Director of Financial Aid

Position Title Director of Financial Aid Position Purpose The Director of Financial Aid leads all aspects of day‑to‑day operations, office management, and information systems for the Office of Financial Aid including oversight of federal financial aid programs, special projects and collaboration with other College offices to enhance efficiency and integrate new technologies. Advises the executive director of financial aid on policy development, implementation, technology and staffing issues. Serves as a senior member of the Division management team. Required Qualifications – Education and Years of Experience Bachelors or equivalent combination of education and experience. Required Qualifications – Skills, Knowledge and Abilities Eight years of progressively responsible experience in financial aid administration at a selective college. Thorough knowledge of federal financial aid regulations, institutional need analysis, financial aid policy, processes and procedures. Proven experience with electronic financial aid systems (BANNER). Significant supervisory and team leadership experience. Strong communication and writing skills. Demonstrated ability to work in a team‑based organizational structure. Flexibility and ability to adjust priorities quickly in a fast‑paced multidimensional environment. Project management experience with the ability to conduct qualitative and quantitative research. Commitment to diversity and to serving the needs of a diverse population. Preferred Qualifications Master's or other advanced degree. Key Accountabilities Office Leadership Provides direct leadership of the day‑to‑day operations of the financial aid department. Promotes staff development. Supervises, coaches, and evaluates Associate Directors to ensure team unity, accurate processing of student aid offers, excellent customer service, and commitment to diversity. Trains new personnel in office policy, need analysis, professional judgment, and program responsibilities. Arranges all‑office meetings, retreats, workshops, and other training to enhance professional development and facilitate teamwork. Speaks to outside groups and organizations about general financial aid policies, procedures, and issues upon request. Handles special projects as assigned. Operations Management Reviews financial aid office electronic processes used in awarding and disbursing federal state, private and institutional aid programs and reconciling awards. Develops and implements process changes, both manual and automated, to streamline work and improve accuracy. Manages projects, communications and troubleshooting with Dartmouth Information, Technology and Consulting. Collaborates with Central Information Technology Banner and Warehouse teams to stay updated on the latest technologies and communicate functional needs specific to the Financial Aid Office. Coordinates Financial Aid Office processes with campus partners (Admissions, Development, Student Employment, etc.). Develops standard reports for statistical purposes as well as to respond to inquiries, monitor and analyze program spending. Instructs new staff in the use of BANNER and DFAAM systems for need analysis and packaging. Federal and Institutional Aid Oversight Oversees reconciliation and reporting for the Federal Student Aid grants, including Pell Grant, Federal Work Study, SEOG, and Direct Loan Program. Manages the reconciliation process for reporting data on the FISAP for all Federal Student Aid Programs to the U.S. Department of Education, ensuring compliance and ongoing funding for Federal Student Aid. Assists with submission of the College Program Participation Agreement. Meet and work closely with internal auditors. Develop Financial Aid office response to program reviews and audits. Communication and Case Management Manages need analysis, packaging, counseling, phone calls, office visits, and all contacts with current and prospective undergraduate financial aid students. Communicates the department’s values effectively to a diverse population of current and prospective students and their families through meetings, phone calls, presentations, and correspondence. Handles a specific caseload, independently reviewing files and application materials to determine families’ ability to pay and students’ eligibility for federal and institutional funds. Uses professional judgment on a case‑by‑case basis to adjust the cost of education or data values for calculating expected parent or student contributions. Assists with cases outside assigned caseload as needed. Other Duties Demonstrates professionalism and collegiality through actions, interactions, and communications with others appropriate to an environment that is welcoming to all. Performs other duties as assigned. Equal Opportunity Employer Dartmouth College is an equal opportunity employer under federal law. We prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status, marital status, or any other legally protected status. Applications are welcome from all. Background Check Employment in this position is contingent upon consent to and successful completion of a pre‑employment background check, which may include a criminal background check, reference checks, verification of work history, conduct review, and verification of any required academic credentials, licenses, and/or certifications, with results acceptable to Dartmouth College. A criminal conviction will not automatically disqualify an applicant from employment. Background check information will be used in a confidential, non‑discriminatory manner consistent with state and federal law. #J-18808-Ljbffr