Director of Financial Aid

Primary Purpose / Scope

The Director of Financial Aid will provide overall leadership for the financial aid services to prospective and enrolled students of the University. He or she will be directly responsible for providing leadership and support to all Student Financial Aid operations of the University.

• Serve as the chief financial aid officer of the University.
• Oversee federal and state financial aid programs, direct the administration of Title IV programs, ensure compliance with federal, state, and local legislated requirements, and provide oversight and direction of the disbursement of financial resources in a manner consistent with the University mission.
• Enhance and cultivate an environment that promotes excellence in student service in the eyes of prospective students, parents, contributors, the news media, the higher education community, and the general public.
• Assess on a regular basis the department’s progress in achieving its strategic priorities and objectives and use assessment results to effect improvements.
• Supervise all financial aid personnel for the University.
• Ensure that all financial aid activities are managed effectively.
• Support the online and traditional admissions operations of the University and work with the Admissions team in developing and implementing an effective financial aid packaging plan for the University.
• Administer the financial aid policies of the institution.
• Collect and analyze financial aid data.
• Administer financial aid data reporting, both internal and external, and work with other university professionals in completing this reporting.
• Coordinate the Stafford Loan program—including lender list, participation, electronic processing, online application and counseling resources—and meet with lenders to coordinate.
• Oversee the Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant program, including applications, categories, resolution of status issues, and reject/hold letters.
• Ensure excellent service to students and promote awareness and understanding of the financial aid process among students, their families, faculty, staff, and members of the extended community.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive financial aid packaging plan that addresses strategies for diverse constituencies from high school graduates to working adults.
• Exercise creative leadership in the development of a collaborative process that effectively integrates all components of the adult and traditional financial aid processes with admissions processes of the University.
• Direct a progressive operation in a harmonious office environment with proven quality assurance and a demonstrated success in implementing new systems within a higher education environment.
• Communicate the University’s mission with external audiences, including prospective students, parents, high school and university counselors, alumni, faculty, and colleagues.
• Set a professional example by collaborating with all departments of the University for the successful service to students.
• Interpret University policies to employees and enforce safety regulations.
• Comply with all rules, policies, and procedures as established by Bluefield University.
• Coordinate financial aid publications and other promotional materials in collaboration with the Enrollment Management Office.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

This position directly supervises employees in the Financial Aid Office. Supervisory responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints; and resolving problems, in accordance with the University’s policies and applicable laws.

• Faith and commitment to Jesus Christ.
• A commitment to the University’s Mission.
• Bachelor’s degree required, Master’s preferred.
• Working knowledge of keyboarding and software applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Excellent communication skills—by phone, in writing, and in person.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work…