Director of Financial Aid

Job Description

Job Description

This is a full-time, 12-month, exempt position that reports directly to the Dean of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management, located on JWCC's main campus in Quincy, Illinois. Position begins immediately.

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Director of Financial Aid directs and coordinates the College's financial aid programs and services, ensuring students receive accurate, timely, and equitable access to financial resources for their education. The position leads the administration of federal Title IV programs and state aid programs, oversees compliance with all applicable regulations, and manages the financial aid team. The Director builds a financial aid operation that supports enrollment, retention, and student success, and serves as the College's primary resource for financial aid policy, process, and student advocacy.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Directs the application, awarding, and disbursement process for financial aid, including performing verification and need analysis to determine student eligibility.
• Administers institutional scholarships alongside federal and state aid programs.
• Oversee the development, implementation, and revision of financial aid policies and procedures, and serve as the College's primary resource for appeals, professional judgment reviews, and special circumstance requests.
• Leads administration and compliance for all Title IV federal financial aid programs, including Pell Grant, SEOG, Federal Work-Study, and loan programs, including Program Participation Agreement requirements.
• Calculates and processes Return of Title IV (R2T4) for withdrawing students.
• Coordinates federal and state compliance reporting to ensure exception-free audits and Title IV program reviews, including FISAP, Satisfactory Academic Progress reviews, gainful employment reporting, NSLDS enrollment reporting, Federal Work-Study (CWS) reporting, and purge processing.
• Leads the College's upcoming Title IV Program Participation Agreement recertification (E-App).
• Administers state and veteran financial aid programs, including the Monetary Award Program (MAP), Educational Pathway Scholarship (ECASE), and veteran education benefits.
• Serves as the database administrator for the Financial Aid module within Banner, ensuring data integrity and accurate processing, and builds new aid years in Ellucian Banner ahead of each award cycle.
• Partners with IT and the Registrar's Office on system updates, integrations, and reporting related to financial aid processing.
• Promotes financial literacy programs and resources and works directly with students and families to resolve financial aid questions and barriers to enrollment.
• Directly supervises the Financial Aid team, including the Financial Aid Manager, Financial Aid Coordinator, Financial Aid Specialist, and part-time Financial Aid staff member, and manages the department's operational budget.
• Serves on college-wide committees and performs other duties as assigned by the Dean of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management that promotes the John Wood Community College mission.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

• Bachelor's degree required; master's degree preferred.

Experience:

• 5+ years of relevant financial aid experience, including management experience, preferred.
• Working knowledge of federal and state financial aid regulations, budget processing, and staff supervision.

Skills and Competencies:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills with students, families, faculty, and staff.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong expertise in Office and related hardware and software packages for reporting and processing.
• Understanding of, or ability to quickly learn, Ellucian Banner and related financial aid systems.

Working Conditions:

• Professional office environment with occasional travel required for professional development related to Ellucian and financial aid.
• Work in well-lit, ventilated office spaces, as well as across campus.
• Ability to sit, stand, bend, lift (up to 25 lbs), and move intermittently throughout the workday.
• Subject to frequent interruptions and interaction with students, faculty, staff, families, and the public.
• Flexibility to work beyond regular hours during peak financial aid processing periods.
• Participation in ongoing professional development to stay informed about trends in the field.
• Ability to manage the mental and emotional demands of the role.

Work Schedule:

• Full-time position with a typical schedule of Monday-Thursday (8:00am – 5:00pm) and Friday (8:00am – 12:00pm).
• Hours may vary based on financial aid processing and enrollment scheduling needs.

SALARY:

• This is an exempt position with a starting estimate annual salary of $65,000.

BENEFITS

JWCC offers a competitive benefits package!

• 36-hour work week, Friday's get off work at noon!
• Earn 3.7 weeks of vacation in your first year!
• Sick Leave and Personal Leave.
• 19 Paid Holidays!
• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance; Only $5 per pay period for Employee Coverage!
• Wellness Program.
• College provided life and disability insurance!
• State University Retirement System.
• Tuition Reimbursement.
• JWCC Tuition Waiver for Employees + Dependents

APPLICATION

To receive full consideration, submit a resume with cover letter by visiting Position is open until filled.

08/27/2026

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, age, marital status, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any legally protected status. If you are a person with a disability and need assistance applying for a job, please submit a request to View email address on ziprecruiter.com.