Director of Financial Aid

Job Description

Job Description

PRIMARY PURPOSE/SCOPE

The Director of Financial Aid will provide overall leadership for the financial aid services to the prospective and enrolled students of the University. He or she will be directly responsible for providing leadership and support to all Student Financial Aid operations of the University.

The essential duties, responsibilities, and functions of this position include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Serves as the chief financial aid officer of the University.
• Oversees federal and state financial aid programs. He/she will direct the administration of Title IV programs, ensure compliance with Federal, State, and local legislated requirements, and provide oversight and direction of the disbursement of financial resources in a manner consistent with the University mission.
• Enhance and cultivate an environment that promotes excellence in student service in the eyes of prospective students, parents, contributors, the news media, the higher education community, and the general public.
• Assesses on a regular basis the department's progress in achieving its strategic priorities and objectives and using assessment results to effect improvements
• Supervises all financial aid personnel for the University.
• Ensures that all financial aid activities are managed effectively.
• Supports the online and traditional admissions operations of the University and works with the Admissions team in developing and implementing an effective financial aid packaging plan for the University.
• Administers the financial aid policies of the institution.
• Collects and analyzes financial aid data.
• Administers financial aid data reporting, both internal and external and works with other University professionals in completing this reporting
• Coordinates Stafford Loan program – lender list, participation, electronic processing, online application and counseling resources, etc. Meets with lenders to coordinate.
• Oversees the Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant program including applications, categories, resolution of status issues and reject/hold letters
• Ensures excellent service to students and promoting awareness and understanding of the financial aid process among students, their families, faculty, staff, and members of the extended community.
• Develops and implements a comprehensive financial aid packaging plan that addresses strategies for diverse constituencies from high school graduates to working adults.
• Exercises creative leadership in the development of a collaborative process that effectively integrates all components of the adult and traditional financial aid processes with admissions processes of the University.
• Directs a progressive operation in a harmonious office environment with proven quality assurance and a demonstrated success in implementing new systems within a higher education environment are highly desired.
• Communicates the University’s mission with external audiences, including prospective students, parents, high school and University counselors, alumni, faculty and colleagues.
• Sets a professional example by collaborating with all departments of the University for the successful service to students.
• Interprets University policies to employees and enforces safety regulations.
• Complies with all rules, policies, and procedures as established by Bluefield University.
• Coordinates financial aid publications and other promotional materials in collaboration with the Enrollment Management Office.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

This position directly supervises employees in the Financial Aid Office. This position carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the University’s policies and applicable laws. Supervisory duties, responsibilities, and functions include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints; and resolving problems.

• A faith and commitment to Jesus Christ.
• A commitment to the University’s Mission.
• Bachelors Degree Required, Masters preferred.
• A working knowledge of keyboarding and software applications, such as Microsoft Word and Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Excellent communication skills – by phone, in writing, and in person.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work patiently with people, providing good customer service and promoting a positive work-environment.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret professional journals and reference books.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from employees, constituents and the general public.
• A general knowledge of (or ability and willingness to learn) student financial assistance programs and Higher Education.
• Knowledge of higher education processes, supervisory and personnel practices, communication techniques and computer software.
• General knowledge of accounting practices, data processing and computer applications.
• Able to work independently to meet deadlines.
• Knowledge of PowerFaids and Jenzabar preferred but not required.

Physical Demands

The position requires substantial time spent at a desk (telephone and computer work-station duties) but will also involve some physical activity such as walking to other locations on campus and distance driving to off-campus locations. Physical stress may be placed on hands, wrists, or eyes due to prolonged use of a computer. The individual should be able to perform job tasks without significant risk or personal injury, or otherwise demonstrate or explain how they can perform these essential functions listed above or listed in a particular position description. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Specialized Equipment Requirements

This position requires no specialized equipment other than equipment typically used in a modern office environment, including telephones, personal computers, calculators, copiers, and fax machines. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Working Conditions and Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the duties, responsibilities, and functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the duties, responsibilities, and functions. This position has no specific working conditions; the work environment is typical to that of a small private residential institution of higher education, with physical remote site locations within 500 miles of the main campus in Bluefield, Virginia.

The performance of the Director of Financial Aid will be based on the ability to meet the program objectives as set forth by the Vice President of Enrollment Management and Student Services and on the individual’s ability to advance institutional objectives.

The criteria for evaluation of this position include, but are not limited to, the following:

• The ability to fulfill position description requirements as listed above in a timely, effective and accurate manner.
• The ability to self-motivate and achieve set goals.
• The ability to work cooperatively with all personnel and departments in the University.

This position is subject to at least an annual evaluation based upon the job duties, responsibilities, and functions as set forth above.

The job duties, responsibilities, functions, and requirements delineated above should not be interpreted as an all-inclusive list. Additional duties may be assigned as deemed appropriate. The University reserves the right to change or reassign job duties or combine positions at any time. The University maintains its status as an at-will employer.

To apply, please complete electronic application and upload the following:

• Letter of interest
• Resume/CV
• Three professional references
• Personal statement of Christian faith.

Additional information about Bluefield University is available at

To be considered for this position, all application requirements listed above must be completed.

Bluefield University is a Christ-centered learning community developing servant leaders to transform the world. We are looking to hire employees who will embrace this mission.

Bluefield University is a private, not-for-profit institution affiliated with the Baptist General Association of Virginia. Bluefield University shall not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, disability, age, genetic information, veteran or military status, or any other basis on which the University is prohibited from discrimination under local, state, or federal law, in its employment or in the provision of its services, including but not limited to its programs and activities, admissions, educational policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other University-administered programs. This institution encourages women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities to apply.