Director of Financial Aid

South Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC) seeks a highly motivated and qualified individual to serve as the Director of Financial Aid.  

The Director of Financial Aid reports to the Dean of Student Financial Services. The Director is responsible for the management of systems and operations for all electronic processing of applications for federal, state, and institutional programs related to financial aid services. The Director exercises discretion and independent judgment in interpreting and overseeing federal and state financial aid policies, ensuring successful compliance and participation in all Title IV federal programs, as well as state and institutional financial aid programs.

The primary purpose of the Director of Financial Aid is to continually evaluate and improve financial aid systems and operations for compliance, maximum technological efficiency, and overall effective customer service to both internal and external constituents. Additionally, this position significantly supports the Dean of Student Financial Services in managing, training, and providing professional development for all staff within the unit. It offers overall leadership, guidance, and regulatory oversight in the administration of financial aid programs to students, staff, and institutional partners.

Funds Management and Programmatic Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day operations with the financial aid office while advancing strategies that improve internal financial aid processes and procedures and ensure the highest standard of service to students;
• Build and maintain systems that facilitate student access to funds and ensure the consistent delivery of services and improvements to impact the student experience positively.
• Monitor and oversee the administration of federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs in accordance with established federal, state, and institutional guidelines and regulations. Including developing annual awarding targets and independently monitoring funds to ensure year-end expenditures are within annual allocations; 
• Serve as the Primary Destination Point Administrator (DPA) for the college. Ensure access to federal financial aid systems for staff and update the information accordingly. Ensure that all correspondence and federal/state requirements and deadlines are met in a timely manner;
• Serve as a liaison between Student Financial Services and the Business Office, supporting student account management, billing, disbursement, and reconciliation for all financial aid programs. Coordinate and communicate fiscal procedures and assist with developing and conducting internal controls, risk assessments, and federal, state, or other audit preparations.   
• Develop and monitor streamlined processes, and development of financial aid policy and procedure manuals and operational calendars, to support the scope of work and ensure effective daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual services and goals are met. 
• Assess, monitor, and disseminate workload and scheduling information for financial aid staff. Plan, analyze, and evaluate programs and services, operational needs, and fiscal constraints. Ensure that staff adhere to regulations for awarding and serve as a resource for troubleshooting and resolving complex issues;
• Exercise professional judgment and guide financial aid staff in utilizing professional judgment to make financial aid decisions, including but not limited to special circumstances, appeals, and dependency overrides; 
• Ensure programmatic eligibility for Title IV financial aid programs, including the evaluation of new programs and the update of existing programs within the Application to Participate in Federal Student Aid Programs (ECAR) to remain eligible for Title IV funding.

• Ensure the timely completion of federal, state, and institutional reporting requirements, including FISAP, Unit Record, Interim reports, and other regulatory requirements. 
• Coordinate with the Student Services division's department managers and staff to identify needs, communicate changes, and facilitate testing and training for system implementations and upgrades. Help develop and support Financial Aid Training plans to support SPSCC Navigators and outreach programs.
• Partner with IT to conduct research, identify, implement, and test new software releases. 
• Collaborate with financial aid staff to facilitate new software trainings, ensure the completion of any necessary setups, resolve technical issues, schedule jobs, and implement controls to maximize the efficiency of financial aid systems. 
• Partner closely with IT and the State Board to develop and ensure proper and efficient system functionality within PeopleSoft (CtcLink), including identifying and escalating issues for resolution as required. Assist IT in the identification and development of PS Queries when needed. 
• Ensure accurate, compliant, and timely development and dissemination of all digitally produced student financial aid communications, including but not limited to SAP, financial aid overpayments, financial aid awards, and student loan and consumer information.

• Supervision and evaluation of all Financial Aid employees and staff, providing mentorship, leadership, and guidance, working with HR to resolve issues of conduct or insubordination, elevating emergent staff needs or issues to the Dean, and advocating for staff concerns whenever necessary. Engage in and encourage the growth and development of all financial aid staff, including ensuring regularly scheduled 1:1s, and that opportunities for professional development, both for self and for all staff, are regularly communicated.
• Ensure that developed policies, guidelines, and procedures are in regulatory compliance with federal, state, and institutional programs, and that adherence to compliance requirements is maintained across campus. 
• Develop workflows and delegate tasks to staff to ensure essential deadlines and timelines are met. Consistently evaluate and align policy and guidelines with institutional goals, ensuring responsiveness to student needs within the process. 
• Serve as a resource to assist staff with complex situations and questions. Think critically to find comprehensive solutions that stay within regulatory guidelines and, to the extent possible, support student goals. Ensure FERPA disclosure policies are followed by all FA employees.  
• Maintain an active presence across campus, ensuring financial aid is appropriately represented in all areas and aspects of the college. Represent the office in various activities, including conferences, state-wide meetings, with governmental agencies, and the statewide CTC/FA community, including attending meetings and providing input on SPSCC’s behalf; 
• Assume responsibility for Student Financial Services in the absence of the Dean.

Required Education, Experience, and Competencies:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher and three (3) years of experience in Financial Aid administration;

• Experience or demonstrated competency with problem-solving and interpreting complex rules and regulations.
• Strong computer skills, with the ability to navigate multiple systems and applications. 
• One (1) year of supervisory experience; 
• Must not be in default on a federal student loan through the Direct Loan program.

• Knowledge of federal, state, and local rules and regulations regarding student services, including FERPA and Title IV and Title IX, ability to successfully interpret and implement regulations and guidelines;
• Negotiate priorities according to campus needs while considering rules and process requirements in decision-making. 

To Apply

Applications must be completed online and include the following attachments:

1. Cover letter addressed to the Screening Committee, highlighting your ability to perform the responsibilities and competencies described in the job posting.
2. Current resume/CV showing all educational and professional experience, which demonstrates how you meet the minimum and any preferred qualifications.
3. Copies of unofficial transcripts from institutions of higher education.