Director of Financial Aid & Scholarships
Coastal Carolina University invites applications for the Director of Financial Aid and Scholarships position. Under the general supervision of the Associate Provost for Enrollment Management, this position will provide overall management and the strong leadership necessary for the effective administration of the University’s financial aid programs including, but not limited to, financial aid processing and disbursement, financial counseling, and reporting and auditing. The Director assumes full responsibility for all of the financial aid programs of the University, including the development and implementation of its financial aid policies and procedures, processes for demonstrating compliance with all federal, state, and institutional regulations applicable to financial aid, and will demonstrate advanced knowledge of the operating characteristics and features of federal, state, and internal computer software used for financial aid and student information.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to: Providing direct leadership and supervision of the financial aid operations, client services, and compliance units to ensure staff provide the highest levels of customer service to constituents. Developing a strategic financial aid awarding strategy that makes efficient use of institutional aid to maximize net tuition revenue and utilizes other aid programs (federal, state, etc.) as required. Managing the distribution of all Title IV federal funds, as well as state, institutional, and external fund sources. Maintaining current and comprehensive knowledge of federal and state financial aid regulations: ensures compliance, appropriate reporting and record keeping, and responds to audits. Completing federal, state, and institutional reports, including applications for federal funding and reports of the expenditures of funds allocated, such as the FISAP, in a timely and accurate manner. Designing communication strategies to reach a diverse population of students with varying levels of understanding of financial aid principles and procedures. Ensuring that the department reflect student-oriented philosophy which focuses on a culture of continuous improvement and service to students.
Qualifications include: Master’s degree is required. Seven years of extensive progressively responsible experience in a university financial aid office with at least three years of experience at the associate or director level is required. Qualified candidates must be able to: read, comprehend, and assimilate detailed information, including federal/state regulations and NCAA regulations; effectively represent the institution in diverse settings and with diverse audiences; openly support a team environment and a learning environment; maintain strict confidentiality, effectively resolve conflicts, and work effectively and efficiently with staff, students, faculty, administration, and other stakeholders; communicate effectively both orally and in writing; have the ability to operate an integrated student information system and a paperless work environment; must be able to communicate effectively with clients; and must serve as an advocate for student access to higher education. Experience managing large-scale Title IV programs at a medium to large-sized institution and experience at an NCAA Division I institution are preferred. Direct experience with financial aid audits, to include federal-level reviews is preferred. Experience with developing and implementing need-based aid programs is preferred.