Description
The Associate Director of Financial Aid assists in the administration and oversight of financial aid programs and operations to ensure compliance with federal, state, institutional, and university regulations. This position provides counseling and support to prospective and current students and families regarding financial assistance programs and serves as a key resource within the Office of Financial Aid.
Responsibilities include assisting with the administration of federal, state, institutional, and departmental financial aid programs; overseeing the batch awarding process; managing weekly aid disbursements; coordinating the SAIG import and data load process; and overseeing the administration and reconciliation of ECSU Foundation Scholarship programs.
The Associate Director serves as a subject-matter expert on financial aid compliance and is responsible for remaining current on regulatory and policy changes affecting financial aid administration. The position assists with the development and maintenance of policies and procedures, supports records retention efforts, participates in professional development activities, and helps ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and institutional requirements.
The position represents the Office of Financial Aid at recruitment and outreach events, including Open Houses, Financial Aid Awareness programs, FAFSA workshops, and other university-sponsored events. Responsibilities also include coordinating approved updates to the financial aid website and supporting outreach initiatives designed to promote student access and success.
The Associate Director provides leadership, guidance, and training to financial aid staff. Responsibilities include assisting with staff development, providing on-the-job training, monitoring compliance with FERPA requirements, and ensuring employees receive appropriate training. The position serves as a supervisory lead and provides direction to staff in the absence of the Director of Financial Aid.
The position performs reconciliation and audit-related functions, including preparing monthly reconciliations for the Federal Pell Grant and Direct Loan programs, assisting with audit requests, preparing reconciliation and compliance documentation, supporting Return of Title IV and state grant fund return processes, and assisting with the development and implementation of internal audit schedules and quality control reviews.
The Associate Director also supports the technical administration of financial aid systems and processes. Responsibilities include assisting with Banner upgrades and patch testing, maintaining financial aid processing rules, supporting annual aid year setup activities, reviewing system configurations for regulatory compliance, coordinating with Information Technology on software updates and system enhancements, and providing troubleshooting assistance to financial aid staff regarding system and processing issues.
This position performs other duties as assigned and serves as an essential member of the Office of Financial Aid leadership team in support of the university's mission and student success goals.
Requirements
Bachelor’s degree required, Master’s degree preferred. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions. Extensive knowledge of Banner is required.
Possess the ability to work in a fast paced, fluid environment that is subject to change often due to regulatory guidance from various sources.
Possess an in-depth knowledge of software programs utilized (Ellucian Banner, COD, NSLDS, EdConnect, WinSCP), Microsoft Office Suites, and others as they arise.
Possess the ability to work independently with limited oversight.
Possess effective oral, written, and interpersonal skills consistent with establishing and maintaining optimal working relationships with campus constituents, external stakeholders, and federal/state agencies.
Possess the ability to process and assign tasks and programs in compliance with applicable regulations/guidelines.
