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.

Responsibilities include:

• Providing leadership and direction for all financial aid operations, including federal and state grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study programs.
• Overseeing and performing financial aid processing functions.
• Developing and implementing departmental strategic plans, operational goals, budgets, and assessment measures.
• Directing the daily operations of the Financial Aid Office.
• Developing, implementing, interpreting, and continuously updating financial aid policies and procedures.
• Identifying opportunities for operational improvement and implementing technology-based solutions.
• Managing departmental resources and operating budgets.
• Ensuring compliance with all applicable federal, state, VCCS, and institutional financial aid regulations and policies.
• Serving as the college's primary resource on financial aid regulations.
• Exercising professional judgment in accordance with federal regulations for dependency overrides, special circumstances, and other eligibility determinations.
• Preparing and maintaining documentation required for federal, state, VCCS, and institutional reporting.
• Coordinating responses to audit findings and implementing corrective actions.
• Ensuring accurate awarding, disbursement, reconciliation, and reporting of all financial aid funds.
• Recruiting, supervising, mentoring, and evaluating financial aid staff.
• Ensuring students receive timely, accurate, and accessible information regarding financial aid programs.
• Advising students and families regarding financial aid options and resolving complex eligibility or funding issues.
• Collaborating with Student Affairs, Academic Affairs, the Business Office, the Foundation, and other campus departments to provide coordinated student support services.
• Serving on college leadership teams, governance councils, committees, and special projects as assigned.
• Participating in institutional initiatives that support enrollment management, student success, and strategic planning.
• Maintaining current knowledge of federal and state financial aid regulations, industry best practices, and emerging trends.
• Participating in professional organizations and attending conferences, workshops, and training opportunities to ensure ongoing professional development and institutional compliance.
• Overseeing the SAP program in coordination with the Student Success Center.
• Overseeing the Financial Aid Call Center ensuring high-quality customer service and timely resolution of student inquiries.

Those candidates selected for in-person interviews will likely have to facilitate a presentation as part of the interview process.

Special Assignments
- May be required to perform other duties as assigned. May be required to assist the agency or state government generally in the event of an emergency declaration by the Governor.

KSA's/Required Qualifications
- Master's degree from an accredited institution. Extensive knowledge of federal and state financial aid regulations, compliance requirements, and program administration. Demonstrated experience administering financial aid programs in a higher education environment. Strong leadership, supervisory, organizational, and project management skills. Experience developing policies, implementing process improvements, managing departmental budgets, and utilizing technology to improve operational effectiveness. Excellent written, verbal, analytical, and interpersonal communication skills.

Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and spreadsheet software. Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining a high level of…