Manager - Financial Assistance Department

SUMMARY

Responsible for the supervision of all financial assistance operations. Incumbent reports directly to the Dean of Learner Services.


ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Assumes responsibility for the supervision of all financial aid advisors.

Researches, develops and recommends financial assistance programs and services to NCU administration.

Plans, develops, and implements long- and short-term goals for the financial assistance operation of the University under the direction of the Dean Learner Services.

Interfaces with accounting staff, registrar, academic advisors, learner affairs, IT staff, and institutional researcher in matters pertaining to financial assistance.

Reviews Satisfactory Academic Progress reports on a quarterly basis, and advises Registrar of Learners who should be placed on/off probation or dismissed, as required.

Receives from Registrar monthly reports regarding Instructional Week Academic Participation and coordinates with Registrar the reporting of enrollment status to the NSLDS Clearinghouse in accordance with federal regulations.

Monitors financial aid students regarding proper posting of financial aid funds, return of title IV funds, eligibility, and progress in programs.

Understands and stays current on federal financial aid regulations.
Researches, develops and recommends private loan funding and monitors performance.

Recommends to the Dean of Learner Services enhancements and modifications to University policies as necessary for compliance with federal financial aid regulations.

Develops and updates the University’s financial aid-related processing procedures.

Ensures that financial aid materials provided to the students are accurate and current.

Ensures that consumer information is provided and reported as required.

Prepares reports as required for the Title IV, Distance Education Demonstration Program, Department of Education, and other requestors.

Performs other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
Responsible for the overall supervision of the financial aid staff under the direction of the Dean Learner Services. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the University's policies and procedures. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training associates; planning, assigning, and directing work; evaluating performance; rewarding and disciplining associates; addressing complaints, and resolving problems.


QUALIFICATIONS
To perform the duties of this position, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience A minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree (in business, finance or a similar area of study) from an accredited college or university; a Master’s Degree is preferred. A minimum of three to five years experience in a financial aid position in an accredited college or university. Demonstrated history of progressively increasing supervisory experienced and responsibility preferred. Experience with data processing and automated records maintenance systems. Ability to deal with financial aid programs, regulations, and service products in an on-line environment. Ability to initiate and monitor detailed procedures for thoroughness. Strong leadership skills, and the ability to initiate and facilitate problem resolution.

Communication Skills Good oral and written communication skills are required. Ability to read, analyze, and interpret State and Federal regulations regarding financial aid and University policies and procedures. Experience and skills in utilizing technology, including ability to navigate web sites, perform word processing, work with spreadsheets, send email and electronic messages. Ability to prepare letters, reports, and business correspondence. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from applicants, Learners, faculty mentors, employees of the University, the Board of Directors, and the general public. Ability to use and facilitate online communication including chat rooms, videoconferencing, and other technology based communication media.

Mathematical Skills Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions. Ability to interpret charts and bar graph representations.

Reasoning Ability Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit. The employee frequently is required to use hands to handle, or feel. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and color vision.


WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Although travel is occasionally required, the majority of work is performed in an indoor office setting. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
REQUIREMENTS
See Job Description