"Associate Director Student Financial Aid Operations (Financial Services Transformation)"

The Associate Director of Student Financial Services Transformation Is a strategic and technical leader responsible for advancing student financial assistance operations at the Community College of Rhode Island. This role serves as a connector across the department's service functions, One-Stop, IT, and others, a systems strategist, and a problem-solver focused on equity, access, and student success. The Associate Director will lead the Implementation and optimization of key Initiatives, including the Workforce Pell Act, Project ClearPay, Project Connect, and Achieving the Dream, while supporting the transition to a new Financial Services Service Model.

*This job may be open to CCRI's work from home policy which allows 1-2 days remote per week subject to manager approval and successful onboarding.*

Work Schedule:
Some days, evenings, and weekends required. Frequent travel to each campus.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Commitment to CCRl's Mission:

• Demonstrate a commitment to the philosophy and mission of a comprehensive community college
• Work collaboratively in a diverse, inclusive and student-centered environment, with students of various learning styles, cultures, Identities, and life-experiences
• Work collaboratively with others and provide quality customer service in a diverse and inclusive environment

Strategic Leadership & Innovation

• Lead the design and execution of financial aid strategies aligned with institutional goals and student success Initiatives.
• Serve as a thought partner In the Implementation of the Workforce Pell Act and other federal and state funding innovations.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support Project ClearPay and Project Connect, ensuring seamless Integration with financial aid systems and student services.

Operational Excellence & Compliance

• Oversee the dally operations of financial aid processing, Including Pell Grants, Direct Loans, and state aid programs.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations, Including Return to Title IV (R2T4) and Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP).
• Manage reconciliation processes with COD and internal financial systems.

Systems & Data Strategy

• Serve as the technical lead for financial aid systems, including Ellucian/Banner, and EDconnect.
• Partner with IT and institutional research to develop data-informed solutions, dashboards, and predictive models that support financial aid optimization.
• Lead testing, Implementation, and enhancement of system upgrades and patches.

Student-Centered Service Model

• Support the transition to a Financial Services Service Model that Integrates financial aid, bursar, and One-stop functions.
• Support the financial literacy and FAFSA completion initiatives, including the FAFSA Ambassador Program.
• Provide high-touch support to students navigating complex financial aid scenarios.

Collaboration & Capacity Building

• Act as a liaison with One-Stop, Controller's Office, and external partners.
• Train and mentor staff on systems, compliance, and student engagement strategies.
• Contribute to the development of policies and procedures that promote equity, efficiency, and innovation.

Other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience In financial aid operations and systems.
• Demonstrated experience with student information systems and federal aid platforms.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Commitment to equity, access, and student success.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree
• Experience implementing large-scale financial aid initiatives or service model transformations.
• Familiarity with Achieving the Dream or similar student success frameworks