Associate Director of Financial Aid and State Programs

Join a vibrant campus community whose excellence is reflected in its diversity and student success. West Chester University of Pennsylvania's Financial Aid Office invites applicants for the position of Associate Director of Financial Aid and State Programs.

West Chester University, a member of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, is a public, comprehensive institution committed to offering high-quality undergraduate education, selected post-baccalaureate and graduate programs, and a variety of educational and cultural resources for its students, alumni, and citizens of southeastern Pennsylvania. We are a community of educators dedicated to developing graduates who succeed personally and professionally and contribute to the common good.

WCU proudly offers a positive and purposeful work environment; comprehensive employee benefits including health, vision, and dental insurance along with many wellness programs; a commitment to work-life balance including generous paid vacation, paid sick time, military leave and paid time off for most major holidays; and a University mission to support employee personal and professional growth including a tuition waiver for self and family members, training and development, and advancement opportunities.

The Financial Aid Office supports the recruitment, retention, and student success efforts of the University's diverse undergraduate and graduate student population by helping students and their influencers seek, obtain, and make the best use of all financial resources.

Reporting to the Deputy Director of Financial Aid, the Associate Director provides leadership and oversight for state aid programs, academic progress appeals, and compliance initiatives. This position administers all programs through Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) and out-of-state grant programs; monitors and ensures compliance with all the laws, rules, regulations, and guidelines; leads the financial aid academic review process; provides financial aid counseling and training; and collaborates with campus partners to provide excellent customer service and support to students and their families.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate excellent customer service, problem-solving, communication, and presentation skills; experience managing grant programs and compliance, collaborating with outside agencies, providing financial aid counseling, and serving diverse student populations; and will value teamwork, collaboration, and continual process improvement.

Responsibilities include:

• Administer all programs through the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA)
• Administer out-of-state grant programs
• Provide oversight for the Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) process policies, appeal process, and staff training
• Collaborate with campus partners to provide excellent customer service and support to students and their families
• Foster a supportive and student-centered service environment
• Provide counseling on the financial aid process to both prospective and current students and parents via email, in-person meetings and phones
• Maintain a thorough understanding of current federal, state, and institutional financial aid regulations
• Interpret and implement federal, state, private, and institutional program regulations and guidelines
• Monitor and ensure compliance with all the laws, rules, regulations, and guidelines for each of the financial aid programs as set forth by the University, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the federal government, and all other private and public funding sources
• Develop and implement policies and procedures to ensure compliance with regulations and guidelines
• Communicate developments, modifications, and trends in aid programs
• Prepare reports and documents for federal, state, university, and other agencies
• Maintain accurate program and student files and records
• Participate in program reviews to ensure program integrity
• Implement and maintain automated processes and regulatory change updates
• Participate in campus events and outreach activities
• Provide financial aid trainings and presentations
• Develop and update aid publications, forms, and applications
• Represent the Financial Aid Office on University committees
• Other duties assigned

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree
• Two years of professional financial aid or related higher education work experience
• Customer service experience
• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office including Outlook, Word, and Excel

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience supporting college students
• Experience training and presenting
• Experience using student information systems including Banner and Campus Logic
• Experience working with PA state grant programs
• Experience collaborating with outside agencies
• Experience processing financial aid