The AVP of Financial Aid and Scholarship Management oversees all financial aid operations, work-study program (employment) and timely distribution of data; advises the Chief Financial Officer on issues related to federal, state, and institutional programs; and assists in the development and implementation of policies and procedures which ensure the timely delivery, disbursement and compliance monitoring of financial aid funds consistent with the College's mission and vision. AVP of Financial Aid and Scholarships will be expected to lead a dedicated team responsible for administering a financial aid program consisting of federal, state, and institutional funds.
The successful candidate will possess the skills to work in partnership with administrative and academic departments on campus to facilitate the planning, development, implementation, assessment, reporting, and compliance activities for all financial aid programs. The AVP of Financial Aid and Scholarships ensures best practices and regulations are followed for all students receiving financial aid and works collaboratively with other offices to provide excellent student-centered service to meet university enrollment goals. In addition, specific responsibilities for the AVP of Financial Aid and Scholarships include but are not limited to the following:
Daily Operations
Manage all financial aid and academic scholarship awarding, disbursement, including reporting to ensure compliance within institutional policies and state/federal regulations are maintained, in a timely manner.
Leverage available and new technology to create efficiencies, improve communication, and ensure date integrity in the financial aid functional areas.
Develop and execute communication plans, financial aid education and wellness presentations for internal departments, prospective and enrolled students in coordination with admissions.
Collaborate with the Enrollment Management to develop and implement policies and strategies for awarding institutional need-based financial aid that best maximize the yield of new students and the retention of current students.
Performs all aspects of the internal audit process, including planning, fieldwork, reporting and follow-up with guidance from the CFO, conducts internal reviews and follow-ups to determine adequacy of corrective actions, and develop audit programs and internal control questionnaires.
Required Skills
Knowledge of auditing principles, theory and practice, including Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and Generally Accepted Auditing Standard
Ability to navigate and resolve financial aid compliance issues
Demonstrated experience in working with students and families to create financial options that meet students' needs
Good planning and organizational skills to prioritize multiple projects while working under pressure, independently and with shifting demands to meet deadlines.
Ability to maintain the highest level of confidentiality
Good interpersonal skills to interact with diverse individuals at all organizational levels, both inside and outside of the College.
Required Education and Experience
This position requires a doctoral degree in Accounting, Business Administration or related field from an accredited college or university
A minimum of three to five years of progressive responsible leadership in student financial services (financial aid, scholarships, and/or financial literacy) in a higher education setting
Experience working with first generation students and those of low socioeconomic status
