Executive Director Financial Aid

Description:

The Executive Director, Financial Aid is responsible for the district-wide leadership, coordination, management, and administration of federal, state and institutional financial aid programs. This position oversees customer service initiatives to meet the needs of students seeking financial aid and develops the strategic plan for financial aid programming system-wide, evaluates progress, and initiates improvements. Will interpret and communicate state and federal regulations and institutional policies and will develop and implement procedures system-wide. Serves as the Chief Financial Aid expert and oversees compliance for the District and will serve as the liaison for state and federal agencies and responsible for all reporting involving student financial aid programs.

Responsible for the design, execution and effectiveness of a system of internal controls, which provides reasonable assurance that operations are effective and efficient, assets, are safeguarded; financial information is reliable and compliant with applicable laws, regulations, policies and procedures.

Manages Talent Engagement activities for direct reports in regards to: recruiting and selection, hiring and termination, training, development, mentoring, counseling, and performance evaluations.

Essential Functions

Develop, maintain and distribute annual Student Expense Budgets used for packaging student aid and the annual packaging rules on program funds administered by HCCS.

Monitors and advises college leadership on financial aid policies and issues; developing a service-oriented financial aid access and delivery system to meet the present and future needs of students.

Develop institutional financial aid process to support policies which maximize enrollment and minimize student loan debt and meets or exceeds institutional Federal default rate parameters.

Develop and direct financial aid strategies, policies, and procedures to meet strategic goals maximize enrollment results, and ensures compliance with federal, state, and college regulations, policies and statues; proactively lead the department by anticipating and responding to external challenges and regulatory changes as appropriate.

Oversee and manage processes and activities associated with the administration of the student financial aid programs, procedures manual, and the Financial Aid Strategic Plan.

Collaborate in the design and implementation of student information systems related to financial aid to meet the needs of both traditional and non-traditional students.

Ensure client-centered delivery of multiple types of award mechanisms, including scholarships, financial aid and grant funds to students in a timely manner.

Evaluate, analyze and maintain metrics and assessments regarding the effectiveness of financial aid disbursements and loan defaults.

Review and establish effective controls to ensure compliance with federal, state and institutional policies, procedures and regulations.

Participate in the design and implementation of student information systems related to financial aid to meet the needs of both traditional and non-traditional students.

Collaborate with local college staff and administration to evaluate, analyze, implement and report on effective processes and procedures to ensure consistent quality customer service.

Serve as liaison with the Department of Education (DE) and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) regarding the resolution of concerns, rules and regulations. Coordinate, maintain and submit reports to the DE and the THECB as required by law.

Evaluate, analyze, maintain and report on the financial aid variances and performance metrics as requested.

Meet with and serve as a resource to the VC of Student Services regarding issues on financial aid, quality control functions, the development and maintenance of operational policies and procedures.

Ensure financial aid information and updates are widely disseminated using various communication mediums including but not limited to social media, orientations, success courses and electronic communications.

Oversee, monitor and coordinate outreach activities including but not limited to College Goal Sunday, Houston Hispanic Forum’s Career and Education Day and student organizations.

Collaborate with Information Technology to ensure optimal use of automation within the student system and serve as a resource for system updates.

Conduct and chair monthly financial aid council meetings and collaborate with the Coordinator of Student Information Services to establish, operate, manage and monitor a full services district-wide communication center to include, but not limited to: phone, email, chat, etc.

Serve and participate in the Student Services Deans’ Council.

Perform other duties, tasks and assignments as required.

Education & Experience

Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred
7 years combined experience overseeing and managing financial aid processes required
Special Skills

MS Office
Student Information Management Systems
• Financial Aid Systems & Processing • Budgets Management