SUMMARY:
The Director of Financial Aid serves as campus-level administrator for the Department of Student Financial Aid and administers a student financial aid program consisting of federal, state, local, and private funds.
Duties and Responsibilities:
· Directs overall operations of the student financial aid program which provides financial assistance to students.
· Designs, establishes and maintains an organizational structure and staffing to effectively accomplish the organizations goals and objectives.
· Recruits, employs, trains, supervises, and evaluates department staff.
· Oversees collaboration between department and Business Office to ensure reconciliation of awards to draw downs and invoicing.
· Develops and recommends policies for Financial Aid which support goals and policies of the institution and ensures compliance with federal and state regulations.
· Participates in university policy-making task forces which establish tuition policy and pricing determinations and considers other student financial matters.
· Provides information and reports regarding financial aid to management and funding agencies.
· Represents the university to various institutional divisions as well as government agencies, funding agencies, students and their parents, and/or the general public.
· Develops and manages annual budgets for the organization and performs periodic cost and productivity analysis.
· Provides direction in the purchase and development of the department’s hardware and software needs for processing all aspect of student applications.
· Complies, verifies data, and submits reports to include FISAP, NMDEAR, and IPEDS.
· Performs other duties as assigned.
QualificationsMinimum Requirements:
· Education: Bachelor’s degree in any field
· Experience: Four (4) years of experience directly related to the duties above.
o Preference: Master’s degree and proficient in Ellucian Banner, Microsoft Word and Excel.
Employment Requirements:
· Must be willing to work weekends, evenings, and odd hours as required.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
· Ability to analyze and solve problems.
· Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
· Ability to present oneself with a professional presence and demeanor.
· Ability to maintain confidential information and inquiries with discretion.
· Ability to display a keen attention to detail.
· Ability to display a strong working knowledge in Excel, Word, and other basis computer functions.
· Ability to maintain exceptional customer service and people skills.
· Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with faculty, students, and staff.
· Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and with administration, students, organizations, and the general public.
· Ability to supervise lower-level staff.
Physical Demands:
· Repetitive hand motions and prolonged use of computer.
· Must occasionally lift and/or move up to forty (40) pounds.
· Sitting for extended periods of time.
· Kneel, bend, reach, and stoop.
· Walking for extended periods of time.
Work Environment:
· Work is performed in a typical interior/office work environment.
· Work with frequent interruptions.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree
- Four years of directly related experience
- Master's degree
- Proficiency with Ellucian Banner
- Proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel
- Experience compiling and submitting FISAP, NMDEAR, and IPEDS reports
- Experience developing and managing annual budgets and cost/productivity analysis
- Ability to recruit, supervise, train, and evaluate staff
- Willingness to work weekends, evenings, and odd hours as required
- Ability to maintain confidential information and communicate effectively
What We Do
New Mexico Highlands University is a public comprehensive university serving local and global communities, providing opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to attain an exceptional education by fostering creativity, critical thinking, and research in the liberal arts, sciences, and professions within a diverse community.








