Associate Director of Financial Aid

SUMMARY

York County Community College (YCCC), a dynamic and student-centered institution with a proud 30-year history of transforming lives and communities throughout York County, Maine, is seeking a knowledgeable, student-focused, and detail-oriented professional to serve as Associate Director of Financial Aid.

Reporting to the Director of Financial Aid, the Associate Director of Financial Aid plays a critical role in supporting student access and success through the administration of federal, state, institutional, and other financial aid programs. This position is responsible for assisting in the continual development, implementation, coordination, and monitoring of financial aid policies, procedures, and compliance practices to ensure accurate and equitable delivery of aid to students.

The Associate Director of Financial Aid will review and determine student eligibility for financial aid programs, administer and certify federal student loans, coordinate Federal Work Study and Veterans Affairs educational benefits, and provide financial aid counseling to students and families. The successful candidate will also assist in maintaining compliance with highly complex and continually evolving federal and state financial aid regulations while utilizing multiple student information and federal processing systems.

This position requires a high level of professionalism, attention to detail, sound judgment, and the ability to interpret and apply federal regulations in a fast-paced environment. The Associate Director will serve as a key resource to students, families, faculty, staff, auditors, and external agencies while helping ensure the integrity and compliance of the College's Title IV financial aid programs.

At YCCC, our mission is to develop an educated, skilled, and adaptable workforce that fuels socioeconomic mobility and supports the economic vitality of our communities. We believe every form of learning has value, and we recognize every learner as a student - whether participating in credit or non-credit programs. The Associate Director of Financial Aid will help advance this mission by expanding access to higher education, supporting students through the financial aid process, and serving as a key ambassador for YCCC's Mission, Vision, and Purpose (our MVP) and One College approach. This position will help foster a culture of positivity, collaboration, and service excellence, ensuring every student experience is welcoming, personalized, and impactful.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Review and determine student eligibility for Federal Title IV, State of Maine, institutional, and MCCS financial aid programs consistent with federal, state, and institutional regulations.
• Primarily administer and certify Federal Direct Loans, Federal Work Study, institutional scholarships, and Veterans Affairs educational benefits programs.
• Verify and correct Institutional Student Information Records (ISIRs) and communicate with students regarding required documentation and eligibility issues.
• Manage and reconcile financial aid processing functions utilizing federal and institutional software systems including Anthology Student, COD, NSLDS, FSA Access, VA-ONCE, and related systems.
• Perform daily and weekly secure file transmissions and resolve discrepancies associated with financial aid processing and reporting.
• Counsel students and families regarding financial aid eligibility, borrowing, budgeting, loan repayment obligations, and educational financing options.
• Assist in managing the Federal Work Study program, including eligibility review, placement coordination, monitoring student earnings, and reconciliation of records.
• Administer Veterans Affairs educational benefits programs and maintain compliance with all applicable VA regulations and reporting requirements.
• Assist with financial aid presentations, workshops, outreach activities, and student events both on and off campus.
• Remain current on federal, state, institutional, and MCCS financial aid regulations and participate in ongoing professional development and compliance training opportunities.
• Assist in the coordination, training, and oversight of support staff and student employees as assigned.
• Support audits, program reviews, reporting requirements, and other compliance-related activities.
• Serve in support of the Director of Financial Aid and assist with departmental leadership responsibilities as needed.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in business, finance, education, or a related field from an accredited college or university; and
• Three (3) years of experience in post-secondary financial aid, student accounts, or a related field.
• Directly related professional experience may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master's degree in business, finance, education, or a related field.
• Experience utilizing Anthology Student or other financial aid management systems.
• Experience administering Federal Title IV programs and/or Veterans Affairs educational benefits.

OTHER KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of federal and state financial aid regulations and compliance requirements.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to interpret and apply complex regulations and policies.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively with students, families, faculty, staff, and external agencies.
• Experience working with computerized student information and financial aid systems.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive student information in accordance with FERPA requirements.