Director, Student Financial Aid - Glendale, CA

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The following duties and responsibilities are typical of those performed by employees in this classification.

• Plans, directs, and administers student financial aid operations, including federal and state loans, grants, and work study funds. 

• Monitors and ensures eligibility to participate in federal financial aid programs; responds to program reviews and audits. 

• Manages and oversees the reconciliation of federal and state funds for student financial aid and the maintenance of statistical and accounting records; analyzes and monitors financial activities to identify, respond to, and/or prevent errors or potential fraud.

• Ensures the awarding, processing, and delivery of financial assistance to eligible students in a timely, accurate, and equitable manner.

• Evaluates and determines the merit of financial aid appeals based on state and federal regulations.

• Works with and provides information to community groups, public and private organizations and governmental agencies regarding local, regional, and national issues concerning financial aid; responds to and resolves student, parent, and/or community questions or complaints.

• Provides information and materials about financial aid programs and ensures coordination of services.

• Develops, implements, establishes, and maintains policies, processes, and procedures for applicable department; monitors and evaluates operational, department, and service quality; may recommend, develop, and implement quality improvement assessment tools and/or methods with administration and/or regulatory agencies. 

• Develops and implements short- and long-term strategies and plans, including the program review process.  

• Recommends, monitors, and/or administers budgets for assigned areas; oversees and administers budget allocations and procurements for all assigned funds as appropriate; analyzes and reviews budgetary and financial data. 

• Handles and resolves conflicts and issues and reports complaints as appropriate. 

• Promotes diversity, equity, inclusion, cultural competency, and a positive work and academic environment. 

• Coordinates and supervises the implementation and modification of technology.

• Supervises department employees; assigns and monitors employee’s work and evaluates employee performance; trains employees; participates in employee selection. 

• Monitors and reviews programs and/or operations for legal compliance.

• Analyzes and interprets data; prepares, reviews, and/or approves documents and reports. 

• May direct and/or conduct surveys and special studies; may maintain statistics.

• May participate and/or chair committees and task forces.

• Performs other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

The education, training and experience qualifications are considered likely to provide the required knowledge and abilities to perform the above essential duties.

Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.

Seven (7) years of professional experience administering student financial aid programs, including at least two (2) years in a management capacity.

Licenses/Certificates/Other Requirements

• None. 

Knowledge of:

• Principles, practices, and requirements related to student financial aid programs and their application to determining eligibility, awarding aid, maintaining required records, and preparing/submitting required reports.

• Federal Title IV reconciliation practices for managing, reconciling, and reporting federal financial aid.

• Current and emerging technologies that support the applicable area(s). 

• Management principles and practices. 

• Principles and practices of supervision. 

• Applicable laws, regulations, standards, and/or requirements.  

• Methods of prioritizing, planning, and organizing work.

• Principles and practices of budget administration. 

• Principles of data research, collection, organization, interpretation, and reporting.  

• General accounting and bookkeeping principles. 

• Principles and practices of business communication and writing.  

• Principles of knowledge management. 

• Presentation techniques. 

• Standard office practices or procedures.

• Standard office software and modern office equipment.

• Principles and practices of customer service. 

• Interpersonal relations management.

Ability to:

• Plan, direct, administer, and evaluate the operations, activities, and equipment of a student financial aid department. 

• Oversee the development of policies and procedures in applicable area(s).

• Develop and implement goals with identifiable outcomes and assist with development of strategic plans, as needed.

• Identify and implement appropriate technology and resources. 

• Research, develop, apply, explain, and/or ensure the compliance of applicable laws, regulations, policies and/or procedures. 

• Identify needs, analyze problems, and provide recommendations and/or alternative solutions.

• Manage and prioritize work, projects and/or programs within established deadlines 

• Prepare, manage, monitor, oversee, and/or administer budgets. 

• Supervise, train, and evaluate the work of assigned employees.

• Stay abreast of information, trends, and theories applicable to areas of assignment.

• Analyze data and compile and present narrative and statistical reports.

• Prepare and review reports, correspondence, and other documents using multiple business formats.

• Manage the maintenance of records. 

• Prepare and deliver presentations. 

• Utilize standard office software and equipment. 

• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive and/or protected information.

• Provide customer service with a high level of sensitivity, tact and patience.

• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with all employees and others encountered in the course of work. 

• Demonstrate a sensitivity to, and understanding of, the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students.  

PHYSICALAND MENTAL STANDARDS:

The following physical and mental standards are identified as necessary to perform the essential duties and responsibilities.  However, reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position. 

• Mobility: frequent sitting for long periods; occasional kneeling, crouching, pushing, pulling, walking, and standing; occasional reaching above and below desk level.

• Dexterity: frequent fine manipulation sufficient to operate a computer keyboard; frequent grasping to handle individual papers, write and take notes, and feel individual objects. 

• Lifting/Carrying: frequent lifting/carrying of papers, files, equipment, and materials weighing up to 10 pounds; occasional lifting up to 25 pounds.

• Visual Requirements: frequent use of vision sufficient to read files, documents, and computer screens and do close-up work. 

• Hearing/Talking: frequent hearing and speaking in person and on the telephone. 

• Emotional/Psychological Factors: frequent contact with others including extensive public contact; frequent deadlines and time-limited assignments.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

• Work is typically performed in an indoor office or similar setting.