Director Of Financial Aid

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The Director of Financial Aid at the University of the Cumberlands oversees the administration and strategic direction of the university's Financial Aid Department. This leadership role requires a seasoned professional capable of enhancing student access to education through effective financial aid strategies and programs.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Leadership and Management: Lead the Financial Aid Department, promoting a culture of excellence and customer service. Manage department staff, including hiring, training, supervising, and evaluating team members.

• Strategic Planning: Develop and execute strategic plans to improve financial aid services and increase enrollment and retention through effective aid packages.

• Policy and Compliance: Ensure compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations related to financial aid.
  
  Remain informed of new regulations and implement changes to policies and practices accordingly. Conduct periodical reviews of the UC Financial Aid Policy and Procedure Manual to ensure best practices and adherence to federal and state regulations.

• Financial Oversight: Manage the financial aid budget and ensure efficient allocation of funds.
  
  Oversee the processing of aid and ensure accuracy in disbursements. Oversee the R2T4 withdrawal calculations for federal, state, and institutional aid types.

• Technology Implementation: Lead efforts to utilize technology in streamlining financial aid processes. Ensure that systems such as Workday are effectively integrated to support financial aid delivery.

• Reporting and Analysis: Prepare and review financial reports related to aid distribution.
  
  Analyze data to identify trends and make data-driven decisions to improve student aid programs. Ensure Accurate and timely completion of all required reports such as the FISAP and IPEDS.

• Reconciliation of Financial Aid Programs: Supervise the reconciling all Federal and state student aid types between record systems internally and externally.

• Professional Development: Foster a climate of continuous improvement by encouraging staff professional development and staying connected with national financial aid organizations. Maintain professional connections in State or National financial aid organizations.

Job Requirements

• Education: Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree in finance, management, or a related field preferred.

• Experience: Minimum of 5 years in a financial aid leadership role, with a demonstrated track record of managing financial aid operations at a higher education institution.

• Skills: Strong leadership and interpersonal skills; Excellent communication and organizational skills; Proficiency in financial and data analysis; Expertise in federal and state financial aid regulations; Proficiency with financial aid management systems, preferably Workday.

• Abilities: Ability to strategize, implement, and evaluate financial aid policies and procedures; Capable of working effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders; Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.

Work Hours

40+ hours per week with additional hours as needed to meet departmental goals.

Cumberlands is different by design. Our employees exemplify our motto in the pursuit of a

"life-more-abundant."