Assistant Director, Financial Aid; FWS

Position: Assistant Director, Financial Aid (FWS)
Art Center College of Design is searching for an experienced Assistant Director, Financial Aid (FWS) to join our team.

The salary range for this position: $30.00 - 37.00 per hour (35-hour workweek)

Final salary is based on education, experience, skills relevant to therole, and internal equity.

About Art Center
Foundedin 1930 and located in Pasadena, California, Art Center College of Design is a global leader in art and design education and has had an international reputation forits rigorous, transdisciplinary curriculum, faculty of professionals, strongties to industry, and commitment to socially responsible design. Art Center is aprivate nonprofit fully accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).

Every position atArtCenter plays an important part in carrying out the cultural values, goals,strategic vision, and mission of the College. This includes upholding and cultivating an inclusive, respectful, and welcoming environment where everyone feels a sense of belonging.

Job Summary

Every position at Art Center plays an important part in carrying out the cultural values, goals, strategic vision, and mission of the College. This includes upholding and cultivating an inclusive, respectful, and welcoming environment where everyone feels a sense of belonging.

Reporting to the Director of Operations this position will counsel students and families on the financial aid process, determining eligibility, and awarding federal, state, and institutional aid. The incumbent will be responsible for managing the Federal Work Study Program and may assist with awarding and other programs as assigned.

This is a full-time position with a schedule of Monday through Friday, 8:30 to 4:30 p.m. The position is eligible for flexible scheduling and can be performed, remotely, hybrid with a minimum of 3 days on site or required as a condition of employment, subject to change depending on the staffing needs of the office.

Essential Functions

Financial Aid Advising and Compliance - 50%

• Counsel students and parents regarding federal, state, institutional and privately funded programs; explain student financial aid policies, procedures and processes; evaluate student situations and requests regarding financial aid awards; advise students on the timely completion of financial aid applications
• Manage assigned financial programs as distributed among office staff
• Assist in scholarship and award process including adjustments and revisions; advise students regarding standards of satisfactory academic progress, address problems and other matters pertaining to continued eligibility; respond to telephone calls, correspondence and email messages
• Assist at special on-campus admissions and financial aid activities
• Provide counseling on budgeting, aggregate loan limits, debt management, bankruptcy and default resolution as it applies to financial aid; offer assistance and provide initial admission, accounting and registration information
• Ensure compliance on federal and state regulations
• Process all forms in accordance with State and Federal regulations and Institutional policies and procedures; complete and maintain required documentation in the student financial aid file

Operations - 30%

• Manage assigned financial programs as distributed among office staff
• Process all forms in accordance with State and Federal regulations and Institutional policies and procedures; complete and maintain required documentation in the student financial aid file
• Primary administrator for Federal Work study program:
• Monitor and verify eligibility requirements for Federal Work study per Department of Education regulations
• Maintain position descriptions and authorize students to work in Federal Work-Study positions
• Develop, communicate, and cross train staff on student employment guidelines and process
• Collaborate with Payroll regarding student eligibility and monitor student biweekly earnings
• Interface with Human Resources Office to process required paperwork to add students to the payroll system
• Set and adjust pay rates and end dates

Reporting and Compliance - 15%

• Ensure compliance on federal and state regulations
• Generate reports and meaningful data as needed

Other Duties - 5%

• Serve on educational or institutional committees as appropriate
• Maintain memberships and active involvement in applicable professional organizations
• Assist at special on-campus admissions and financial aid activities including Orientation
• Other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in related field from an accredited college or university or equivalent work experience
• 4 years of current experience in financial aid, higher education, or similar work
• Experience with the Federal Work Study Program
• Adaptability to and knowledge of ever-changing regulations
• Commitment to the role of financial aid in providing educational access
• Knowledge of all federal and state regulations regarding financial aid
• Prior experience in counseling, information integration
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite including Excel,…