Director of Financial Aid

Herkimer College isn’t just a great place to be a student – it’s also a great place to work. Our faculty and staff enjoy a friendly atmosphere, supportive community and opportunities for growth. They have the advantages of being a part of the SUNY network, as well as an outstanding benefits package for full-time employees.

We encourage you to check out our current employment opportunities. Herkimer College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, age, creed, religion, national origin, marital status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by federal or state law in admissions, employment or in any aspect regarding the conduct of College business.

Pursuant to Executive Order 161, no State entity, as defined by the Executive Order, is permitted to ask, or mandate, in any form, that an applicant for employment provide his or her current compensation, or any prior compensation history, until such time as the applicant is extended a conditional offer of employment with compensation. If such information has been requested from you before such time, please contact the Governor’s Office of Employee Relations at (518) 474-6988 or via e-mail at info@goer.ny.gov.

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Job Description:

Herkimer College is seeking qualified applicants for a full-time Director of Financial Aid.

The basic functions of this position are to develop and implement policies and procedures related to all financial aid processing requirements.  The Director is responsible for the overall management and leadership of the Financial Aid Office, providing oversight, daily supervision and decision-making related to all functions of the Financial Aid Office.  The Director provides counseling and assistance to student families in need of financial aid and directives to securing the means to finance college expenses.

Major 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. 
• Advises students, parents, staff, high school counselors, other college personnel, and off-campus agencies on all aspects of student financial aid.
• Ensures financial aid staff is current with recent changes in the Federal, State and College regulations, as well as provide excellent customer service.
• Manages annual budget process for department.  Approves and monitors office expenditures.  Monitors fund balances in institutional computer system and external systems.  Take appropriate action to maximize usage of grant funds and to prevent over awards.
• Develops, implements, and revises policies and procedures to ensure compliance with federal and state laws, regulations and college policies related to financial aid.
•  Ensures timely implementation and processing of financial aid applications, award letters, scholarships, need analysis and disbursement of funds to students.
• Actively works with the Student Accounts Office, Admissions Office, Enrollment Management, the Registrar and other institutional staff and committees as appropriate to establish effective policies and procedures concerning financial aid.
• Ensures Herkimer College is in compliance with federal and state laws and regulations in regard to all financial aid related matters including implementation of automated systematic processes if necessary.
• Administers satisfactory academic appeal (SAP) evaluation and oversees appeal process for students seeking reinstatement of financial aid eligibility for federal and state programs. 
• Monitors compliance of applicable credit courses for federal and state eligibility using Student Outcome Tracking and Degree Works.
• Oversees the New York State Excelsior Scholarship Program.
• Completes SUNY Cross Registration financial aid requests.
• Updates the institutions financial aid publications, newsletter, including electronic media, web page and catalog.
• Supports and actively participates in the college’s major initiatives for process improvement in financial and student services. Such activities include high school financial aid workshops, New Student Orientation, Registration days, Open House, SUNY Financial Aid Days, Parent Information Sessions, etc.
• Manages sensitive and confidential issues.
• Acts as the liaison with all state and federal agencies involved with financial aid programs.
• Actively works with our default management initiative to lower the college’s cohort default rate.
• Conducts loan entrance and exit counseling sessions, in addition, provides financial literacy programs on campus.
• Collaborates with the Herkimer County Foundation to administer foundation scholarship funds.
• Prepares, writes, and files required state and federal reports (IPEDS, FADS, NYSED, and FISAP) and provides audits and official reviews to justify policies, procedures, and variances. 
• Attends internal and external meetings and conferences and report changes to program requirements. Actively involved with SUNYFAP, NYSFAAA and NASFAA organizations.
• Performs such other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

Minimum Required Experience and Educational Credentials:   

• Master’s Degree preferred
• At least 3 years’ experience in the administration of programs of student financial assistance with at least 1 year experience at a supervisory position.
• Familiarity with federal and state student financial aid programs, policies, practices and procedures and financial aid software and databases (especially SCT, Banner, SICAS, HESC, NSLDS, COD, etc.) is required
• Demonstrates evidence of strong leadership and management skills. Must possess the ability to keep staff motivated and working at optimum levels, especially at peak times, and establishing a customer service-focused culture, balanced with accurate processing.
• Student outreach experience and the ability to communicate with a diverse group of students and parents and other internal and external constituents regarding                      financial aid, along with a demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships across departments and with all constituent groups.
•  Ability to multi-task, prioritize, and meet deadlines.

Additional Information:

Salary range:  $63,777 – $95,665 (commensurate with qualifications and experience)

Application Instructions:

In order to be considered for this position, you must submit your credentials online. Create an account by clicking on the APPLY NOW tab. You will be able to upload the following documents, which are required for consideration:

• Resume/cv
• Cover Letter

Once your account is established, you may login at any time to review your completed application or upload additional documents. You will receive an acknowledgement indicating your application materials have been received.

See the FAQ for using our online system. Please contact us if you need assistance applying through this website.