Assistant Director of Financial Aid

Assistant Director of Financial Aid

The Assistant Director of Financial Aid assists in the administration, coordination, and delivery of comprehensive financial aid services for Drake State Community and Technical College. This position supports institutional compliance with federal, state, and institutional financial aid regulations and plays a key role in overseeing Veterans Affairs (VA) educational benefits. The Assistant Director provides leadership in daily operations, student service delivery, staff supervision, and process improvement to ensure equitable access to financial resources and student success. Salary: Appropriate placement on Alabama Community College System Board of Trustees Salary Schedule E2, 02 Salary Range $50,680 - $68,169 (12 months, Exempt) Salary step placement is based on experience per Drake State's practice for awarding salary step credit Work Hours: 8:00 am - 5:30 pm Monday - Thursday and 8:00 am - 12:00 pm Friday

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The Assistant Director of Financial Aid shall perform duties in alignment with the policies of the Alabama Community College System Board of Trustees and the J.F. Drake State Community and Technical College Faculty and Staff Handbook.

Financial Aid Administration

• Assist the Director in managing daily operations of the Financial Aid Office, ensuring compliance with federal, state, institutional, and accrediting agency regulations
• Interpret and apply federal Title IV regulations, state aid guidelines, and institutional policies
• Oversee the processing, verification, awarding, and reconciliation of federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs
• Assist with the preparation and submission of required reports, audits, and program reviews
• Support development, implementation, and documentation of financial aid policies and procedures
• Monitor satisfactory academic progress (SAP) and assist with appeals and reinstatement processes
• Analyze financial aid data to improve efficiency, compliance, and student outcomes

Veterans Affairs (VA) Educational Benefits

• Serve as, or support, the School Certifying Official (SCO) for Veterans Affairs educational benefit programs, including GI Bill® and related chapters
• Certify enrollment, changes, and terminations for veteran and eligible dependent students in compliance with VA regulations
• Maintain accurate VA student records and ensure timely reporting through VA systems
• Advise veteran and military-affiliated students on available educational benefits, financial aid options, and institutional resources
• Collaborate with campus partners to support veteran student retention, compliance, and success
• Stay current on VA regulations, training requirements, and policy changes to ensure institutional compliance

Student Services and Outreach

• Provide financial aid counseling to students and families, including special populations such as veterans, adult learners, and nontraditional students
• Assist with financial literacy initiatives, workshops, and outreach activities
• Resolve complex student account and aid eligibility issues with professionalism and discretion

Supervision and Leadership

• Assist with training, mentoring, and supervision of financial aid staff as assigned
• Support workflow management, cross-training, and customer service standards
• Act in the Director's absence as delegated

Collaboration and Compliance

• Collaborate with Admissions, Records, Business Office, Academic Affairs, and Student Services to ensure accurate enrollment and aid disbursement
• Participate in institutional committees, professional development, and state or federal training
• Ensure confidentiality and security of student records in accordance with FERPA and institutional policies

Other Duties

• Perform other duties as assigned to support the mission and goals of Drake State Community and Technical College by the Director of Financial Aid, Dean of Students, and/or President

Job description may be modified or altered at any time by management

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
• Minimum of three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in financial aid administration
• Knowledge of federal Title IV financial aid programs and regulations
• Experience working with Veterans Affairs educational benefits
• Strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in higher education administration, business, or a related field
• Experience at a community or technical college
• School Certifying Official (SCO) training or certification
• Supervisory or leadership experience

Desired Profile:

• Understanding of and commitment to the philosophy and mission of a community and technical college
• Sensitivity and commitment to cultural diversity
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and various situations in a calm and professional manner
• Ability to work well under pressure and deadlines
• Commitment to teaching and learning, where recent high school graduates, adult students, and non-traditional students are involved

Application Procedures/Additional Information

Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications and must submit a complete application packet through the NEOED on-line application system to be considered. A complete application consists of the following:

• An on-line application
• Current resume
• Copy of college transcripts (Transcript must confirm applicant meets educational requirements.)

Application materials must provide documentation that the applicant meets all minimum qualifications.

Background Check Requirement

In accordance with Alabama Community College System Policy and guidelines, the applicant chosen for employment will be required to sign a consent form and agree to a criminal background check. Employment will be contingent upon the receipt of a clearance notification from the criminal background check.

Important Information

Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications as indicated on this vacancy notice and must submit a completed application packet in order to be considered for this position. Complete application files must be received no later than the application deadline. Applicants who fail to submit all required information will be disqualified. Only applications received during the open period of this announcement will be considered. Applicants must travel at their own expense. Finalists will be required to provide official transcripts that are mailed directly to the Office of Human Resources at Drake State Community and Technical College from the institution(s) granting the credits.

All applicants must have an on-line and completed application packet by the deadline date. All applications received will be screened and interviews scheduled by appointment only. All applicants must adhere to the College's prescribed interview schedule and must travel at their own expense. Applicants must demonstrate written proficiency in English as part of the on-campus interview process. Drake State Community and Technical College is an active participant in the Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify). E-Verify electronically confirms an employee's eligibility to work in the United States as required by the Department of Homeland Security.

Drake State Community and Technical College is an equal opportunity employer. It is the official policy of the Alabama Community College System, that no person shall, on the grounds of race, color, disability, gender, religion, creed, national origin, or age, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program, activity, or employment. Drake State will make reasonable accommodations for qualified disabled applicants or employees. Drake State reserves the right to withdraw this job announcement at any time prior to awarding. Drake State compiles information about safety and security and publishes an annual report. This report can be found on the website by accessing the crime and safety report link. The link can be found on the Drake State home page by clicking the "About Drake State" tab and then selecting the "Campus Security Report" link. A copy can also be obtained by contacting the Director of Operations at View phone number on click.appcast.io.

The College reserves the right to fill the position within (120) days of the job announcement stated closing date or to not fill the position due to budgetary or operational considerations. Further, the College reserves the right to fill more than one position in the same job classification should another vacancy occur during the search process.