Assistant Director of Financial Aid for Operations & Processing

The Assistant Director of Financial Aid for Operations and Processing provides administrative and professional expertise to the Office of Financial Aid.

This is a NON-CLASSIFIED employment opportunity. Visit the State of Colorado for Classified employment opportunities.

The Assistant Director of Financial Aid for Operations and Processing provides administrative and professional expertise to the Office of Financial Aid and reports to the Associate Director of Financial Aid. This position supports the delivery and accountability for federal, state, institutional and private financial aid funds. The primary responsibility of this position is to oversee the processing of all Federal, State and Institutional student aid programs.

Reports To: Associate Director of Financial Aid

Minimum Qualifications

• Completed Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution.
• Two years professional level experience in a financial aid office in higher education.
• One year of direct supervisory experience.
• Demonstrated experience administering and interpreting State of Colorado financial aid funding.
• Demonstrated experience administering and interpreting Federal financial aid regulations.
• Demonstrated experience with public speaking and group educational presentations.

Professional level experience is defined by the Colorado Division of Human Resources: A position that involves the exercise of discretion, analytical skill, judgment, personal accountability, and responsibility for creating, developing, integrating, applying, or sharing an organized body of knowledge. Colorado revised statute (C.R.S. 24-50-135(1) allows colleges to exempt positions from the State Personnel Classified System that are determined to be professional level work.

Preferred Qualifications

• Completed Master’s degree or enrolled in a Master’s degree from an accredited institution in business administration; counseling; communications/public relations; organizational development/leadership; student affairs in higher education or related field.
• Two or more years of direct supervisory experience.
• Professional experience building rapport and working collaboratively with a variety of constituents and diverse populations.
• Experience with Banner Student Information System.
• Experience with Federal Department of Higher Education software.
• Employment experience managing resources and services in online or distance education environments.

Applications accepted until position is filled.

Must be a State of Colorado resident or able to relocate to Colorado prior to first date of employment.

Application Instructions: Application must be submitted online. Incomplete applications may not receive full consideration. A complete application will include:

• Cover letter – Address the minimum and preferred qualifications in the order listed on the job announcement.
• Resume – Reflect experience, education, knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Unofficial Transcripts – Unofficial transcripts for all degrees conferred. Official transcripts are required if hired for the position.
• Professional References – Provide names and contact information for three recent professional references who can address your expertise and background for this position.

This position may be eligible for a variety of employee benefits. Pikes Peak State College participates in the Colorado Public Employees’ Retirement Association (PERA) contribution rates.

Note: Prior submission of application materials will not be considered.

Essential Functions

• Supervise and evaluate the Processing staff in the financial aid unit. Create and maintain a high-performance environment characterized by positive leadership and strong team orientation. Defines goals and/or required results at the beginning of the performance period; supervises staff toward goal expectation and attainment. Motivates staff to improve quantity and quality of work performed and provides cross-training and development opportunities as appropriate.

• Oversee and supervise areas of processing including federal, state, and institutional (Loans, Work Study, Satisfactory Academic Progress, Scholarship Awarding, Return to Title IV etc.), ensuring all accounts are reconciled on a monthly basis, aid in resolving all processing issues, and providing guidance and assistance when needed specifically in the form of regulation interpretation.

• Assist Director and Associate Director in establishing and documenting policies and procedures governing operations and the award and distribution of financial aid resources with emphasis on federal and state compliance. Create training materials and provide training on policies and procedures as needed.

• Perform both batch awarding and manual awarding for specific funds based on established procedures.

• At the request of the Director or Associate Director, performs self-assessment reviews using U.S.E.D. self-assessment testing guides. Conducts internal testing of student records when concerns of or a complete lack of compliance with program rules arises. Completion of other projects and responsibilities as assigned by the Director of Financial Aid. Analyze, implement and review organizational structure and process for completing tasks; determine need for changes in procedures and recommend appropriately. Actively participate in CCCS, State of Colorado, regional and national forums for areas within or related to Financial Aid.

• Additional duties as assigned.

General Duties, Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

• Cultural competence and demonstrated evidence, understanding, and commitment to the concepts of diversity, multiculturalism, and their application in the workplace.
• Knowledge of Financial Aid resources including FSA Partner Connect and NASFAA.
• Demonstrate ability use Department of Education software such as EDExpress, EDConnect, FPP, NSLDS, and COD.
• Knowledge of post-secondary education financial aid procedures.
• Knowledge of Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.
• Knowledge of the Higher Education Opportunity Act and the timings of the regulations that have affected Title I and Title IV programs.
• Excellent oral and interpersonal communication skills, including ability to make professional presentations to large groups.
• Excellent written communication skills, including writing reports and training materials.
• Solid computer skills, including word-processing, database, spreadsheet, and presentation software applications; fluent in internet use and navigation.
• Skill in utilizing current student information system for providing student services and managing administrative functions.
• Excellent problem-solving skills, with ability to handle multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, organize and measure programs and processes, performing basic data analysis to identify statistical trends.
• Demonstrated leadership ability.
• Ability to work effectively with wide varied of constituents, including students, faculty, staff, and community members/organizations.
• Ability to gather and synthesize information from multiple sources to be utilized if effective decision making.
• Ability to work both independently and as effective team member.
• Ability to effectively supervise and evaluate employees.

As part of the State of Colorado, PPSC offers a competitive benefits package:

• PERA retirement benefits.
• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance coverage.
• Life and Disability Coverage.
• Flexible Spending Accounts.
• Paid Holidays.
• Tuition Reimbursement.
• Accrued Annual and Sick Leave.
• Some positions may qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

This job description reflects Pikes Peak State College’s best effort to describe the essential duties and qualifications of the job. It is not an exhaustive statement of all the duties, responsibilities or qualifications of the job. This document is not intended to exclude an opportunity for modifications consistent with providing reasonable accommodation.

EEO Statement: Pikes Peak State College is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Americans with Disabilities Act institution. We value diversity, strive for a more unified campus where all people are valued, treated fairly, and possess a sense of belonging. Pikes Peak State College encourages minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities to apply.