"Assistant Director of Financial Aid: Special Programs, Financial Aid"

The Assistant Director of Financial Aid for Special Programs is tasked with the comprehensive management, administration, and coordination of all Tennessee State Aid and Special Programs at Lipscomb University. This includes overseeing programs such as TN HOPE, TSAA Grants, TN Promise, TN Step Up, Dual Enrollment Grants (DEG), Minority Teachers and TN Future Teacher Scholarships, Helping Heroes, Ned McWherter Scholars, Foster Child, Dependent Children, and TN HOPE-Non Traditional Students. Additionally, the role involves managing institutional aid, including IDEAL scholarships, online discounts (for online programs only), certain Special Scholarship Awards (SPA), and Lipscomb's LIFE Program.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the undergraduate admission team to coordinate and process DEG payments for eligible student participants.
• Manage monthly and year-end TN state aid reconciliation processes with the Business Office to ensure payment accuracy, returns, and adjustments.
• Resolve and troubleshoot potential issues related to student eligibility for state financial aid programs.
• Coordinate financial aid processes with the IDEAL (Igniting a Dream of Education and Access at Lipscomb) administrative staff, which provides an inclusive college experience for students with documented intellectual disabilities as outlined by HEA.
• Work closely with the Director of Financial Aid to develop and implement timelines for state aid program processing periods, including verifying Course Program of Study and reviewing student eligibility for aid programs. Address and resolve issues related to potential programs prior to disbursements and during year-end closing.
• Maintain a strong customer service orientation and attention to detail, with excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Stay informed about changes in regulations and new programs, reporting to the Director of Financial Aid to determine necessary implementation processes and guideline updates.
• Conduct training sessions as needed for aid programs when significant changes occur that enhance the program and the populations served.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Financial Aid.

Desired Experience

1-2 years of direct experience with at least one state financial aid program (2 years or more preferred). Knowledge of TSAC Policy and Procedures for State Aid programs is essential, including a general working knowledge of various programs. The candidate should be customer service-oriented, willing to learn, and able to identify new guidelines affecting these programs and determine appropriate responses. Effective communication skills, both verbal and written, are required.

Systems

Proficiency in Anthology Student, FAST via Tennessee Student Assistance Commission, Microsoft Office 365, and Google Suite.