Financial Aid Director

Job Summary: The Financial Aid Director is responsible for planning, organizing and supervising the Financial Aid department to administer Federal, State, and Institutional funds and services while providing current and future students financial aid information.  The Financial Aid Director will update financial aid programs annually (or as appropriate), lead staff meetings, share information as appropriate, promote the development of ideas for improved service and efficiency, and encourage teamwork of Financial Aid with other departments across the SEARK campus.  This position is governed by state and federal laws and agency/institution policy.

Job Duties & Responsibilities:

• Supervise personnel in accordance with SEARK policies and applicable laws.
• Interview, hire, and train employees.
• Plan, assign, and direct work.
• Reward and discipline employees.
• Address complaints and resolve problems.
• Develop, implement, and revise policies and procedures to ensure compliance with Federal and State laws, regulations, and SEARK policies related to Financial Aid and Scholarships.
• Coordinate and manage all Financial Aid programs, ensuring compliance with all Federal, State, and SEARK Financial Aid regulations, policies and procedures.
• Oversee the Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) and Return of Title IV Funds processes.
• Oversee the reconciliation process.
• Establish appeal guidelines and provide oversight on appeals approved by financial aid officers.
• Administer appeals process related to SAP and Special Circumstances.
• Notify students of appeal outcome and counsel students on available options.
• Develop, modify, implement, and maintain the application intake and tracking process for proper documentation of all awards for audit trail.
• Maintain fund control records in accordance with funding level limitations.
• Complete Federal, State, and Institutional reports, including applications for Federal funding, and report the expenditures of funds allocated (i.e. FISAP).
• Coordinate internal reconciliation efforts and report to reviewing entities, such as auditors, program reviewers, and accreditation teams.
• Develop and conduct Financial Aid presentations and participate in outreach activities.
• Develop, design, revise and update all publications relating to Financial Aid (i.e. website, college catalog, and other media).
• Provide training and materials to SEARK staff regarding the Financial Aid process.
• Facilitate coordination and communication between respective SEARK departments as they relate to the Financial Aid office's role in creating a positive educational experience for students.
• Maintain, research, and submit information regarding budget as needed.
• Maintain current knowledge of SEARK Financial Aid policies, procedures, and programs.
• Attend training/conference as necessary to keep knowledge current.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Abilities, And Skills:

• Broad knowledge of Federal Financial Aid programs and recordkeeping requirements.
• Knowledge of higher education processes, supervisory and personnel practices, communication techniques, and computer software.
• General knowledge of accounting practices, data processing, and computer applications.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Ability to work independently to meet deadlines.

Minimum Qualifications:

• The formal education equivalent of a bachelor’s degree in business or finance related field plus two years of experience in a related field
• Any satisfactory combination of experience and training which demonstrates the knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the above duties.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in business or finance related field
• Previous experience with Colleague Financial Aid Software

OTHER JOB-RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE.

Application Procedures:  All candidates must apply online at https://www.seark.edu/careers.  Click 'Start Application' to complete the online application.  Interested individuals should submit a completed Southeast Arkansas College Employment Application.  Please note: All transcripts, certifications, and other credentials should be uploaded with your Resume and Cover Letter.  Paper documents will not be accepted.

Required Applicant Documents:

1. Cover Letter

2. Resume

3. College Transcripts (Please note:  Official transcripts are required upon offer of employment.)

4. Certifications, licensures, or other credentials (Please note: Official copies will be required upon offer of employment.)

All drivers operating a state vehicle or private vehicle on State Business shall participate in the Arkansas State Vehicle Safety Program and must maintain a valid Arkansas driver's license in accordance with the requirements of all applicable Arkansas