Assistant Director Of Financial Aid

Job Summary:

The Assistant Director of Financial Aid is involved in all aspects of financial aid administration, including but not limited to maintaining the student information system, CRM, and forms; counseling of students and families, need analysis, processing of applications, verification, and packaging federal, state, and institutional aid. Must possess a working knowledge of financial aid regulations and industry practices, particularly regarding federal and state programs. Must be proficient in Excel to do monthly aid reconciliation and reporting. Required to do the job well and with enthusiasm while working individually or as part of the enrollment team. A commitment to excellence is expected.

Areas of Responsibility:

• Supervises, plans, schedules, and assigns/monitors the work of the financial aid counseling staff, including remaining compliant with the Application and Verification Guide and providing training. Remains up-to-date on federal and state regulations/guidance and disseminates information to staff.

• Processes documents needed to complete student financial aid files, tracks submission of materials in Dynamic Forms.

• Assists with financial aid communication plan for all students in Slate.

• Provides timely and accurate responses to phone and online inquiries from students. Manages escalated voicemails and emails.

• Manages and implements audit and quality control checks of student files to ensure compliance with federal, state, and institutional guidelines.

• Serves as a School Certifying Official (SCO) for the college and works with students utilizing Veteran Affairs (VA) Educational Benefits. Processes and maintains all required records on veteran enrollment certification, attendance, academic changes, and termination.

• Manages aspects of State scholarship programs to include serving as the Residency Officer and the primary contact for transcript evaluation for transfer students.

• Oversees the application and awarding processes for PLUS and private loans and coordinates the awarding of private scholarships and other aid programs such as vocational rehabilitation, Tuition Assistance, National Guard College Assistance Program, Foster Care Youth Grant, etc.

• Maintains knowledge of regulations about Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) and coordinates the SAP appeal process.

• Manages the Financial Aid Office's part of the withdrawal process to ensure timely R2T4 calculations and return of funds.

• Educates students on their rights and responsibilities when borrowing through a federal loan program and manages exit loan counseling for drops in enrollment, withdrawals, and non-returners.

• Assists with federal and state aid reconciliation, analysis, and reporting.

• Maintains the Financial Aid Office Policy & Procedure Manual.

• Other duties as assigned.

Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities:

• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail and efficiency in recordkeeping.

• Ability to work well with individuals with diverse backgrounds.

• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.

• Ability to establish positive working relationships with members of the college community and members of the public.

• Ability to work independently to perform assigned tasks.

• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office suite, especially Excel

• Preferred experience with Ellucian Colleague and/or Technolutions Slate

• Preferred experience with Next Gen Web Solutions Dynamic Forms.

• Preferred experience with Department of Education software and sites such as EDconnect, COD, FAA Access to CPS online and NSLDS.

• Preferred experience as a School Certifying Official (SCO) Veteran Affairs (VA) Educational Benefits.

• Willingness to work evening hours and weekends as needed.

Working Conditions:

The work is normally performed in an office environment which, at times, will require significant contact with students and family members. The work may include occasional public presentations both on and off campus.

Physical Requirements:

• Manual and physical dexterity and visual acuity are needed to operate a computer keyboard and handle paper documents.

• Sufficient near vision acuity to read information appearing on a computer display screen, in hand-written form, and printed on paper.

• Adequate hearing and verbal abilities to communicate effectively in person and by telephone.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree is required.

• SQL or other database knowledge is preferred.

• Minimum of one (1) to three (3) years of experience in higher education is preferred.

About the College: Founded in 1911, Spartanburg Methodist College is a private residential liberal arts institution serving a diverse student population within the United Methodist Connection. Since its founding as the first co-op school in the nation, SMC has remained dedicated to its mission to connect education and employment. After over 100 years as an Associate Degree granting institution, the college launched its first bachelor's degree in 2019. SMC is growing significantly, adding new programs, and consistently evaluating operations because of a campus-wide commitment to innovation and a passion for designing all campus programs to serve its student population intentionally. Today, the college's emphasis on education and employment includes a unique professional development concentration comprised of eight required courses for students seeking associate and bachelor's degrees. SMC is committed to its student demographic and believes that global impact is possible through their success.

Spartanburg Methodist College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation or any legally protected status in any personnel action regarding the recruiting, hiring, and promotion of faculty and staff members.

All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory results of a background investigation. SMC participates in the federal E-Verify program.

SMC does not maintain an open application file. Unsolicited resumes will not be considered.