Director of Financial Aid & Veteran Services

Director of Financial Aid & Veteran Services
Job ID: 12398
Location: Bellevue College
Full/Part Time: Full Time
Regular/Temporary: Regular

Position Summary

The Director of Financial Aid is an exempt position that reports to the Dean of Enrollment Management and is a member of the Student Central Leadership Team. This position is administrative in nature, and is the Chief Financial Aid Officer as defined by the Department of Education, with full authority to administer the programs that make up federal, state and local campus-based aid. The director ensures compliance to state and federal regulations, and college policies, and has authority to develop policies and procedures that meet compliance standards. The director is also budget authority for the financial aid programs, and provides direct supervision of the associate director, and other designated staff. The Director performs highly complex work related to the administration of the financial aid programs, and operates as an expert in this field as defined by the Washington State Office of Financial Management (OFM). Additionally, the director administers the Veterans Benefits Office, ensuring compliance with state and federal (VA) regulations. In collaboration with the Veteran’s Office School Certifying Official (SCO), the director develops policies and procedures that meet compliance standards.

This is an Essential Personnel position. Following a disaster, this position is critical to the college’s business continuity plan. Financial Aid provides critical service to students in need of funds to pay for college and living expenses. Additionally, financial aid is responsible for records and reporting requirements related to state and federal regulations; these require continued and secure access for the college to continue administration of program funds.

Pay, Benefits & Work Schedule

Annual Salary Range: $87,469 – $126,878

Annual salary will be commensurate with candidate’s qualifications and related experience.

We offer comprehensive compensation package with salary and benefits as the main components. Generous https://www.bellevuecollege.edu/hr/benefits/ is offered through Washington State plans that includes multiple medical, dental, life and disability coverage choices for employees and dependents; choices of retirement and deferred compensation plans; paid holidays, sick, and vacation plans; transit program, reduced tuition, employee discounts and memberships, etc.

The employee is scheduled to work 40 hours per workweek. This position is exempt from the overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act, which means that you are not eligible for overtime pay.

About The College

Bellevue College is a diverse student-centered, comprehensive and innovative college, committed to teaching excellence that advances the life-long educational development of its students while strengthening the economic, social and cultural life of its diverse community. Bellevue College is located just 10 miles east of Seattle where we serve a student population of over 54% students of color and over 1,300 international students. The college promotes student success by providing high-quality, flexible, accessible educational programs and services; advancing pluralism, inclusion and global awareness; and acting as a catalyst and collaborator for a vibrant region.

We strive to create a vibrant and inclusive campus community that supports a diverse student body, faculty and staff. As an essential part of our https://www.bellevuecollege.edu/futurevision/core-themes/, diversity, equity and pluralism are promoted and fostered in all aspects of college life. By enriching student life through leadership opportunities, personal learning and cultural experiences, we are committed to building an inclusive and diverse campus community that fosters creativity, innovation and student success.

For more information, visit https://www.bellevuecollege.edu/facts/.

About the Department

The Financial Aid Office is one of five departments that make up Student Central. Student Central is a single service area for departments identified as Enrollment Services, Evaluations and Graduation, Placement and Testing Services, Financial Aid and the Welcome Center. The Financial Aid Office houses programs related to Federal Financial Aid, State Financial Aid, College and local aid, and the Veteran’s Benefits Office. These programs are distinct in areas related to regulations and reporting requirements, which requires the ability to balance rules that often conflict to ensure the college is compliant in all areas. The office also works collaboratively with the Workforce Education Division to ensure proper disbursement of workforce funds to students.

Essential Functions

Operations

• Serve in the role of Chief Financial Aid Officer for the college as required by the Department of Education. Also serve as Primary Destination Point Administrator for all staff accessing Department of Education systems.

• Act as subject matter expert with the PeopleSoft (ctcLink) system and databases, including detailed knowledge of admissions, registration and advising as they relate to financial aid functions.

• Develop and implement office policies and procedures related to the administration of federal, state and local campus aid, and veterans’ programs in accordance with regulations.

• Evaluate student-required processes and implement changes needed to increase efficiency, or to ensure compliance with regulations.

• Evaluate staff awarding and reporting processes and procedures and implement changes needed.

• Oversee and contribute to the creation of a policy manual based on National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators’ (NASFAA) template.

• In collaboration with the Associate Director, organize and provide training as needed to employees and other division staff associated with Student Central and Financial Aid functions.

• In collaboration with the Student Central Leadership Team, participate in the development of staff meetings and training, and periodically chair the staff group meetings.

• Step-in as backup to the front counter service area as needed. Maintain an understanding of the functions related to all the departments included in Student Central.

Compliance

• Maintain a high level of knowledge related to compliance requirements for federal and state financial aid programs, and veteran’s benefits.

• Interpret federal and state regulations for financial aid and veteran’s programs to counsel students, and train staff to ensure campus compliance and resolution of specific circumstances.

• Notify campus administration of regulatory changes that will or may affect campus policy and processes, develop and suggest courses of action, and implement changes to ensure continued compliance.

• Coordinate and collaborate with State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC) to ensure recommended processes and software align with regulations and do not negatively impact student service and processes.

• Attend yearly federal financial aid conference, yearly state financial aid conference, and quarterly Financial Aid Council meetings to keep information current and ensure campus compliance with regulations and system changes.

Supervision

• Establish an expectation that all employees use a direct transformational service model when working with students and other visitors within Student Central, and the Financial Aid Office, in person, on the phone, or via email.

