Dean, Financial Aid

Position Title:  Director
Dept: Financial Aid
Employee Status: Full-time
Type: Professional
Grade: 16
FLSA: Exempt
Issued: August 1975
Revised: 8-88; 6-95; 6-99; 7-02; 3-04; 10-05; 8-06; 8-14, 6-17

This position is open until filled; however, for optimum consideration, please submit application and required materials by Wednesday, June 28, 2017.

Application Process: Complete online application by clicking on the “Apply” link shown above or at www.rockvalleycollege.edu/employment; include cover letter and current chronological resume.

Reporting Relationships
Reports to: General direction is received from the Dean of Student Support Services
Supervision Exercised: Direct supervision exercised over 5 exempt staff, 4 non-exempt staff and student workers.

Job Summary
Under the direction of the Dean of Student Support Services, provide leadership, management and supervision for the Financial Aid Office (FAO) staff.  Direct, implement, monitor, and evaluate the institution's financial aid programs and staff including the administration of the state and federal grant programs, federal student loans, institutional loan programs, student employment, veterans’ programs and scholarships.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Related Duties may be assigned.

• Provide direction, leadership, supervision and evaluation for FAO staff, including but not limited to planning staff schedules, establishing and monitoring daily office processes, assigning work priorities, hiring and evaluating staff, and coordinating staff development opportunities.
• Administer the application, awarding and disbursement of financial aid funds to students according to federal, state and institutional regulations, policies and procedures. Monitor college compliance in meeting state and federal regulations related to financial aid and veterans’ programs.
• Manage and administer the (1) federal Stafford and institutional short term emergency loan programs, which include authorizing and certifying loan applications and managing the default reduction plan; (2) the Rock Valley College Foundation state and private scholarships for students attending RVC; (3) the Pell and SEOG grant processes including calculating awards; (4) the ISAC award process including requesting funds; (5) state and federal Veteran's programs, and (6) student employment.
• Exercise professional judgment and make administrative decisions when evaluating financial aid appeals to determine a student's eligibility for current and future financial aid.
• Organize and supervise the maintenance of student financial aid records according to regulatory statutes and ensure the protection of student privacy.
• Counsel students and parents on the availability of federal, state and institutional student aid and the financing of an RVC education and beyond including both need-based and merit funding. Triage student's circumstances and make referrals to other agencies when appropriate.
• Work effectively and collaboratively with appropriate college offices, especially Accounts Receivable, Admissions, Records and Registration, Testing Center, Counseling/Advising, Foundation and academic departments to coordinate and implement services.
• Provide leadership for establishing/reviewing institutional policies for all financial aid programs including but not limited to Pell, MAP, IIA, IVG, ING, MIA/POW, FFEL, Standards of Progress, enrollment verification, Return of Title IV Funds, SEOG, CWS, and scholarships. Coordinate and ensure timely communication with students, staff, and faculty with regard to decisions, procedures, or changes as they relate to the office.
• Ensure that financial aid information about types of programs, eligibility criteria, and application procedures are widely disseminated throughout the college and district by publicizing the availability of all programs, offering workshops, presentations and participating in college activities.
• Serve an active leadership role in the Division of Student Development and assist in divisional strategic goal setting and establishing the metrics associated with student financial aid short and long term goals.
• Complete required state and federal reports, such as those required by the Illinois Community College Board, Illinois Board of Higher Education, Department of Education and the Illinois Student Assistance Commission.
• Assure office and appropriate college personnel remain current with ongoing changes in federal and state regulations relevant to student aid programs.
• Proficiently utilize technologies employed in the provision of financial aid programs, which includes working closely with Information Technology to program testing software when needed.
• Develop and manage yearly budget, goals, and objectives.
• Calculate student budgets (e.g. cost of attendance).
• Coordinate all financial aid audits; and act as liaison between financial aid office and auditors in performing annual audit.
• Act as liaison between financial aid office and auditors in performing annual audit.
• Actively participate on college committees as requested.
• Regular attendance is expected.
• Using tact and courtesy, the ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with persons contacted in the course of work.

Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Minimum Qualifications  
Bachelor's degree required. Master's degree in business or education preferred. Three to five years of experience in post-secondary education and/or management in banking or related field required.  Direct experience in financial aid strongly desired.  Experience in supervision and/or management preferred. Knowledge of federal and state regulatory guidelines, budgeting and financial educational costs desirable.  Strong computer skills.  Ellucian  Colleague experience preferred.  Excellent communication (both oral and written), problem solving, organizational and human relations skills.  Demonstrated ability to work well with others.  Organized and thorough, includes attention to detail and high quality standards.