Director - Financial Aid

About Us

Savannah State University established in 1890, is the first public historically black college or university in the state of Georgia and the first institution of higher learning in the city of Savannah. The university's students select majors from five colleges:

* Business Administration

* Education

* Engineering and Computing

* Media, Arts, and Communication

* Science and Humanities

The campus is by far the most picturesque in the state of Georgia. The moss-laden sweeping oak trees, expansive marsh and historic architecture create a resplendent yet tranquil atmosphere. Beneath the beauty and splendor is a vibrant residential campus bursting at the seams with the vim and vigor of quality collegiate life: relevant academic majors, engaging lectures, cutting-edge research, quality student-faculty engagement and a nurturing environment.

Job Summary

The Director of Financial Aid coordinates, implements, and administers student financial aid programs and collaborates with appropriate campus partners as necessary. The incumbent implements and administers University System of Georgia, institutional, federal and National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) rules and regulations governing student Financial Aid. The Director is responsible for the management of Financial Aid application processing and communications. The incumbent establishes and re-engineers the delivery of Financial Aid services in accordance with policies and best practices.

NOTE:

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required eligibility verification form upon hire. This position does not offer sponsorship for employment visas.

Responsibilities

* Supervise and evaluate departmental staff.

* Plan and implement strategic and operational initiatives for the Office of Financial Aid while collaborating with campus partners in Academic Affairs, Enrollment Management, and other university departments to ensure efficient service delivery to all students.

* Design process flows to ensure timely completion of all tasks assigned to the office.

* Allocate funding within the Banner system to ensure accurate financial aid awards and packages.

* Oversee reconciliation to ensure student information system data is consistent with funding systems.

* Manage financial assistance programs to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations.

* Oversee Financial Aid Office operations including applications processing and communications.

* Oversee financial aid counseling, needs analysis, forms completion, and all other financial aid related processing activities

* Oversee the processing of grants, loans, and employment funds for new and continuing students.

* Monitor the annual operating budget for the Financial Aid Office.

* Coordinate the annual review and updates to prepare for verification processing and aid delivery for each academic year.

* Maintain accurate records of awards, adjustments, appeals, etc. in accordance with state and federal regulations.

* Provide training and support to assigned staff, ensuring compliance with relevant regulatory requirements.

* Develop and execute strategic financial aid plans, aligning with enrollment and retention goals.

* Ensure regulatory compliance and audit readiness, maintaining accurate documentation and implementing corrective actions.

* Assist in the coordination of the Institution's responses to any/all internal and external audits related to student financial aid.

* Assist in other areas of Enrollment Management as required and work collaboratively with the others.

* Comply with USG, institutional, state, and federal policies and procedures for the administration of student financial aid programs.

* Provide responsive and high-quality customer service to all clients: students, community, faculty, and staff.

* May be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically delineated in this description.

Required Qualifications

* Bachelor's degree required.

* Ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in a financial aid office.

* Thorough knowledge of federal and state student financial programs and regulations.

* Three to five (3-5) years of experience supervising professional staff members.

* Experience working with an integrated student information system.

* Financial Aid experience in a comprehensive institution with undergraduate and graduate level students.

* Experience working with Banner student information system.

* Experience with electronic communications and marketing financial aid programs.

Preferred Qualifications

* Master's degree

* Experience with Financial Aid operations in a public higher education environment.

Proposed Salary

The proposed salary range is $88,000.00 - $95,000.00 annually.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

* Knowledge of federal and state financial aid regulations and compliance requirements.

* Knowledge of institutional aid policies and scholarship administration, including packaging…