Director of Financial Aid

Palo Alto University (PAU), a private, non-profit university, founded in 1975 and located in the heart of Northern California's Silicon Valley, is a community grounded in values of social justice, dedicated to addressing pressing and emerging issues in the fields of psychology and counseling that meet the needs of today's diverse society. The students at PAU reflect the diversity of the region, are engaged in their education, and committed to improving the lives of others. The University sees diversity in its staff and faculty as very important to serving its diverse student body (or synonymous with inclusive excellence). PAU has recently been designated a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and an Asian American Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI). PAU offers undergraduate and graduate programs with online, hybrid and residential options, and has an engaged faculty who make significant contributions to their fields and prepare future leaders who make a difference in the lives of individuals and communities. When you put all of this together, PAU creates a legacy of confident, competent, and compassionate professionals who are at the forefront of psychology and counseling and who move ahead in life by moving lives ahead. Palo Alto University (PAU) is dedicated to promoting mental health and well-being in our diverse community of students.We are committed to providing resources and support that empower students to achieve their educational and personal goals.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Job Title: Director of Financial Aid

Department: Department of Student Success, Office

of Financial Aid


Reports to: Consulting Associate Vice President for Student Success


Location: Palo Alto, CA or Remote

Date: To start immediately

Employment Status: Exempt, full-time

Compensation: $110,000 - $145,000 year, plus medical, dental, vision benefits, 403(b) retirement plan, flexible spending account, and paid time off. Stipend for SF Bay Area residency.

JOB SUMMARY

The Office of Financial Aid is integral to PAU's mission to support diverse students and their families with specialized knowledge and counseling, guidance and insights regarding financial aid application processes and award offers, financing options, and overall student financial and advising/support services. Reporting to the Consulting Associate Vice President for Student Success, the Director of Financial Aid leads the Office of Financial Aid team and is responsible for oversight and management of all aspects of financial aid for PAU. The Director provides high-level oversight, supervision, and guidance to manage programs, systems, and fiscal management activities in accordance with all applicable federal, state, private, institutional regulations, policies, and guidelines. The Director supervises and manages the application process for all financial aid, the awarding process, disbursement to student accounts, and communication with all scholarship recipients. The Director will serve as a primary point of contact for problem resolution, data analysis, system utilization, financial account monitoring, and compliance. The ideal Director of Financial Aid will be student-centered, collaborative, intellectually curious, and solution-seeking. Successful candidates will have an outstanding working knowledge of financial aid. Experience with PowerFAIDS and Jenzabar is highly preferred. A bachelor's degree is required for this position, while a master's degree is preferred.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Office of Financial Aid Leadership and Operations

• Provide leadership for all aspects of the Office of Financial Aid (OFA)
• Serve on the Financial Aid Subcommittee of the Strategic Enrollment Management Advisory Committee
• Supervise, train, and evaluate OFA staff
• Coordinate and manage all financial aid programs; interpret, develop, implement, and revise policies and procedures to ensure compliance with federal and state laws and regulations
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive financial aid strategy aligned with PAU's mission and goals with a focus on student recruitment, retention, and success
• Oversee development and implementation of Financial Literacy Course and presentations
• Oversee the Federal Work Study program
• Develop and maintain a policies and procedures ("P&P") manual for the Office of Financial Aid
• Coordinate and oversee daily assignments and workflow, determine department priorities and procedures, and ensure cross-training occurs
• Work with the Assistant Director of Financial Aid to ensure the process of awarding and disbursing aid is efficient and that all deadlines are met and all metrics are accurate
• Work with all OFA staff to develop and maintain effective and supportive student-centered financial aid communications; ensure communications reflect compliance with federal and state regulations, including, but not limited to, accuracy of policies and processes and the integrity of consumer information; ensure that clear communications are sent in a timely manner
• Ensure excellent customer service that supports the increase of student satisfaction, success, persistence, and graduation
• Collaborate with other departments to streamline financial aid processes and improve student experience and success
• Administer Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements and Title IV refunds for withdrawn students and students on Leave of Absence
• Use professional judgment and problem-solving skills in the administration of financial aid programs as appropriate to the student's circumstances
• Coordinate with PAU's Business Office to resolve matters regarding student bills and financial aid
• Coordinate with University Advancement and other departments to award scholarships in accordance with PAU policies and scholarship protocols
• Appropriately award and monitor expenditure of all institutional aid and scholarships
• Ensure that the OFA supports new student recruiting and current student retention efforts through various activities and processes, particularly through the management of institutional funds and scholarships
• Oversee process of setting up automated budgeting and packaging in financial aid software; monitor fund balances in institutional computer system and external systems; take appropriate action to maximize usage of scholarship funds, federal/state grant funds, and institutional aid; prevent over awards
• Work with University Advancement to maximize donor relations and scholarship donations
• Ensure PAU is in and remains in compliance with all Federal, State, and PAU regulations, rules, and guidelines; update or create new policies and procedures as needed
• Prepare and submit reports related to state and federal programs (including FISAP); prepare all responses to federal, state, and independent auditing agencies; act as liaison with all outside agencies related to financial aid
• Prepare for annual compliance audit of financial aid; work closely with Business Office to provide access to records and other information as needed
• Manage annual budget process for OFA; approve and monitor office expenditures
• Represent the OFA and financial aid programs to both internal and external stakeholders

