JOB TITLE: DIRECTOR OF FINANCIAL AID PROCESSING                                                DEPARTMENT: FINANCIAL AID

SALARY RANGE: $50,000-$60,000                                                                              FLSA: EXEMPT

IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR: Assistant College Director of Financial Aid

SCHEDULE DETAILS: Full-time/12-month position/PEERS

Position Summary

The Director of Financial Aid Processing has a key role as a member of the Financial Aid leadership team in the planning, development, organization, and administration of financial aid programs. The Director assumes responsibility for managing an assigned functional area(s) and providing oversight of the administration of federal, state, institutional, and external financial aid programs in accordance with all applicable regulations. This position will assist in managing and supervising the daily operations of the department in alignment with the business and strategic objectives of the College. The individual in this position will collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to provide exceptional service to students and their families to enhance student access and enrollment.

Essential Job Duties

• Assist in the planning, implementation, and monitoring of office operations, policies, procedures and compliance activities for aid programs within the Financial Aid Office to ensure adherence to federal, state, and college financial aid regulations.
• Participate in strategic planning and policy development to drive departmental goals and objectives. Establish performance goals and measures to evaluate success of assigned areas.
• As a member of the financial aid leadership team, create financial aid operating manuals for routine processes to facilitate and standardize complex procedures. Continuously increase and improve operational efficiency and service and ensure proper controls and regulatory compliance particularly pertaining data systems.
• Manage the daily operations of the assigned team and the corresponding workflows, including assisting with the management of workflows across all teams in the department
• Facilitate opportunities for staff training on new rules, regulations, procedures, and programs to ensure departmental compliance, cross-training, and staff development.
• Provide personnel management direction and guidance to staff, including hiring, onboarding, performance evaluation, coaching, and professional development.
• Coordinate financial aid operations in collaboration with other appropriate institutional departments to provide seamless and responsive service to constituents and to support the enrollment and retention of students.
• Oversee the financial aid file review process, including verification, professional judgement, and student eligibility discrepancies, ensuring timely and accurate processing of student files in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
• Analyze performance and productivity data to provide proactive identification of error resolution and operational challenges to support compliance and student experience.
• Manage and oversee electronic information within imaging and processing databases to include Department of Education Information Systems.
• Execute assigned responsibilities, duties, and tasks according to established college policies, procedures, and standards.
• Perform other duties as directed, including internal and external committee assignments, and attendance at college, community, and professional events.

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Bachelor's degree in a related field and three years of professional experience in financial aid administration (preferably in a higher education setting) with at least one year in a leadership position; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Knowledge of current Department of Education Financial Aid Regulations, and Title IV and state aid programs.
• Demonstrated ability to utilize analytical and critical thinking skills to identify patterns, gaps, research solutions, assess performance, and support implementation of processes, procedures, and policies.
• Exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt to changing institutional and regulatory needs
• Strong strategic leadership and collaborative skills, with the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with faculty, staff, and students.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and customer service skills and a student-centered approach.
• Ability to manage confidential information with discretion.

Preferred Knowledge Skills & Abilities

• Master's degree in a related field and five years of professional experience in financial aid administration (preferably in a higher education setting) with at least three years in a leadership position; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Proficiency in financial aid management systems and software, with experience in Colleague preferred.
• Experience with database management, system analysis, and reporting,
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to deliver effective presentations and training.
• Ability to plan and direct large scale projects and assignments.
• Knowledge of need analysis, professional judgment, verification, and applicable federal regulations.

Working at Ozarks Technical Community College Provides Great Benefits

• Medical insurance coverage for employees through the CoxHealth network at no cost to employees.
• Dental, LTD and group life insurance coverage for employees at no cost to employees.
• Access to the on-site OTC Health and Wellness Clinic at no cost for employees and their dependents.
• Use of the OTC fitness center at no cost to employees.
• Twelve (12) tuition free college credit hours per fall and/or spring semester and six (6) college credit hours per summer term for employees and/or their dependents.
• College matches the employee PSRS/PEERS retirement at 14.5% or 6.86%

Physical Demands and Working Environment: (The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.)

Environment: Work is performed primarily in a standard office setting with frequent interruptions and distractions.  Requires extended periods of time viewing computer monitor or standing; may require adjustment of schedule to include some evening and/or weekends; may encounter occasional exposure to inclement weather during travel. *A successful candidate will have an opportunity for advancement to a full-time position when it comes available.

Physical: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in an office setting; to stand or sit for prolonged periods of time; to lift, carry, push, and/or pull light to moderate amounts of weight; to operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination including use of a computer keyboard.

***OZARKS TECHNICAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY, INTERPRET, OR APPLY THIS JOB DESCRIPTION IN ANY WAY THE INSTITUTION DESIRES.  THIS JOB DESCRIPTION IN NO WAY IMPLIES THAT THESE ARE THE ONLY DUTIES, INCLUDING ESSENTIAL DUTIES, TO BE PERFORMED BY THE EMPLOYEE OCCUPYING THIS POSITION.  THIS JOB DESCRIPTION IS NOT AN EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT, IMPLIED OR OTHERWISE.  THE EMPLOYMENT RELATIONSHIP REMAINS “AT-WILL.”  THE AFOREMENTIONED JOB REQUIREMENTS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE TO REASONABLY ACCOMMODATE QUALIFIED DISABLED INDIVIDUALS.

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