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Associate Director of Financial Aid

SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES

The Associate Director of Financial Aid reports to the Director of Financial Aid and assists in overseeing the administration of federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs. This role provides leadership, supervision, and ongoing professional development for financial aid counselors and student employees, including overseeing training and performance evaluations. In collaboration with the Director, the Associate Director reviews and interprets complex regulations to implement compliant institutional policies and procedures.

The position manages the strategic awarding and packaging of financial aid, ensuring accurate eligibility determination, strict adherence to the University budget, and the timely disbursement and reconciliation of funds. Additionally, the Associate Director assists with data collection and reporting for both internal and external regulatory agencies.

Dedicated to student success, the Associate Director helps cultivate and maintain a high-quality customer service environment within the office. This role serves as the primary liaison with Admissions and works closely with the Director and Enrollment Management leadership to develop, implement, and monitor financial aid strategies and policies for prospective students.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Assists the Director in developing, implementing, and evaluating financial aid policies to ensure equitable, compliant operations, and manages the office in the Director’s absence.
• Serves as the primary lead for internal and external financial aid audits, spearheading data collection, analysis, and reporting to ensure strict compliance with federal, state, and regulatory standards.
• Directs the secure transmission, import, and export of financial aid data files via EdConnect, COD, and U.S. Department of Education software while collaborating on database management.
• Oversees the file verification process, reviews complex files, and trains staff to ensure accurate verification processing.
• Manages advanced regulatory and specialized processing, including Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) warnings/appeals, Special Circumstances reviews, and professional judgment documentation.
• Supervises the implementation, certification, and disbursement of federal and private loan programs, special state grant programs, and the outside scholarship program.
• Monitors financial aid expenditures and allocations to ensure institutional spending remains within authorized funding levels.
• Provides high-level counseling and application assistance to students and families regarding eligibility, funding options, loan entrance/exit requirements, and Veteran’s Education Program benefits.
• Leads, designs, and delivers targeted financial literacy initiatives, workshops, and recruitment presentations for students and the broader community.
• Serves as a primary liaison with Admissions, Registrar, Student Accounts, and the Business Office to coordinate processes, streamline workflows, and resolve complex student issues.
• Manages strategic communications for prospective and returning students, maintains the financial aid website, and updates online forms.
• Participates in strategic office planning, workflow optimization, and collaborative problem-solving.
• Represents the financial aid department at university-wide events and maintains comprehensive, up-to-date knowledge of relevant computer programs and federal regulations.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

• Requires a minimum of 3 years of direct experience in financial aid, with a master’s degree preferred.
• Demonstrates expert knowledge of federal, state, and institutional financial aid policies, regulations, and awarding practices.
• Possesses proficiency in compliance administration as it pertains to internal and federal audits.
• Maintains proficiency or the immediate ability to learn Electronic Data Exchange (EDE) and other campus software packages, specifically PowerFAIDS and Jenzabar.
• Must be lawfully able to access the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) and Department of Education websites.
• Possesses a thorough knowledge and understanding of Schreiner University, with previous higher education experience considered a strong plus.
• Must have exceptional written and verbal communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Demonstrates the ability to work independently with minimal supervision, while remaining comfortable and effective in a team-oriented, collaborative work environment.
• Maintains advanced knowledge of and willingness to work with core office technologies, including word processing, databases, internet navigation, and professional email correspondence.
• Exhibits a positive attitude, a strong work ethic, and a proven commitment to promoting diversity, inclusion, and culturally responsive practices.
• Demonstrates experience and sensitivity in working effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
• Requires the flexibility and ability to work occasional overtime and weekend hours as needed.
• Must possess a valid Texas driver’s license, maintain appropriate auto insurance, and have a good driving record to operate any vehicle, including personally owned vehicles, on behalf of Schreiner University.

OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED

• Generates operational reports and provides data analysis to support and optimize financial aid workflows.
• Supports the overall team efforts and collaborative goals of the financial services office as needed.
• Maintains strict adherence to all University safety rules and institutional protocols.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Director of Financial Aid and Student Accounts.