The Director of Financial Aid serves as the financial aid officer for all financial aid operations, student work-study employment and is responsible for the timely extraction and distribution of data on a daily basis; advises the Senior Vice President for Student Affairs regarding issues related to federal, state and institutional programs; and assists in the development and implementation of policies and procedures which ensure the timely delivery, disbursement and compliance monitoring of financial aid funds consistent with the College’s mission and vision. Central to this position is ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations and college policies and procedures. This position requires a commitment to maintaining an efficient, service-oriented, and student-centered office, The director is responsible for establishing a culture of continuous improvement within the department with a focus on effective and efficient processes and procedures. An openness to change and the ability to provide leadership and clear communication to stakeholders throughout the change process.

Daily Operations

• Maintains a high level of professional competence in best practices in financial aid, program assessment, operational budgeting and a working knowledge of the college software system. The Director will collaborate across departments for effective and accurate service to students;
• Interprets and applies federal laws and regulations; college policies and regulations; and state regulations relating to the delivery of student financial assistance;
• Processes the awarding of financial aid funds utilizing federal needs analysis calculations. Reviews the processing and edits work performed by the department staff. Resolves complex problems for office staff, students and other parties involving funding, awarding and/or disbursement of funds;
• Develop a customer service approach that incorporates student feedback to enhance operations;
• Be responsible for the A-133 Single Audit each year and other audits;
• Manage and enforce the Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy;

• Manage and supervise the Return to Title IV process within the Financial Aid Office;

• Manage and supervise the downloading of ISIR's (FAFSA) and the subsequent packaging of all students.

Collaborate on the development and submission of IPEDS reports, FISAP, institutional surveys, and all other reports dealing with federal, institutional, and state student aid;

• Reconciles student receivables with Cash Management and year-end processing with the Common Origination and Disbursement Office;
• Implement effective training and strategies for preparing staff to work with students experiencing difficulty with debt management;
• Design and create complex reports to support financial aid goals; analyze financial aid metrics to support strategic planning; manage financial information systems and advise on future technology strategy and needs Assist in formulating financial aid policies and procedures;
• Counsels students on financial planning, budgeting and debt management, including oversight of loan entrance and exit counseling;
• Maintains current knowledge of legislation and regulations to ensure compliance;
• Daily extraction and timely distribution of financial aid data from internal and external sources;
• Develops and conducts training to educate staff and student staff.
• Develop, maintain and communicate appropriate manuals and supporting information to guide Financial Aid staff.
• Supervises and monitors the Financial Aid satisfactory academic progress (SAP) process for financial aid students, ensuring that review and notification to students is done based on the established College policy and schedule, and Federal Financial Aid Regulations;
• Ensures that all data maintained within the Ellucian Financial Aid module is accurate and up to date.
• Develops and implements the financial aid department’s annual operational plan and divisional strategic plan.
• Represents the financial aid department on various college committees and serves as the liaison with federal, state and local agencies on issues related to financial aid.;
• Develops, implements, and revises policies and procedures to ensure compliance with all Federal and State laws and regulations. Responsible for the development and implementation of college polices as they relate to financial and institutional aid;
• Responsible for the new year build in the student information system for each academic year.
• Development and timely submission of federal, state, and institutional internal and external reports and data;
• Demonstrated ability to analyze and to interpret complex program regulations and to articulate them to constituencies;
• Demonstrated ability to work as a team leader or member in a complex processing and intensive public contact environment;
• Demonstrated facility with Microsoft Word, MS Office Suite, Excel and other spreadsheet software and business process mapping.
• Basic knowledge of all functions related to administrative and finance services.
• Demonstrated knowledge of financial aid software (Banner, Workday preference) and ability to work accurately with financial data and computerized systems;
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with people of diverse backgrounds and promote a positive working environment, spirit of cooperation and positive reactions to change and conflict resolution.

• Performs other duties assigned.

Required Skills

• 
  Demonstrated understanding and working knowledge of federal, state, College, and alternative financial aid resources;
• Strong proficiency in Ellucian Banner and Microsoft Office required. Workday experience preferred;
• Knowledge of modern office practices, procedures and equipment.
• Knowledge of gathering, assembling and explaining data.
• Ability to talk with applicants and explain available programs in a clear and concise manner.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills;
• Excellent interpersonal, oral and written, analytical research and problem solving skills;

Required Experience

• 
  Master’s degree preferred in student personnel, business or related area and a minimum of five (5) to seven (7) years of increased/progressive administrative responsibilities for financial aid programs at a college or university; Preferably financial aid experience as a Director or Associate Director
• Knowledge of federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs

At Meharry, we’re pleased to offer comprehensive, competitive benefits to eligible employees and their
eligible dependents. From health care to holidays, our aim is to help employees enjoy happy and healthy
lifestyles, while maintaining a good work-life balance.

Meharry’s benefits package includes:

Dental
Medical
Vision
403(b) plan and supplemental annuity plan
Accidental death and dismemberment
Life insurance
Long-term disability
Short-term disability
Other supplemental coverage

Our vacation benefits vary with length and type of service. We grant twelve (12) paid holidays.
Meharry Medical College’s benefits package is designed to offer flexibility and variety of choice. All full
time staff working 32 or more hours per week are eligible for benefits. Select benefits are available for
part-time positions.

Meharry strives to offer their employees a professional environment in which they can both work
and build a career. As part of this effort, we offer a tuition reimbursement program and professional
development training to assist you with your career path.

For Further Information or Questions regarding this role, you may contact Meharry's Talent Acquisition Specialist below.

Jouvie Henderson (she, her, hers)

jhenderson@mmc.edu