Director of Financial Aid

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Director of Financial Aid to join our team at Warren Wilson College. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in managing comprehensive financial aid programs, ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations, and fostering student success. The primary responsibilities of the Director of Financial Aid include the coordination, planning, and oversight of the application and award processes of financial aid for undergraduate and graduate students. The individual in this role coordinates veterans’ benefits as the School Certifying Officer; and supervises two professional staff who comprise the department’s team. This full-time, exempt position requires occasional travel, and some evening and weekend hours.

A successful applicant will be a detail oriented, collaborative leader with exceptional communication and presentation skills who maintains a people-centered and data-driven approach to administering financial aid. This role is pivotal in supporting our mission to provide equitable access to education and guiding students and families through their financial aid journey. If you are passionate about making a difference in students' lives and have the expertise to lead our financial aid office, we encourage you to apply.

Applicants are required to submit a resume and cover letter that describes their prior experience working with individuals from a diverse range of identities and experiences. All applications must be received electronically. This position will remain open until filled.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in business, finance or related field;
• Three years of experience in financial aid;
• Extensive knowledge of the following financial aid systems/programs: ED Connect, COD, NSLDS, ELM, FSA Partner Connect;
• Evidence of excellent written/verbal communication including public speaking, organizational, and computer skills;
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively and diplomatically with diverse student populations and their families, and a broad range of internal and external stakeholders;
• Evidence of knowledge of Title IV guidelines for administration of federal aid;
• Demonstrated experience with the technical requirements/participation in Title IV programs and funding.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• MBA or Master’s degree in finance or related field;
• One or more years of experience utilizing POWERFAIDS;
• Experience using university SIS systems, specifically Jenzabar EX.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Directs all financial aid functions with the purpose of enrolling and maintaining a diverse student body and institutional eligibility for continued participation in Federal and State aid programs;
• Creates and maintains a customer service based focus for the Office of Financial Aid and coordinates efforts with the College Business Office, Registrar, Information Technology, Admissions, MFA/Craft and International Programs as well as other offices on campus;
• Directs the administration of financial aid; ensures applicants receive assistance in the application process for loans, grants and scholarships. Makes awards to current and incoming students while adhering to Title IV regulations, state and federal guidelines, private non-profit agencies, institutional packaging policy and budget parameters;
• Oversees the administration of private, state, and/or federal loan programs; coordinates the awarding of need-based scholarships/grants and the renewal of merit-based awards;
• Directs the completion of federal work college reports and determines eligibility for students;
• Directs the completion of reports to request funding, document expenditures or marketing. Reports include but are not limited to FISAP, IPEDS, CFNC for NC funds, Pell, and direct lending;
• Directs the personnel activities to include hiring, development, training, merit recommendations, promotions, transfers, and performance evaluations;
• Directs and oversees technology systems that financial aid uses in the awarding process, this includes PowerFAIDS and Jenzabar EX;
• Plans and directs the presentation and enforcement of policies and forms (i.e. Withdrawal and Refund, Satisfactory Academic Progress Standards, Verification forms, etc.);
• Participates in off-campus training when available and as needed. Attends the Department of Education’s annual FAS Conference (fall), any NC state meeting (usually mandatory). Attends training and professional development meetings as needed to stay abreast of regulations and changes;
• Represents Warren Wilson College during audits: Federal Program Review, North Carolina State Approving Agency, North Carolina Higher Education Assistance Authority, Department of Veteran Affairs, and the annual external audit prepared for the United States Department of Education and the State of North Carolina;
• Review appeal cases, special circumstances, and college-wide financial aid policies;
• Serves on institutional committees as needed;
• Develops, maintains, and works within a realistic budget, with specific attention to contract work for special projects and ongoing department needs;
• Reconciles credit card statements, collects and submits all departmental check requests to the office of Administration and Finance;
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Our mission: Warren Wilson College’s distinctive approach to education intentionally integrates academics, work, and community engagement to cultivate curiosity, empathy, and integrity. We empower graduates to pursue meaningful careers and lead purposeful lives dedicated to a just, equitable, and sustainable world.

We are committed to a culture of educational access and to ensuring that students and employees from a diverse range of identities and experiences will thrive in this community. We seek and support an academically and culturally diverse faculty and staff with a genuine interest in our innovative approach to education and focus on inclusive excellence, as well as a willingness to fully participate in the life of the College. We welcome applications from individuals who have experience working with diverse student populations.

Warren Wilson College is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.