director of financial aid

Director of Financial Aid
San Francisco Art Institute
JOB DESCRIPTION

TITLE: Director of Financial Aid

REPORTS TO: Vice President for Enrollment and Student Affairs

SUPERVISES: Associate Director of Financial Aid

STATUS: Full-time, Supervisory, Exempt


GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
Manage and coordinate student financial aid programs at the San Francisco Art Institute to include scholarships, grants-in-aid, loans and student employment. Manage the daily activities of the Office of Financial Aid including but not limited to, planning and organization, counseling, packaging, verification and record keeping. Responsible for maintaining an efficient and service oriented work environment and ensuring compliance with all governmental and institutional financial aid policies.

SPECIFIC DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

A. Policy (Governmental and Institutional)

1. Monitor trends in Federal and State financial aid policies and regulations; and, advise the Vice President for Enrollment and Student Affairs to assure institutional compliance and best serve institutional interests.

2. Assist the Vice President in the analysis and development of campus-based financial aid policies.

B. Procedures
1. Develop, implement, and maintain procedures to ensure responsible and efficient handling of each aid application, placing primary emphasis on timely service and maximization of aid opportunities for each student within the limits of governmental regulations and institutional policy.

2. Develop, implement, and maintain communication which maximizes timely flow of information between the Financial Aid, Admission, Registrar, Student Accounts and Accounting offices.

3. Prepare procedures and fieldwork for and participate in various audits as required, including but not necessarily limited to Pell Grants audits, other Federal audits, State Grant program audits, and general institutional audits

4. Review, monitor and administer all procedures relating to the SFAI Federal College Work Study and Student Employment Program in order to ensure efficient operation and general compliance with Federal Institutional guidelines.

5. Assist the Vice President in the administration of institutional aid to international students.

6. Assist the Vice President in the modeling and development of recommendations on institutional aid policies and funding levels.

C. Communications and Documentation. In consultation with the Vice President, develop and annually revise documents, guides, and student materials, such as the Financial Aid Guide, and FAO Policy and Procedure manual. Review and revise written communication in consultation with the Vice President as needed. Develop educational workshops and entrance/exit programming.

2. Responsible for documenting files electronically or otherwise as needed to track activity

D. Packaging/Counseling

1. Manage and coordinate the Institute's financial aid programs; evaluate student needs and eligibility, select candidates and determine type and amount of financial assistance to be awarded. Use professional judgment as needed. Ensure the accuracy of data and financial aid eligibility for each applicant within the limits of governmental and institutional regulations and policies.

2. Counsel individual aid applicants and/or their families regarding available options during walk-in hours and via phone or in writing if necessary. Discussions may include eligibility requirements, application processes, available options, legal and financial implications of particular forms of student aid and the construction of realistic financial plans educational funding.

3. Provide entrance and exit loan counseling and other educational workshops in person and in group sessions.

E. Fiscal Management
1. Monitor reconciliation procedures for federal and state funds.
2. Reconcile Federal Stafford Loan funds and work with Controller on annual close-out
3. Prepare financial aid information as needed for audits or other review of records.

F. Reporting
1. Prepare annual operating reports setting forth progress, adverse trends, and appropriate recommendations or conclusions including but not limited to: FISAP, Federal Stafford Loan and Direct Loan year-end close-out, annual surveys, etc.
2. Provide general financial aid statistics to SFAI community as needed and appropriate.

G. Staff Supervision and Development
1. Hire, train, supervise, and evaluate the performance of the Associate Director of Financial Aid and Financial Aid Coordinator.
2. Establish appropriate staff performance expectations and consult with the Vice President regarding the evaluation of individual staff performance. Provide training and development opportunities in order to achieve departmental and divisional objectives of a fully cross-trained work environment.
3. Maintain active membership in appropriate professional organizations including but not limited to National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA) and California Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (CASFAA). Attend conferences as appropriate.

H. Data Management
1. Act as Data Point Administrator for Federal Aid Programs.
2. Maintain and manage electronic processes relating to financial aid, such as Datatel, COD, SAIG, EdConnect, EDExpress, and others.
3. Evaluate and enhance effective management of financial aid data for both electronic and non-electronic data processes. QUALIFICATIONS:

• Technical proficiency in the financial aid discipline.
• Personal attributes appropriate to a senior staff management position including the ability to sensitively counsel students, communicate effectively and diplomatically with all constituencies, and promote team spirit the support staff and colleagues.
• Minimum 5 years progressively responsible experience in a College Financial Aid Office at rank of Associate Director or equivalent with direct staff supervision and program administration required
• In-depth knowledge of Federal and Institutional Methodologies; State (prefer California) and Federal guidelines for need analysis and awarding.
• Experience in administration of the Federal Stafford Loan Programs, both FFELP and William D. Ford Loan Program.
• Proficiency with computerized data management systems computerized financial aid management systems required. Computer skills should minimally include Microsoft Office Suite and in-depth knowledge of at least one computerized financial aid management system. Experience with Power AIDS, EDE Express, Ed Connect and/or Datatel Corporation's Colleague system is highly desirable. Other experience with student information systems a significant plus.
• Bachelors Degree REQUIRED, Masters preferred
• Ability to compile, evaluate and present statistical data required
• Familiarity with financial aid auditing procedures required
• Excellent oral and written communication skills required
• Ability to secure necessary security passage with Department of Education required

EEOC:
San Francisco Art Institute is an AA/EOE/ADA Employer.