funds, Title IV student repayment process, and administer the appeals process related to special circumstances.
Coordinate and manage regular assessment of student Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP). Exercise professional judgement in reviewing student appeals. Maintain accurate records of SAP appeal decisions.
Coordinate financial aid with partner institutions using OFAX. Maintain financial aid institutional aid related MOUs and agreements. Manage consortium agreements for students enrolled in multi-institution programs.
Responsible for providing information and working with auditors in matters regarding the administration and disbursement of Title IV aid.
Responsible for monitoring how College consumer-information materials are disseminated and for ensuring that the materials are disseminated in accordance with federal regulations and guidelines, including the placement of Student Right-To-Know information on the College’s web site and in hard-copy publications.
Direct and manage the processing of all financial aid applications, including federal, state, and institutional aid programs.
Oversee the verification and awarding of financial aid packages to eligible students.
Oversee the certification of veteran’s benefits. Ensure timely and accurate reporting as required by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Monitor fund allocation, budget, and expenditures, ensuring funds are distributed fairly and responsibly.
Lead, train, and mentor the financial aid team to provide exceptional service and adhere to best practices.
Develop staff through ongoing training and performance feedback.
Promote a positive work environment that encourages collaboration, customer service, and continuous improvement.
Develop and implement outreach strategies to educate students and families about financial aid options and responsibilities.
Resolve complex or escalated financial aid issues to ensure a positive student experience.
Ensure clear, transparent communication with students, families, and stakeholders about financial aid policies and deadlines.
Collect, analyze, and report data on financial aid programs, identifying trends and areas for improvement.
Prepare required reports for institutional leadership, as well as federal and state agencies.
Utilize data insights to enhance financial aid operations and optimize resources.
Collaborate with departments such as Admissions, Student Accounts, and the Registrar’s Office to support seamless student services.
Work closely with various student services departments to align financial aid strategies with recruitment and retention initiatives.
Serve on committees and task forces as needed to represent financial aid.
Maintains sensitivity, understanding, and respect for a diverse academic environment, inclusive of students, faculty and staff of varying social, economic, cultural, ideological and ethnic backgrounds.
Other Aspects of this Position
Serves as or assigns appropriate staff members to be College representatives to groups, organizations, associations, and State and government agencies; serves as the liaison to local high school counselors to conduct outreach activities related to areas of responsibility.
This position is required to travel to other locations within the district and to attend meetings/trainings, valid driver’s license required.