Director of Financial Aid

Chesapeake College is seeking a visionary Director of Financial Aid who can understand and interpret financial aid policy through the lens of student success. As a student-first institution, Chesapeake fosters a culture of care that is woven throughout all of our work and interactions. The Director of Financial Aid oversees the administration of all federal Title IV financial aid programs, Maryland State Scholarship programs, and institutional scholarship awards. The position is responsible for reconciling all federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs and ensuring compliance with all applicable federal, state, and institutional regulations. This role leads a team of three full-time financial aid professionals and office work-study students. The Director also provides community-based financial aid counseling and serves as a key resource for students and families navigating the financial aid process Working collaboratively across the College, the Director partners with Admissions, Advising, Registration, the Foundation, and Academic Affairs to support enrollment growth, increase scholarship funding opportunities, and expand financial aid options for degree and non-degree-seeking students, and participants in non-traditional programs. The Director compiles and reports financial aid data for institutional, community, state, and federal stakeholders, including the Maryland Higher Education Commission and the U.S. Department of Education. The position also coordinates the transfer of external data across multiple systems and works closely with the Business Office to ensure compliance with cash management regulations. Additional responsibilities include overseeing the distribution of financial aid marketing materials, maintaining the office budget, establishing financial aid budgets, projecting aid expenditures, and testing financial aid software updates within the Colleague system. The Director also leads default-prevention efforts and supports continuous improvement of financial aid operations. Successful candidates will bring a positive outlook, flexibility, and a strong combination of leadership, supervisory, budget management, regulatory compliance, and technology skills. Equally important are exceptional communication and public relations abilities, as the position requires extensive outreach, collaboration, and engagement with both internal and external stakeholders. Examples of Duties Lead Financial Aid staff Advise colleagues, including the President and Vice Presidents, on interpretation of federal and state policy and its impact on Chesapeake College. Lead change college-wide on any substantial changes from state and federal policymakers. Download and upload all federal data from the EDE system as well as the Colleague system. Counsel students and parents on financial aid programs, eligibility, unusual circumstances, and hardships. Complete budget transfers and requisitions to pay office expenses. Project office e budget and expenditures. Maintain and balance federal, state, and institutional aid. Maintain a third- party scholarship database to assist students with identifying other sources of funds. Package and award eligible applicants. Correspond with recipients for award notification. Calculate all returns of federal funds when students withdraw from classes. Write reports to extract data for communications management. Write policies and procedures pertaining to all federal, state, and institutional regulations. Review all professional judgment and Satisfactory Academic Progress appeals. Conduct financial aid information sessions to various constituents. Verify financial aid applicants selected for verification. Maintain scholarship database for donors and recipients to produce reports for donors, Internal Auditor, President, Resource Development, and Public Relations. Compile and prepare all federal and state financial aid reports. Review scholarship applicants and make recommendations for award. Establish financial aid cost of attendance budgets and scholarship budgets. Present at high school award ceremonies. Conduct financial aid information sessions at local high schools. Responsible for all Student Right to Know data regarding financial aid policies and procedures. Resolve technical errors in the EDE system; test all software updates before going live with the updates. Review Fall and Spring transmittals to find potential adjustments. Run and review status reports to determine changes in student aid packages. Adjust financial aid awards due to over-awards, changes in enrollment, revised need calculations. Qualifications Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible financial aid experience. At least three (3) years of supervisory experience within a college or university financial aid office. Demonstrated knowledge of federal Title IV regulations and financial aid administration. Experience with financial aid reporting, compliance, and budget management. Knowledge of U.S. Department of Education systems and processes. Strong leadership, communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills. Ability to effectively collaborate with internal and external stakeholders. Student-focused and committed to expanding access to higher education. Skilled at interpreting and applying complex financial aid regulations and understanding and implementing policies and procedures that will support success. A collaborative campus partner and effective team leader. Detail-oriented with strong analytical and organizational abilities. Flexibility to understand nuance and apply it to policies and procedures. Comfortable presenting to diverse audiences and representing the College in the community Physical Requirements Most of the job is sedentary; however, occasional periods of light work may be required; Lifting to approximately 35 lbs. occasionally. The worker may be exposed primarily to indoor office conditions. Visual acuity appropriate for an administrative position Hearing, Grasping, Pushing, pulling, lifting, reaching occasionally, Climbing stairs occasionally, Walking, frequently, Occasional travel may be required. EOE Chesapeake College offers a comprehensive benefits package! recblid lxhrfps6z15urw9j4x7wyiknfcl5nf Chesapeake College