Director of Financial Aid

The University of Olivet was founded in 1844 as an institution of higher education open to all regardless of race, gender, or ability to pay. The University’s faculty and staff continue its tradition of creating and sustaining a welcoming and inclusive educational environment for students and maintaining its commitment to social justice.

The University is one of the most diverse private liberal arts institutions in the state of Michigan and actively seeks diversity in its students, faculty, and staff. The undergraduate student body is a mix of urban and rural students from a range of socioeconomic backgrounds, many of whom are first-generation university attendees. The University’s faculty and staff are committed to providing personalized, individualized attention for students who commit themselves to seeking academic and personal success.

Consistent with this history, members of historically underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Vice President of Enrollment Management, the Director of Financial Aid [Director] provides visionary leadership and strategic direction for the financial aid team, ensuring the delivery of a comprehensive and a student service-oriented financial aid process. This position plays a pivotal role in The University’s enrollment and retention strategies, overseeing the full spectrum of a need-based financial aid program. The Director will lead and train staff in financial aid counseling, conducting thorough needs analysis, determining eligibility, awarding aid, and ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations. registration events, veteran events all with the goal of improving and maintaining retention initiatives.

They will analyze departmental operations and make evaluations to help ensure the department operates efficiently and effectively.

This is a full-time position with occasional overtime required. This position is a “hands on” position and the individual is expected to process student information as necessary to ensure students are served in a timely manner.

Education and Experience

Required: Bachelor's degree with three (3) years of experience in financial aid or other equivalent direct experience, as evaluated by the VP of Enrollment Management.

Preferred: Master's degree with three (3) to five (5) years of financial aid experience.

Compensation

This is a full-time, 12-month, exempt position with a competitive wage and comprehensive benefits package; including generous paid holiday and leave time. Tuition programs available.

Application Process

Review of applications will begin immediately. Click this link to go to the Career Center, select this position title to review the position details. Then click on the “Apply” button to complete a profile and upload a cover letter, resume, and information for three references.

Additional Position details follow.

Responsibilities

1. Develop the vision, mission, guiding principles and strategic plan for Financial Aid that are in alignment with The University's strategic plan and mission.
2. Work to ensure seamless delivery of services and support for students through cooperative, collaborative, and timely efforts with administrators and other University personnel.
3. Recommend and assist with development of and/or revision to policies, and procedures in compliance with federal and state regulations as they relate to specific programs and services for students.
4. Manage staff assigned to various programs and areas within Financial Aid.
5. Participate in selection, training and evaluation of department personnel.
6. Oversee the selection and distribution of institutional and endowed scholarships.
7. Monitor the professional development activities of department personnel.
8. Counsel new and returning students and parents with financial aid eligibility, budgeting, and financial planning for university costs, eligibility determination and personal circumstances.
9. Assist students and families with the completion of Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
10. Provide financial aid presentations at school events and area high schools.
11. Keep abreast of state and federal financial aid regulations.
12. Maintain both operational and student financial aid budgets for The University.
13. Prepare and complete enrollment and financial aid reports for all internal and external constituencies including state and federal entities.
14. Oversee registration including the administration of holds and registration events.
15. Ensure information on The University's website as it pertains to Financial Aid is routinely updated.
16. Prepare documents and software for financial aid awarding season.
17. Oversee and manage the awarding and closing out of federal, state, and institutional aid programs.
18. Work with financial aid staff to complete state and federal verification procedures for selected applicants.
19. Ensure communications with students, parents, staff, faculty, and administrators are timely, effective and aligned with The University's strategic plan.
20. Performs research, statistical analysis, and reporting as requested by the VP of Enrollment Management.
21. Assist the admissions office with recruiting, events, orientations and training.
22. Oversee and work directly to ensure PowerFAIDS (the system of record for student financial aid) is leveraged to the best possible level of automation for the office.
23. Establish and maintain appropriate security access in PowerFAIDS, ELM, Jenzabar, Slate and other related systems for all Financial Aid staff.
24. Working in partnership with the Business Office, ensure all monthly and annual close out financial aid reconciliations are performed in a timely manner and in accordance with all applicable regulations.
25. Serve as liaison between state, federal, internal, external auditors during their performance of required financial aid audits and reviews.

Accountabilities

1. Manages the Financial Aid staff.
2. Manages Federal Title IV and State of Michigan Financial Aid Programs.
3. Maintains relationships with professional financial aid organizations.
4. Maintains program of compliance for all financial aid related state, federal, or NCAA and MIAA Conference monitored programs.
5. Provides regular reporting and analysis to The University as requested and required by the VP of Enrollment Management
6. Manages the development and disbursement of printed information regarding student financial aid, registration and student accounts.
7. Monitors student accounts for against registration.
8. Ensures Veteran Benefits are applied in a timely manner.
9. Manages the operational budget for Financial Aid.
10. Ensures financial aid awarding for new and current students is completed timely.
11. Advises The University Administration on the impact of changes in financial aid policies.
12. Performs duties in a diverse, challenging and stressful environment.