Professional Development

• Stay informed about industry best practices and attend professional development opportunities to enhance skills and knowledge in financial aid
• Read NASFAA newsletter daily; take advantage of webinar and other training opportunities offered by NASFAA, CASFAA, and WASFAA
• Apply to present at appropriate conferences
• Other duties as assigned

ESSENTIAL 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.

• Bachelor's degree required with at least 7 years of progressive experience working in Financial Aid in a higher education environment with both undergraduate and graduate students. Master's degree in higher education or related field preferred
• Minimum experience: 7 years in Higher Education Financial Aid; 5 years of supervisory experience; substantial experience in financial aid counseling, packaging award offers, budgeting and financial aid accounting, reporting processes and financial aid computer systems, and extensive knowledge of federal and state financial aid programs and regulations; demonstrated track record of strategic thinking and a focus on student success preferred
• Excellent leadership skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously in a complex and evolving environment
• Collaborative leadership style that encourages new ideas, embraces the knowledge and experience of others, and promotes trust and transparency
• Demonstrated proactive, strategic, analytical, and deadline-oriented approach to financial aid and university systems
• Highly developed analytic, problem-solving, organizational, and interpersonal skills, including the ability to listen thoughtfully and be responsive to a diverse population of constituents and the ability to collaborate with other individuals and teams
• A broad understanding of higher education processes and procedures, including shared governance, strategic planning, resource allocation, and budget management
• Experience adhering to federal and state laws, regulations, and policies pertaining to financial aid and ensuring compliance
• Excellent presentation and public speaking skills; experience presenting to diverse audiences and at conferences a plus
• Excellent budget preparation and management skills
• Proficient in the use of general financial aid specific software such as: EdConnect, COD, CPS, NSLDS, etc.
• Expert in Microsoft Office Suite and financial aid/higher education management software programs; Jenzabar and PowerFAIDS preferred
• Expert knowledge of Federal and State financial aid policies and resources
• Excellent ability to consistently display accuracy and attention to detail
• Excellent ability to communicate effectively one-to-one, in small groups, and in public speaking contexts
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written, coupled with the ability to inspire and motivate
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Available to work evenings and weekends when needed; one day per week in-office may be required
• Demonstrated compassion, patience, respect, and comfort toward human diversity with cross multi-generational cultural awareness and sensitivity
• Capacity to maintain discretion around sensitive and confidential information
• Membership and active engagement in appropriate financial aid organizations, such as NASFAA and CASFAA

APPLICATION PROCEDURES

Qualified candidates for the Director of Financial Aid should apply with a:

• Current resume
• Professional writing sample
• Cover letter describing qualifications for and interest in the position. PAU is committed to providing an educational environment that supports a diverse, equitable and inclusive population. In your cover letter, please include information on how your background and experience has prepared you to be in an environment that holds equity and inclusion core to its mission and values.

EEOC POLICY

The University is an equal opportunity employer and is firmly committed to non-discrimination in its hiring and other employment practices and in the application of its personnel policies. In compliance with all applicable federal and state laws, except where a bona fide occupational qualification exists, employment decisions will be made irrespective of the staff member's race, color, religion, religious creed, ancestry, national origin, age (except for minors), sex, marital status, citizenship status, military service status, sexual orientation, medical condition (cancer- related or genetic condition), disability and/or any another status protected by law. When necessary, the University will reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities, if the individual is otherwise qualified to safely perform all essential functions of the position and if it will be done without undue hardship to the University.