• Train staff to focus on the student experience and to take a holistic approach when working with students and other visitors.

• Build an effective team that is results driven and characterized by collaboration and cooperation.

• Supervise designated full-time staff, and the Associate Director. Select and hire staff, make recommendations for disciplinary action, approve/deny leave requests, evaluate employee performance on a yearly basis, resolve grievances in consultation with HR, establish office expectations, and take corrective action.

• Provide feedback, instruction, and encouragement to staff to enable continuous improvement and to promote optimum job performance.

• In collaboration with the Associate Director, organize and provide training as needed to employees and other division staff associated with Student Central and Financial Aid functions.

• In collaboration with the Student Central Leadership Team, participate in the development of staff meetings and training, and periodically chair the staff group meetings.

Conflict Resolution

• Act as a resource for faculty and staff in other departments on campus who are working with students to resolve eligibility issues.

• Meet with students and their families to discuss a variety of issues related to the awarding of aid and eligibility problems, including financial aid appeals, exceptions to policy, award amounts, and general concerns or complaints.

• Use independent Professional Judgement as defined by federal and state regulations to make exceptions that affect student financial aid eligibility as appropriate.

Reporting

• Participate in and direct the preparation of quarterly and yearly reports for federal and state agencies. This includes:

• Federal Fiscal Operations Report and Application to Participate (FISAP) report.

• Interim State Need Grant report to Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC).

• Final State Need Grant and state aid report to WSAC.

• Update the Program Participation Agreement (PPA) as required by the Department of Education.

Campus Participation and Leadership

• Serve on Instructional Committees to ensure development or changes in academic programs comply with federal and state requirements. For example: CAC (Curriculum Advisory Committee).

• Serve as a member of Student Affairs Cabinet, Student Central Leadership Team, Veterans Advisory Committee.

• Provide training on financial aid processes and rules as requested by division or campus departments.

Other

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in student affairs, student development, educational leadership or other related area; relevant years of experience can be substituted on a year-for-year basis.

• A minimum of five (5) years demonstrated experience in administering federal and state financial aid programs in a higher education setting.

• A minimum of five (5) years demonstrated supervision of full-time staff and work experience with people from diverse backgrounds including those with physical and learning disabilities.

• Demonstrated experience using student financial aid database systems and federal software programs.

• Established reputation as a financial aid expert as defined by the Washington State Office of Financial Management (OFM).

• Ability to use Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook, Teams and OneNote (office Suite).

• Effective written and oral communication skills.

• Effective interpersonal skills in the areas of collaboration, team participation, creative problem-solving, and conflict resolution.

• Experience working in a collaborative team environment with diverse employees and student/customer groups.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in student affairs, student development, educational leadership or other related area.

• At least three (3) years demonstrated experience in administering federal and state financial aid programs in the Washington State Community and Technical College system.

Conditions of Employment

Bellevue College intends to provide a drug-free, healthy, safe, and secure work and educational environment. Each employee is expected to report to work in an appropriate mental and physical condition to perform her/his/their assigned duties.

Bellevue College employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Bellevue College requires all employees to be fully vaccinated and your vaccine status will be verified upon hire. Please reach out to the HR Office at mailto:jobs@bellevuecollege.edu if you need information on medical or religious accommodation.

Sexual Misconduct and Background Check:

Prior to start of employment, finalists(s) for this position will be subject to a pre-employment background check as a condition of employment. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment, but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the position.

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=28B.112.080.

Check frequently in your inbox, spam, junk, clutter email folders for any communication regarding the next steps from Bellevue College and our background check partners.

Reference Check:

Reference checks may include, but are not limited to, contacting references and verification of work experience, and/or past job duties.

Other Information

• This position is NOT eligible for relocation allowance.

• This position is NOT eligible for sponsorship for employment-based visa.

How To Apply

Applications received by 02/27/2023 will be given full consideration. Applications received after that date may be considered until the position is filled.

All individuals interested in this position are encouraged to apply. Your application must include a complete online application and all of the required documents below to be considered complete. Any application that does not provide all requested information will not be considered for the position (only submit required documents with the application, additional documents will not be reviewed.) Please review https://www.bellevuecollege.edu/jobs/applying-for-jobs-tips/ before applying. Current Bellevue College employees should apply the position through Employee Self Service.

Required application materials:

• Attach a Cover Letter (min 1 pg., max 2 pgs.)

• Attach a Resume

• Attach a Diversity Statement (min 1 pg., max 2 pgs.) that addresses the following: Describe and provide specific examples of how your educational and/or professional experiences, background or philosophy demonstrate your commitment to diversity and equity, and how these prepare you to contribute to Bellevue College

• Complete Job Questionnaires if applicable

Contact:

If you have questions with regards to the application or the hiring process, please contact Office of Human Resources at 425-564-2274 or email to mailto:jobs@bellevuecollege.edu.

EEO Statement

Bellevue College is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing equal opportunity and nondiscrimination to applicants and employees without regard to race or ethnicity; creed; color; national origin; sex; marital status; sexual orientation; age; religion; genetic information; the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability; or whether a disabled or Vietnam-era veteran. Please see policy 4100 at www.bellevuecollege.edu/policies/.

Applicants with disabilities who require assistance with the recruitment process may contact mailto:hr@bellevuecollege.edu or 425-564-2271. The following people have been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Title IX Coordinator, 425-564- 2641, Office C227, and EEOC/504 Compliance Officer, 425-564- 2178, Office B126.

To apply, visit https://apptrkr.com/3877520

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