Job Description

Job Title:              Director of Student Financial Aid
Department:        Student Financial Aid
Reports To:          AVP of Enrollment
FLSA Status:       Exempt
Salary Range:      $58,000.00 - $68,000.00
                                                                                                            

OVERVIEW OF THE UNIVERSITY
Washington Adventist University (WAU) is a Christ-centered institution of higher education that supports a culture of excellence where all feel valued.  Nestled in a desirable residential community in Takoma Park, Maryland, WAU offers its faculty and staff an environment where professional expertise is valued and lasting connections between co-workers are formed as we work together to ensure the success of our students.  Regardless of title, every employee supports WAU’s vision of producing graduates who bring moral leadership and competence to their communities.

SUMMARY
This position will work as a member of the Enrollment Management Team to facilitate recruiting, enrollment, and retention of students at Washington Adventist University.  Person must be an independent and organized worker who is self-disciplined and motivated and able to work with minimal supervision under strict deadlines.  Person will have primary responsibility for managing Financial Aid compliance by implementing federally required coordination of institutional funds with federal funds; performs fund management functions for Title IV and state programs and select institutional funds.  The individual is required to maintain a high degree of confidentiality regarding extremely sensitive matters.
 
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Includes the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Directs administration of Student Financial Services by identifying, establishing, and executing short-term and long-range goals; develops and enforces policies and procedures.

• Responsible for obtaining information, evaluating student need, maintaining high customer service standards, managing financial clearance processes, establishing aid to be awarded, and obtaining and authorizing federal and state funds for students.

• Maintains financial aid process by monitoring staff effectiveness; interprets federal and state aid regulations; advises staff on policy, procedure and issues as needed.

• Prepares federal and state reports as required; compiles required data/lists by collecting and analyzing information; submits information as requested.

• Complies with federal and state aid requirements by studying existing and new programs, policies, and procedures enforcing adherence to requirements.

• Provides information to students and parents by conducting financial aid seminars and workshops; counsels students on debt management and financial planning.

• As the university’s Veteran’s Affairs Representative, administers veteran’s benefits and complies with all regulations associated with veteran’s affairs.

• Manages financial aid awards for Adventist Colleges Abroad program.

• Represents Student Financial Services by advising Executive Vice President for Financial Administration on financial aid matters; and serves on committees as assigned.

• Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops and conferences; reviews professional publications; establishes personal networks; participates in professional societies.

• Contributes to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed.

• Supports a spirit of excellence in service.

• Attends mandatory Convocation every Wednesday.

 
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Received:

                Receives direct supervision from the Associate Vice President of Enrollment

• Given:

                • Directly supervises one Associate Director, three Financial Advisors, one Loan
                • Officer/Financial Advisor and three - four student employees.
                • Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and
                   applicable laws. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, interviewing, hiring and training
                   employees; planning, assigning and directing work, appraising performance, rewarding and
                   disciplining employees, addressing complaints and resolving problems.
 
QUALIFICATIONS 
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience:

• Bachelor's degree required, master’s preferred in related field; and

• Four to ten years related experience and/or training;

• Or equivalent combination of experience, education, and training may be considered.

Language Skills:

• Superior command of English grammar and spelling. 

• Excellent verbal and written communication.

• Exceptional presentation and public speech ability.

• Conversational Spanish as 2nd language helpful but not required.

Mathematical and Technology Skills:

• Ability to analyze financial documents statistical data using mathematical formulas and tools.

• Working knowledge and application of Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint.

• Proficiency in use of Student Information Systems.

Reasoning Ability:

• Ability to deal with a variety of abstract and concrete variables. 

• Applies logical or scientific methods to a wide range of intellectual and practical problems.

Other Skills and Abilities:

• Must exhibit leadership skills.

• Possesses capacity for planning, organizing and controlling.

• Advanced skills in team building, motivation, and conflict resolution.

Physical Demands: 

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• The employee will frequently be called upon and must be able to work long hours under stressful conditions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk or hear. 

 Salary will be based on the candidate’s education and experience.

BENEFITS 

The full fringe benefit plan includes but is not limited to:

• Health care, including vision, dental, and prescription drugs

• Flexible Spending Plans

• Competitive 403B plan

• Individualized retirement planning sessions

• Tuition assistance for employees and dependents

• Life insurance including supplemental and accidental death and dismemberment policies

• Long Term Disability

• AFLAC insurance

• Legal Assistance Program

• Paid time off

• Wellness programs

• Professional Development

Title VII Exception Notice
Washington Adventist University is a religiously qualified Equal Opportunity Employer under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act.  As such the University has the legal right to prefer a member of the Seventh-day Adventist ("SDA") Church in its hiring process. In the event that a qualified SDA candidate is not identified, the University will give the opportunity to candidates who must understand and respect the mission, purpose, and identity of Washington Adventist University as a condition of their employment.