Assistant Director of Financial Aid (Operations)

Position: Assistant Director, Financial Aid (Operations)
Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan
Status: Full-time; 
Company: Washtenaw Community College 
Specialty: Financial Aid; ADFA; Operations 
Compensation: Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience. A comprehensive benefits package is included.

                                    

Assistant Director, Financial Aid (Operations)
Job Description

Are you interested in applying your skills and experience to help students obtain an accessible college education through financial aid support? Are you looking for a rewarding and challenging opportunity that provides a hybrid work schedule, employee tuition benefits, and a comprehensive benefits package? The Office of Financial Aid at Washtenaw Community College (WCC) is seeking to fill an Assistant Director, Financial Aid (Operations) position. Apply now to join our team!

Job Summary: 

The Assistant Director, Financial Aid (Operations)is responsible for assisting in the management and implementation of all aspects of the application, awarding, delivery, and reconciliation of Federal, State, Private and Institutional financial aid programs at Washtenaw Community College. This position is responsible for management of customer service and technical support of the Financial Aid Office and will be based on campus in the Department of Student and Academic Services.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities: 
  • Possess an expert knowledge of all financial aid regulations. Along with the Executive Director of Financial Aid, analyze and monitor mandated Federal and State regulations. Translate these regulations into workable policies and procedures for WCC’s Financial Aid Office and students. 
  • Administer all Federal, State, and Institutional financial aid programs. Possess knowledge of all requirements and processes needed for all aid programs (federal grants, loans and work study, state grants and scholarships, institutional and external scholarships).
  • Develop, maintain, and evaluate all communications generated by the Financial Aid Office.
  • Manage the day-to-day customer service levels via face-to-face, emails, phone calls, and virtual interactions.
  • Provide financial aid counseling to students and parents regarding all aspects of the financial aid or veterans’ process. Make necessary referrals to other student services offices.
  • Manage the financial aid Community Outreach programs.
  • Oversee the maintenance and operations of the financial aid module of the student information system. This includes, but is not limited to: communications management, aid year rollover, student file verification, packaging, loan processing, grant processing, disbursement support, transfer monitoring, and Satisfactory Academic Process (SAP).
  • Assist with setting up and testing of Banner releases and updates that occur on a regular basis throughout the year.
  • Provide technical support for Banner, Campus Logic, and other FA related software for financial aid staff.
  • Create and maintain training materials and user documentation to support business and technology needs. Assist with the identification, evaluation, and selection of various technology applications to support the organization and the delivery of programs.
  • Serve as the primary liaison between Information Technology and Financial Aid in support of the system issues.
  • Analyze and resolve all student eligibility issues including, but not limited to, maximum Pell Grant usage, unusual enrollment patterns, citizenship issues, aggregate loan data, and defaulted loans. 
  • In collaboration with other administrative staff in the Financial Aid Office, develop and maintain written policies and procedures as mandated to ensure the Financial Aid Office remains compliant with State and Federal regulations.
  • Represent the College and the Financial Aid Office by preparing and giving presentations to other college employees, high school counselors, high school students, parents, and other groups as needed. 
  • Attend professional developmental conferences, seminars, webinars, and workshops to continually obtain knowledge on regulation changes that must be implemented in the Financial Aid Office. 
  • Select, supervise, and train staff in the Financial Aid Office.
  • Other duties as assigned.
Hours/Schedule:

Must be available to work evenings and weekends as needed or additional hours during peak times as required.

The Candidate: 

The Assistant Director, Financial Aid (Operations) must possess the following qualifications:  
Minimum Qualifications: 
  • Bachelor’s degree in related area.
  • Minimum three (3) years progressive work experience in Financial Aid.
  • Equivalent of two (2) years (minimum) supervisory experience.
  • Experience in delegating work, set clear direction and manage workflow.
  • Experience working with Ellucian Banner or other student information system and ability to diagnose and communicate issues with IT to resolve issues.
  • Experience with financial aid federal software (FAA Access, ED connect, COD, NSLDS etc.).
  • Demonstrated knowledge of all Federal and State financial aid regulations.
  • Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
  • Possess a high degree of integrity, ethics, and a dedication to the mission of the College.
  • Excellent interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills, both written and oral, to effectively communicate with diverse audiences.
  • Must be available to work evenings and weekends as needed or additional hours during peak times as required.

Application Instructions: 

Applicants are asked to apply with an updated Resume, a letter of interest, and an unofficial transcript(s) by January 31, 2024. All applications and inquiries must be emailed to Trey Wright and Heather Fubelli: highered@kbic.com     

Contact Information: 

Trey Wright 
Managing Partner & Practice Leader 
Kaye/Bassman International Corp. 
Phone: (972) 265-5338 – Direct  
Email: twright@kbic.com / highered@kbic.com 

Heather Fubelli
Search Consultant
Kaye/Bassman International Corp.
Phone: (972) 265-5348 – Direct
Email: hfubelli@kbic.com / highered@kbic.com    

Salary is commensurate with experience. WCC offers competitive pay and a full benefits package that includes a Retirement Plan, Health, Dental, and Vision insurance, paid vacation, sick and holidays. 

WCC has partnered with Kaye/Bassman to provide executive search services for the 2 Assistant Director of Financial Aid positions at WCC. WCC is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer committed to assembling a diverse, broadly trained faculty and staff. Women, minorities, people with disabilities, and veterans are strongly encouraged to apply.  

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the types of duties and responsibilities that will be required of the positions given this title and shall not be construed as a declaration of the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description. Fair Labor Standards Act (exempt/non-exempt) is designated by position. The employer actively supports Americans with Disabilities Act and will consider reasonable accommodations.