Job Summary

Under the direct supervision of the Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Experience (VPEMSE), the Director of Financial Aid oversees the administration of Federal, State, institutional, and private financial aid programs. This role requires a highly collaborative leader to set the vision for the department while facilitating the planning, development, implementation, assessment, reporting, and compliance activities of the college’s financial aid programs.

The position is responsible for the oversight and coordination of financial aid policy and strategy in support of enrollment and broader college goals. The Director provides additional support for unit-wide report generation and data management.

Job Duties (but not limited to):

• Provides strategic leadership to the financial aid office team to effectively serve prospective and current students and families with a high level of customer service in a collaborative, cost-efficient, and fully compliant environment.
• Demonstrates leadership and vision in using available technology solutions (Jenzabar JFA, J1 and Infomaker, etc.), and evaluates emerging technologies to improve daily operations, fully comply with relevant state and federal regulations, and continuously improve service to constituents.
• Oversees all financial aid functions and awarding of federal, state, and institutional financial aid funds.
• Collects and analyzes primary and secondary data related to financial aid to ensure maximum utilization of financial aid resources to promote enrollment and retention.
• Collaborates with the VPEMSE and colleagues in Advancement and Admissions to effectively utilize restricted and unrestricted endowed funds in to maximize enrollment and net tuition revenue.
• In partnership with the VPEMSE and the Director of Admissions, develops an awarding strategy that leverages the use of institutional financial aid and effective communication strategies for prospective students and parents, incorporating financial aid as a critical component of the yield and retention efforts of the college.
• Launches and implements new financial aid programs as directed by the VPEMSE.
• Maintains accountability for internal and external audits related to financial aid programs.
• Develops policies and procedures that comply with federal and state  financial aid program regulations
• Submits and updates institutional Program Participation Agreements.

• Supervises, promotes and develops financial aid staff
• Maintains a thorough knowledge of federal and state regulations.
• Manages, reports, and reconciles financial aid expenditures to applicable agencies.
• Devises financial aid packages for current and prospective students.
• Submits required annual reports (FISAP, NCAA, IPEDS, etc.).
• Compiles financial aid statistics for Common Data Set, Fact Book, U.S. News and World Report, etc.
• Completes R2T4 refund calculation.
• Completes HOPE Scholarship evaluations.
• Assesses and completes request for professional judgment.
• Reviews financial aid eligibility and satisfactory academic progress standards.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree is required, an advanced degree is preferred. A minimum of three (3) years of progressive experience in financial aid administration, experience in private higher education is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Experience with Jenzabar and JFA is desired. Some evening and weekend hours are required leading up to the beginning of the academic year and during special enrollment events.  

This position requires excellent analytical and problem-solving skills to develop cross-functional systems and develop cross-functional work teams. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with a wide variety of people in one-on-one and group settings. Demonstrated analytical skills and an ability to interpret, adapt, develop and apply guidelines and procedures.

Effective organizational skills are required, along with the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, team-oriented, and goal-centered environment. Must work with discretion in handling highly sensitive and confidential information.

Professional demeanor with the ability to interface with internal and external customers and staff with diplomacy and tact is essential. The incumbent must be able to delegate effectively. This position requires outstanding leadership and organizational skills.

LaGrange College is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected status.