Financial Aid Director

Financial Aid Director

The mission of the Financial Aid Office at Hostos Community College is to provide professional services to students that will remove financial barriers and empower them to meet their educational goals. Through the strict adherence of federal, state, city and University requirements, the Office of Financial Aid incorporates best practices pursuant to national, regional and state association guidelines to ensure timely and professional delivery of student aid funds.

The Office of Financial Aid staff is committed to help students understand the various financial aid programs that are available, and to work with those who face significant financial difficulties while enrolled  addition, we strive to deliver high quality services with professional competency and concern. The office staff is dedicated to the equitable treatment of all applicants and the privacy of confidential information.

Financial Aid counseling is available on an individual basis, by appointment, and via group workshops conducted throughout the academic year. Staff provide assistance with online filing of financial aid forms as well as monitor student records to ensure compliance with federal and state requirements. All available resources are used to ensure that finances do not prevent qualified students from earning a college degree.

In addition to the responsibilities described in the CUNY Title Overview section below, duties include, but are not limited to the following:

• Oversees and manages all Financial Aid Office staff and operations.

• Develops and leverages data-informed financial aid strategies by analyzing aid utilization, student need, and award outcomes to enhance student access, affordability, and overall success.

• Leads cross-functional strategic planning initiatives with Admissions, Bursar, Registrar, Academic Affairs, and Student Affairs to align enrollment, retention, and completion efforts with institutional priorities and student success goals.

• Establishes department goals and assesses outcomes; implements continuous improvement initiatives.

• Oversees the effective us of financial aid management systems and technology platforms.

• Prepares and presents reports on financial aid trends, performance metrics, compliance, and student outcomes

• Performs complex data analyses on financial aid processes using CUNYfirst to make projections and create improvement plans.

• Oversees internal reconciliation efforts and reports to auditors, program reviewers and accreditation teams.

• Develops training for staff to maximize operational efforts. Training areas include, but are not limited to; effective navigation of the student information system, new developments in Title IV program eligibility system, etc.

• Effectively communicates and collaborates with College leadership.

-Additional duties assigned as needed.

-Essential duties require on campus presence.

Bachelor's Degree and eight years' related experience required.

The following are preferred qualifications:

• Master's Degree and at least five years of supervisory experience with progressively increasing responsibility and demonstrated success in managing financial aid operations at the University level

• Knowledge of financial aid trends as they related to the use and delivery of student financial aid management, as well as state and institutional fund management; thorough knowledge of an experience in implementing federal, state and institutional financial aid program practices, laws and compliance regulations

• Experience in preparing state and federal reports

• Knowledge of industry related software and database management to deliver, track and evaluate financial aid technology and strategies

• Excellent computer skills for managing an integrated financial aid computerized record keeping system EDE electronic processing system including Electronic PELL and Web Grants

• Excellent counseling skills required to interface with students, prospective students, student families, faculty, staff, external organizations and other individuals

• Ability to quickly organize and communicate thoughts in order to speak effectively with coworkers, public and student populations

• Ability to work outside of standard business hours to complete job requirements/assignments

Develops and oversees student financial aid programs in accordance with Federal/State laws and regulations and University guidelines.

• Develops and interprets financial aid policies and procedures with regard to Federal and NY State programs such as internal loan programs, all state and federal loan programs, Stafford Loans, Perkins Loans, College Work Study, and Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)

• Reports on general and fiscal matters such as program expenditures, projections of full-year spending potential, and analyses of spending patterns

• Authorizes the disbursement of funds

• Monitors compliance with Federal and State financial aid regulations, developing and implementing compliance procedures

• Serves as College…