Director of Financial Aid Services

Director of Financial Aid Services

Nestled in the heart of the picturesque Shenandoah Valley, Blue Ridge Community College (BRCC) is committed to accelerating opportunities through the power of education. Our success is rooted in a shared dedication to excellence, ethical behavior, empowerment, and a culture of care. BRCC has been consistently recognized by the Chronicle of Higher Education as a Great College to Work For, reflecting our supportive, inclusive, and mission driven workplace.

By joining BRCC, you become part of a community focused on equipping students, alumni, and employees with the knowledge and experience needed to transform themselves, our community, and the world. If you are passionate about education and inspired by meaningful work, BRCC offers a place where your talents and values can thrive.

The Director of Financial Aid Services provides strategic leadership and administrative oversight for the college's comprehensive financial aid programs, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations while supporting the college's mission of providing equitable access to higher education. Reporting to the Vice President of Finance and Administration, the Director oversees the daily operations of the Financial Aid Office, develops strategic initiatives, manages departmental resources, supervises staff, and serves as the institution's primary authority on financial aid administration.

The Director develops departmental goals, budgets, policies, and assessment plans that align with the college's strategic priorities and student success initiatives. The position collaborates extensively with internal and external stakeholders to ensure efficient, transparent, and student-centered financial aid services.

Responsibilities include:

• Provide leadership and direction for all financial aid operations, including federal and state grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study programs.
• Oversee and perform financial aid processing functions which may include (but are not limited to) Return to Title IV, financial aid awarding and disbursement, enrollment-related adjustments to aid, federal funds reconciliation, and other system-driven financial aid setups and events.
• Develop and implement departmental strategic plans, operational goals, budgets, and assessment measures that support institutional priorities.
• Direct the daily operations of the Financial Aid Office, ensuring efficient, accurate, and student-focused service delivery.
• Develop, implement, interpret, and continuously update financial aid policies and procedures to ensure compliance with changing regulations and best practices.
• Identify opportunities for operational improvement and implement technology-based solutions to improve efficiency and enhance the student experience.
• Manage departmental resources and operating budgets, ensuring responsible fiscal stewardship.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, VCCS, and institutional financial aid regulations and policies.
• Serve as the college's primary resource on financial aid regulations and communicate regulatory changes to appropriate campus constituents through presentations and professional development training.
• Exercise professional judgment in accordance with federal regulations for dependency overrides, special circumstances, and other eligibility determinations.
• Prepare and maintain documentation required for federal, state, VCCS, and institutional reporting, including audits, program reviews, recertification activities, and other required submissions.
• Coordinate responses to audit findings and implement corrective actions as necessary.
• Ensure accurate awarding, disbursement, reconciliation, and reporting of all financial aid funds.
• Recruit, supervise, mentor, and evaluate financial aid staff, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, professional growth, and exceptional customer service.
• Ensure students receive timely, accurate, and accessible information regarding financial aid programs, eligibility requirements, application processes, and funding opportunities.
• Advise students and families regarding financial aid options and resolve complex…