Director of Financial Aid

Job description

Blue Cliff College is seeking an experienced Director of Financial Aid to lead and oversee the administration of the College’s financial aid programs. The Director plans, organizes, and supervises Financial Aid operations to ensure the accurate, timely, and compliant administration of federal, state, institutional, and other student financial assistance programs.

This position provides leadership to the Financial Aid team, supports students throughout the financial aid process, and works collaboratively with campus and institutional leadership to promote regulatory compliance, operational effectiveness, student service, and enrollment and retention objectives.

JOB DUTIES

Blue Cliff College is seeking an experienced Director of Financial Aid to lead and oversee the administration of the College’s financial aid programs. The Director plans, organizes, and supervises Financial Aid operations to ensure the accurate, timely, and compliant administration of federal, state, institutional, and other student financial assistance programs.

This position provides leadership to the Financial Aid team, supports students throughout the financial aid process, and works collaboratively with campus and institutional leadership to promote regulatory compliance, operational effectiveness, student service, and enrollment and retention objectives.

JOB DUTIES

Direct and oversee all Financial Aid operations, including the awarding and administration of federal, state, institutional, scholarship, grant, and student loan programs.

Ensure financial aid is administered in accordance with applicable federal and state regulations, institutional policies, and established procedures.

Interpret regulatory requirements and implement appropriate policies, procedures, and operational practices to maintain compliance.

Supervise, train, develop, and evaluate Financial Aid personnel and promote accountability, teamwork, and high‑quality student service.

Oversee the collection and evaluation of financial aid documentation and ensure students receive timely and accurate information regarding eligibility, awards, and financial obligations.

Review and oversee needs analysis, verification, packaging, awarding, and other financial aid eligibility processes.

Develop and maintain appropriate financial aid documentation, forms, correspondence, tracking systems, and audit trails.

Oversee Return of Title IV Funds calculations, refunds, repayments, and required federal notifications for students who withdraw or otherwise become subject to applicable requirements.

Maintain appropriate fund‑control records and monitor awards and disbursements within established funding limitations.

Coordinate and monitor required reconciliations of financial aid funds and related student accounts.

Maintain accurate financial aid records and data and ensure timely submission of required federal, state, institutional, and other regulatory reports.

Support financial aid audits, program reviews, and other compliance reviews by maintaining accurate records, monitoring regulatory changes, and implementing corrective actions or process improvements as necessary.

Develop and monitor the Financial Aid Department budget, including staffing and departmental operating needs.

Assist with the development and annual review of student Cost of Attendance budgets and related financial aid calculations.

Monitor regulatory and industry developments and communicate changes that may affect institutional policies, procedures, students, or financial aid operations.

Counsel students regarding financial aid eligibility, available funding options, financial obligations, and issues affecting their ability to finance their education.

Provide clear, professional, and timely service to students and families throughout the financial aid process.

Develop and conduct financial aid presentations, trainings, and outreach activities as appropriate.

Review and maintain financial aid publications, forms, disclosures, and student communications to ensure accuracy and consistency.

Collaborate with Admissions, Student Services, Academics, Business Office personnel, and institutional leadership to support student recruitment, enrollment, persistence, and retention while maintaining appropriate regulatory boundaries and compliance requirements.

Lead departmental meetings, share relevant regulatory and operational information, and identify opportunities to improve efficiency, service, and internal controls.

Maintain the confidentiality and security of student, employee, and institutional information.

Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Bachelor’s degree in business administration, public administration, higher education, finance, or a related field preferred.

Minimum of four years of professional experience in financial aid administration.

Previous supervisory or management experience required.

Working knowledge of federal Title IV financial aid programs and related regulatory requirements.

Experience with needs analysis, verification, financial aid counseling, packaging, awarding, and student eligibility determination.

Experience with Return of Title IV Funds calculations, federal reporting, reconciliation, and financial aid compliance processes preferred.

Strong leadership, organizational, analytical, and problem‑solving skills.

Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal, and student‑service skills.

Ability to interpret and apply complex regulations, policies, and procedures accurately and consistently.

Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.

Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively with students, staff, institutional leadership, and external agencies.

Demonstrated professional integrity, sound judgment, discretion, and commitment to confidentiality.

Schedule: Must be available to work some evenings and occasional Saturdays as needed.

COMPENSATION

In support of pay transparency, the anticipated base salary range for this position is $55,000–$60,000 annually , commensurate with qualifications and experience.

This range represents base compensation only and does not include other components that may be part of the total rewards package. Final compensation may vary based on factors including geographic location, education, relevant skills, professional experience, and other job‑related qualifications.

I would especially keep the revised phrase “support financial aid audits, program reviews, and other compliance reviews” rather than promising “exception‑free” audits. That sets the correct accountability expectation without implying the Director can guarantee the outcome of an external review.

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Worksite address

gulfport, MS, 39500, US

Who can apply

Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.