Director of Financial Aid (On Site - University Center, MI)

Director of Financial Aid (On Site - University Center, MI)

Position Title: Director of Financial Aid (On Site - University Center, MI)

Employee Group: Administrative/Professional

Status: Full time, Starting Salary $90,370 – $102,107: Commensurate with Qualifications and Experience

The Director of Financial Aid provides leadership and final accountability for the administration of federal, state, institutional, and local financial aid programs, including scholarships, grants, loans, and work‑study. The Director ensures compliance with all federal and state regulations, including the Program Participation Agreement (PPA), and ensures equitable distribution of financial aid resources in accordance with government regulations and college policies. The Director leads the Financial Aid Office by fostering a collaborative, student‑centered culture focused on service, compliance, and operational excellence. The Director works closely with colleagues to support student access, persistence, and completion by ensuring financial aid processes are transparent, efficient, and supportive of student success. The Director is responsible for the strategic oversight, planning, and daily operations of the Financial Aid Office, including supervising staff, developing policies and procedures, financial aid packaging, regulatory reporting, and student outreach.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Compliance and Regulatory Oversight

• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and institutional regulations for all financial aid programs.
• Manage federal and state reporting, including the Program Participation Agreement (PPA), FISAP, and other required regulatory reports. Review and revise the yearly financial aid policy manual.
• Interpret complex and evolving financial aid regulations and implement compliant institutional policies and procedures.
• Oversee Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) and Return of Title IV (R2T4) processes to ensure regulatory compliance.

Leadership and Team Development

• Provide leadership for the Financial Aid Office by cultivating a collaborative, inclusive, and student-centered team culture.
• Recruit, train, mentor, and evaluate staff while supporting professional development and continuous learning.
• Establish clear expectations, encourage teamwork, and promote accountability and excellence in service delivery.
• Facilitate regular team communication to ensure alignment with regulatory changes, institutional priorities, and student needs.
• Serve on the Student and Educational Services (SES) Leadership Team.
• Collaborate with Admissions, Advising, Registrar, Student Billing, and other colleagues to improve financial aid processes and the overall student experience.
• Support equitable access to financial aid resources for all students.

Operational Oversight

• Direct the daily operations of the Financial Aid Office, including planning, organizing, supervising, and budgeting.
• Implement institutional financial aid policies and procedures in compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations.
• Establish annual cost of attendance and financial aid packaging guidelines. Oversee awarding processes to ensure compliance and equitable distribution of aid.
• Monitor and adjust financial aid packaging practices in response to regulatory changes and institutional priorities.
• Monitor financial aid budgets and coordinate financial aid disbursements and student payments in collaboration with the College Finance Office. Oversee internal reconciliation processes and prepare documentation for audits, program reviews, and accreditation activities.

Student Support and Outreach

• Provide guidance to students and families regarding financial aid eligibility, funding opportunities, financial literacy, and academic success.
• Conduct financial aid outreach initiatives, including presentations, workshops, and orientation programs for current and prospective students and their families.
• Supervise financial aid components of new student orientation and promote financial literacy programming.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
• Five (5) years of administrative work experience with demonstrated management skills of organization, planning, and monitoring.
• Excellent communication, problem‑solving, and organizational skills.

Additional Experiences Considered

• Progressive experience in financial aid administration in a community college setting
• Experience and knowledge of computer software/systems as they pertain to financial aid.
• Leadership experience supervising professional staff
• Experience with Ellucian Colleague
• NASFAA Credentials

Application Deadline

Position will remain open until filled. First consideration will be given to applications received by April 16th. The College reserves the right to close the recruitment process once a sufficient applicant pool has been identified.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Complete an online application and attach a cover letter with position title, resume and copies of transcripts (official transcripts required upon hire) and/or certifications and licenses.

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