Job Description

POSITION TITLE: Associate Director, Financial Aid (INTERNAL POSTING)

DEPARTMENT: Financial Aid/Student Services and Enrollment Management

PRIMARY LOCATION: Fall River

REPORTS TO: Director, Financial Aid

POSITIONS SUPERVISED: Clerical staff as assigned.

STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

The Associate Director, Financial Aid provides oversight for the day-to-day operations of the Financial Aid office. The Associate Director helps lead the Financial Aid department while demonstrating a commitment to higher education access for all individuals and ensuring a welcoming office environment with a strong focus on customer service. The Associate Director assists in establishing customer service standards for colleagues, as well as students and their families. The Associate Director works collaboratively across the college to ensure shared governance, transparency, and assessment practices while helping to move the college towards comprehensive, innovative solutions to meet the evolving needs of the Bristol community.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS, DUTIES, AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist in the day-to-day operations of the Financial Aid office, including Banner administration.
• Supervise assigned Financial Aid department support staff; conduct regular performance evaluations to ensure continuous improvement and identify potential opportunities for growth. Work closely with Human Resources to create talent development plans and implement appropriate performance improvement plans.
• Train new hires, build training content, and serve as administrator in charge of the Financial Aid office in Director's absence and/or as needed.
• Promote a positive and inclusive work environment that supports the professional growth of staff while fostering a commitment to service excellence.
• Ensure quality customer service is delivered to students, families, and the college community.
• Oversee the accurate and timely loading of student financial aid data into student information systems, currently Banner.
• Perform a variety of complex and technical duties involving Banner administrative computing system and external constituent reporting vehicles, such as COD, NSLDS, and OSFA; ensure accurate awarding and mass updates. Assist with annual setup in the financial aid Banner module.
• Run adhoc reports to assist with issues and as requested.
• Coordinate the data processing needs of the Financial Aid office and assist in the implementation of electronic processes that are required or more efficient for complying with federal and state standards.
• Validate the accuracy of the financial aid module automated packaging, processing, and eligibility check through reporting tools.
• Ensure proper functioning of all electronic Banner processes in relationship to the financial aid process, including but not limited to import of financial aid applications, application tracking requirements and letters, verification procedures, satisfactory academic progress procedure, and packaging.
• Reconcile Pell grant, direct loans, and alternative loans in the absence of Pell and loan program coordinators. Provide troubleshooting and oversight for Pell and loan reconciliation.
• Update Financial Aid office manuals, process documentation, and policies on a periodic basis.
• Assist with packaging, verification, and student support as needed.
• Maintain a strong understanding of college, federal, and state systems connected to the financial aid process.
• Use Bristol's digital communication tools, to include but not limited to; Bristol email, Twitter, LinkedIn, and other Bristol social media tools, to advance the college's social media outreach and brand to internal and external constituents.
• Collaborate with other Student Services and Enrollment Management personnel and academic faculty in all student recruitment and retention efforts.
• Participate in a variety of college-wide activities to communicate information on all Financial Aid efforts.
• Lead and participate in college committees as assigned.
• Actively engage with professional organizations (e.g. College Board, MASFAA, NASPA, NAFSAA) to stay current on professional development, higher education trends, and best practices.
• Focus on the Commonwealth's Equity Agenda by applying related best practices throughout all job functions.
• Demonstrate a sense of professionalism and consistently reflect Bristol's core values while interacting with members of the Bristol community.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements:

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

NOTE: Unless otherwise noted, all required qualifications must be met by date of hire.

• Minimum of a Master's degree.*
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience in financial aid.*
  • An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience shall be considered.
• Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office 365 applications and student information systems, such as but not limited to Banner or Datatel.
• The ability to work effectively with a diverse student body, faculty, and staff.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Reliable transportation in order to travel to and from meetings, trainings, or campus and community locations as required.
• Ability to work occasional nights and/or weekends.
• Robust understanding and demonstrated inclusion of access, equity, and student success practices.
• COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement: As of January 2022, candidates for employment should be aware that Community College students, faculty, and staff are required to be fully vaccinated. Accordingly, initial employment is dependent upon receipt and verification of full vaccination status records; details of how to fulfill vaccine record verification requirements will be provided during the hire and onboarding process.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Degree in business, higher education, psychology, counseling, or related field.
• Demonstrated experience in higher education, with a preference for a community college setting.
• Demonstrated experience with Banner, Argos, NSLDS and COD.
• Demonstrated knowledge and consistent experience in using varied social media outlets on behalf of a business or organization that has proven to increase the digital footprint of the organization's brand.
• Ability to communicate in a language in addition to English.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The employee must meet the physical demands and work environment of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable those with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Additional Information:

POSITION STATUS: This is a full-time, non-unit position with benefits, some nights and weekends required.

SALARY: Hiring salary $70,000 - $76,000, commensurate with education and experience.

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