Director, Financial Aid (Internal)

EKU Careers; Richmond (KY); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Eastern Kentucky University seeks a Director of Financial Aid to lead the awarding, disbursement, and reconciliation processes, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and institutional rules. The Director collaborates with the Executive Director of Student Financial Assistance and supervises assigned staff.

The role directs daily operations of the Office of Student Financial Assistance, develops policies, and oversees reporting, audits, and funding coordination.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in finance, business, accounting, or related field is required.
• Master's degree preferred.

Responsibilities

• Leads Financial Aid Program Administration, coordinates Pell/TEACH, Direct loans, disbursement, reconciliation and reporting.
• Directs daily operations of the Office of Student Financial Assistance and sets policies to guide service delivery.
• Assists with policy development, staff training, and compliance with federal/state rules.
• Performs other duties and special projects as assigned, supports audits and cross-training.

Skills

Financial aid leadership

Staff supervision

Policy interpretation

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in finance, business, accounting, or related field

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Banner systems

Job description

Title: Director, Financial Aid (Internal)

Position Type: Fulltime Staff

Search Type: Internal - minimum 5 days

Department: 30R003 - StudentSuccess,Outreach&Opportunity

Division: 5R0000 - Student Success, Engage & Oppor

Position Location: Richmond Campus

Driver Classification: University Driver

FLSA: Exempt

Schedule Type:Full Time (37.5 hrs per week or more)

Hours Per Week: 37.5 or more

Posted Salary Grade: Exempt - G26

Retirement: KTRS

Contact Person: Justin Cristello

Job Summary/Basic Functions

The Director of Financial Aid performs a variety of duties related to the planning, organization, and direction of financial aid for the university. In collaboration with the Executive Director of Student Financial Assistance, the Director will manage all aspects of the financial aid awarding and disbursement/reconciliation process to ensure compliance with all federal, state and institutional rules, regulations and guidelines. The employee will also supervise and evaluate the performance of assigned staff. The Director handles complex requests, exceptions, exemptions, reconciliation, and reporting as required. The position conducts problem-solving and critical decision-making processes in coordination with other staff and the director to update and improve functional aspects of the financial aid processes.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in finance, business, accounting, or related field is required.
Master's degree preferred.

Experience: Four years of Financial Aid experience is required with at least 2 years of experience at an Associate Director level.

Job Duties

• 40% - Serves as the leader of Financial Aid Program Administration within the Office of Financial Aid Coordinates and processes Federal Pell and TEACH Grant programs as well as Federal Direct loans and private/alternative loan funds. Compiles and prepares all data, analysis and reporting in a timely and accurate manner. Oversees mandatory reconciliation of funds as well as annual closeout processes. Oversees several critical Financial Aid processes to include Return of Title IV Funds, disbursement of aid, reconciliation of Title IV and non-Title IV funding. Maintains oversight for the following sub-units within Financial Aid to include: Financial Aid Systems Processing, Title IV Eligibility and Scholarships and State Aid. Evaluates, analyzes and interprets Banner operations and makes decisions concerning policy and procedure with financial aid processes. Supervises three full time staff members – responsible for hiring/evaluation and termination. Involved with strategic and long-range planning function of the department and division. Assists with special projects as assigned by senior administrators across the division and campus. Performs other duties as assigned by the Executive Director. Coordinates all activities related to Fund Management in close consultation with the Data Analytics Team: Processing, Awarding, Disbursement, Reconciliation and Reporting. Revises financial aid awards based on changes in enrollment, professional judgements, verification, corrections and receipt of additional aid. - (Essential)
• 35% - Directs the daily operations of the Office of Student Financial Assistance Proactively plans and directs the work and priorities of the unit. Recommends and implements policies and procedures that guide the delivery of services. Proactively assesses potential administrative, technical and programmatic obstacles and works to address these by adopting or changing policies. Reviews and interprets federal regulations for financial aid and disseminates information internally to ensure EKU compliance. Provides backup coverage and assistance to other employees as required or requested. Assists others in the department to effectively handle workload. - (Essential)
• 15% - Assists with development of office policy and procedures and staff training Helps maintain policy and procedures manual to ensure compliance with federal, state and institutional rules and regulations. Evaluates current financial aid policies and procedures and makes recommendations for policy revisions to enhance processes. Reviews and interprets Federal and State regulations to ensure all financial aid guidelines are being met Disseminates Federal and State regulations information to departmental staff. Provides training to the student financial aid staff and the university community regarding financial aid. - (Essential)
• 10% - Supports the office functions by completing all other duties and special projects as assigned Provides information for internal and external audits as requested. Networks and completes professional development activities to enhance knowledge, skills, and abilities. Cross-trains others and participates in cross-training to enhance skills. Acts in compliance with contracts, laws, regulations, and University policies, procedures and standards. Completes special projects and other duties as assigned. - (Essential)

Sponsorship

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

Funding Source

Institutional

Open Until Filled

No

EEO Statement

Eastern Kentucky University is an Equal Opportunity employer and educational institution and does not discriminate on the basis of age (40 and over), race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, ethnicity, disability, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information in the admission to, or participation in, any educational program or activity (e.g., athletics, academics and housing) which it conducts or any employment policy or practice.

Background Check Statement

Offers of employment are contingent upon a satisfactory background check.