Director of Financial Aid
Coppin State University
Baltimore, MD
Full-time
Finance
Posted on April 1, 2024
Coppin State University is currently seeking a Director of Financial Aid. Reporting to the Vice President of Enrollment Management and Student Affairs. This role provides strategic leadership and oversight of the financial aid department. The Director of Financial Aid ( DFA) supports the mission and goals of the university and works collaboratively across departments to achieve departmental and institutional goals through data-driven decisions. The DFA must demonstrate cultural competency and support the university's concepts of belonging, equity, diversity, and inclusion. The DFA will possess a working knowledge of all federal, state, and institutional regulations; ensure effective and efficient processing of financial aid applications and the disbursement of funds and ensure compliance in all areas.
Principal Responsibilities:
Education
Position Detail Information
Posting Number
ST2023-0052
Position End Date (if temporary)
Open Date
03/29/2024
Close Date
04/30/2024
Open Until Filled
No
Special Instructions to Applicant
Principal Responsibilities:
- Direct the planning and organization of the Office of Financial Aid.
- Provide supervision and direction for the administration of all university financial aid policies, office procedures, and funding programs.
- Manages the Financial Aid Department operating budget, subordinate budgets, and institutional Cost of Attendance budgets in conjunction with the Chief Financial Officer or designated representative.
- Ensures a high level of student and customer service through staff training, effective assessment and utilization of technology, process and policy development, and proactive communication.
- Serve as a senior leader in the Enrollment Management and Student Affairs division and provide relevant information and data for strategic planning activities to shape an enrollment program that meets the university's strategic enrollment goals.
- Oversee the development of standard operating policies and procedures.
- In partnership with campus partners and external consultants, identify and implement technology to support student responsiveness, efficiency, and compliance efforts.
- Works with external consultants to establish institutional financial aid policies. Leverages historical data to inform and project effective use of financial aid to meet institutional goals. Works closely with senior administration in the setting of enrollment and net revenue goals.
- Collaborate with colleagues in the various admissions and student success units to support the university's recruitment and retention efforts.
- Leads, coordinates, and participates in internal and external audits.
- Develops and administers control reports and systems which ensure accuracy, timeliness, student satisfaction, and compliance with relevant regulations, laws, and university policies.
- Monitors and maintains the University's compliance with ever-changing Federal and State regulations on student aid programs, university loan programs, account collection efforts, privacy regulations, Consumer Information disclosures, etc. (Manage cash flow for all funds including, FFEL, PELL, FSEOG, alternative loans, and cash).
- Manage, monitor, and provide regular forecasts to university financial aid approvals and receivables to the Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs, partners in Finance & Administration, and other relevant stakeholders.
- Extensively analyzes data to determine program effectiveness, to inform strategic planning and tactical updates to annual planning, and to create, distribute, and present reports to leadership and stakeholders.
- Identify and manage key performance indicators to assess and improve the student experience.
- Hire, train, and strategically lead professional and student staff to provide excellent service.
- Lead, mentor, and provide opportunities for professional development and growth for the FA team.
- Serve on university committees and represent the university at state, regional, national conferences, and policy meetings.
- Routinely manage multiple and competing deadlines with accuracy and efficiency.
- Provides presentations about the financial aid process and financial aid eligibility requirements to a variety of constituencies, including prospective students and families, high school, and community college counselors.
- Routinely identify and analyze issues and problems, making recommendations for policy change, and/or acting to resolve.
- Serve on the Enrollment Management and Student Affairs Leadership Team.
- Provides presentations about the financial aid process, financial aid eligibility, student billing, payment plans, etc. to a variety of constituencies.
- Other duties and functions as assigned.
Education
- Bachelor's degree and at least seven (7) years of relevant experience.
- Master's degree preferred.
- Must have five (5) years' experience in a senior financial aid, student accounts/bursar, or enrollment management position with at least three (3) years of supervisory experience.
- A thorough understanding of administration of Student Aid (FSA) programs and management of institutional student aid programs.
- Strong project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple complex processes simultaneously and in an agile manner.
- Experience leveraging technologies (student information systems and various reporting tools).
- Skilled leadership and team-building skills which focus on developing talent, facilitating new opportunities, and leveraging professional development to support colleagues.
- Competence in managing complex administrative processes effectively and efficiently.
- Experience managing change and implementing new business processes.
- Experience with PeopleSoft, SFP Student Financial Planning (Oracle), Anthology
- Experience working in a complex university environment, including experience with various state and internal grants.
- Must be available to work evenings and weekends and to travel, as needed.
Position Detail Information
Posting Number
ST2023-0052
Position End Date (if temporary)
Open Date
03/29/2024
Close Date
04/30/2024
Open Until Filled
No
Special Instructions to Applicant
