Assistant Director of Financial Aid & Veteran Services

The Assistant Director of Financial Aid & Veteran Services supports the compliant administration of financial aid programs through leadership in quality assurance, staff training and policy development. This role oversees key processes, collaborates with campus and external partners and assists with office operations to ensure accurate, consistent and student-centered service.

1. Maintain expert knowledge of federal and state student aid programs, including eligibility, processes, and regulatory requirements, and proactively monitor changes in legislation to develop and deliver training and guidance to staff and campus stakeholders.

2. Lead the implementation and execution of a comprehensive quality control program for all major financial aid processes; identify trends and areas for improvement; and develop and provide targeted training and guidance to staff to ensure accuracy, consistency, and regulatory compliance.

3. Oversee the development and maintenance of Cost of Attendance (COA) budgets and manage the timely identification and resolution of over awards, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations.

4. Continuously assess, update and document departmental policies and procedures under direction of the Director of Financial Aid.

5. Collaborate with the Financial Aid Accountant to monitor and resolve outstanding financial aid transactions, including uncashed checks, and support the administration and reconciliation of state financial aid programs in compliance with applicable regulations.

6. Manage the oversight of cross-functional regulations, including, but not limited to Consumer Information, Gainful Employment, and Workforce PELL.

7. Assess academic programs, both proposing and existing, for compliance with federal student aid regulations amidst evolving standards to ensure alignment of program structure and workforce readiness. Serve on Curriculum Committee and manage E-Application updates.

8. Represent the college as the alternate representative to the United States Department of Education, the Illinois Student Assistance Commission, the United States Department of Veterans' Affairs, the Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs and other related financial aid funding agencies.

9. Lead the onboarding and training of new financial aid staff; provide continuous mentorship, guidance, and support; and foster staff development to ensure high performance and compliance with regulatory requirements.

10. Administer and supervise the operations of the Financial Aid & Veterans Services Office in the absence of the Director of Financial Aid.

11. Provide counsel and professional assistance to students as needed.

12. Research and professionally answer escalated questions from students, families or staff in an accurate and timely manner.

13. Maintain relationships with other college offices to coordinate technical activities, software enhancements, program eligibility, registration and billing processes.

14. Serve as a backup School Certifying Official (SCO) for Veterans Affairs (VA) education benefits, ensuring timely and accurate certification of student enrollment, maintenance of compliance with VA regulations, and appropriate communication with students and the VA as needed.

15. Serve on college committees or task forces as needed.

16. Participate in training, conferences, associations and professional development.

17. Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Financial Aid & Veteran Services.

Education: Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Business, Public Administration or College Student Affairs required. Master's degree and NASFAA certifications preferred.
Experience: 3 years of Financial Aid experience required.

Knowledge: Knowledge of community college environment, financial aid guidelines and regulations.. Principles of leadership and development in a student/ customer service environment preferred.

Skills: Strong student/customer relationship management and personnel management skills; teamwork; planning and organization; attention to detail; analysis and critical thinking; problem solving; developing recommendations through analysis of data trends; interpretation and implementation of detailed guidelines and federal regulations; written communication; and oral presentation.

Personal: Cultural consciousness and support for all students/customers; commitment to the community college philosophy and promoting student access and success through helping students pay for college with financial aid resources.

Physical: Work in a fast-paced environment; visually and manually access computer
screens and electronic student records in a software package used by the
college; manually input data; lift and transport 50lbs; travel throughout college district, state and nation.