Purpose / Classification / Level / Working Relationships

Purpose/position code/classification/level/work relationships

• Responsible for the administration of federal, state and institutional financial aid programs that adheres to regulations, along with upholding the mission of Carl Sandburg College.
• ADMSFA02910
• Administration, II
• Exempt, Non-Bargaining Unit
• Reports to: Dean of Enrollment Management
• Supervises: Financial Aid Office Staff
• Principal Working Relationship: Vice President of Student Development, Dean of Enrollment Management, Director of Recruitment, Advising, TRIO Programs, Business Office, Foundation, and Student Services.

Major Responsibilities / Assists With / Risk Management

Primary responsibilities

• Responsible for maintaining Title IV Participation Agreement with the U.S. Department of Education. Submits new programs for approval of funding and ensures compliance with Title IV aid programs.
• Supports and actively participates in the college’s major initiatives for process improvement in financial aid and student services.
• Advises students, parents, staff, high school counselors, other college personnel, and off-campus agencies on all aspects of student financial aid.
• Manages annual budget process for department. Approves and monitors office expenditures.
• Administers satisfactory academic appeal (SAP) evaluation and oversees appeal process for students seeking reinstatement of financial aid eligibility.
• Oversees and ensures that the College’s Veteran’s Benefits certification process is efficient, timely and accurate. Ensures compliance with VA regulations, monitors student progress and updates records for reporting.
• Attends internal and external meetings and conferences, and reports changes to program requirements.
• Establishes, modifies, and upgrades computer parameters in need analysis, fund management, document tracking, and reporting programs; updates department policies and procedures to ensure compliance.
• Prepares, writes, and files required state and federal reports; answers questions and provides information during audits and official reviews to justify policies, procedures, and variances.
• Collaborates with the Carl Sandburg College Foundation office to administer foundation scholarship funds.
• Supervises, trains, and evaluates department staff; works with staff to assign responsibilities, determines department priorities and procedures.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Maintain a working knowledge of the college’s emergency procedures and actively participate in the college risk-management program.
• Monitor conditions, events and circumstances that present risk to the college community. Intervene and/or report as specified in the college’s risk-management plan.

Minimum Necessary Skills, Experience, and Educational Background

Minimum necessary education, skills and experience

• Bachelor’s degree, 120 semester hours, or specialized training required with five years’ progressive experience and responsibility in financial aid.
• Ability to work cooperatively with students, staff, and community members and be respectful to issues of student and staff diversity.
• Must be able to perform in an effective and ethical manner including maintaining confidentiality to assure that job duties are met within guidelines of policies, procedures and regulations.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• The ability to communicate successfully with clients of all ages, socio-economic status, sex, or race.
• Spanish or French proficiency preferred

Physical Requirements to Perform Job Function

Physical requirements to perform job functions

• Basic dexterity skills (computer work, telephoning and other office equipment).
• General physical effort required includes sitting, bending, reaching and some lifting (20 lbs. or less) and the ability to place a work order for anything over that limit.