Director of Financial Aid & Scholarships

About ECC:

Elgin Community College serves over 9,000 students at every stage of their educational journeys, including university transfer programs, career and technical education, continuing education classes, and adult basic education. As a community, we pride ourselves on nurturing a welcoming campus where every person-students, staff members, faculty members, and campus visitors-feels valued. The work of each ECC employee is central to the college’s mission, and as an employer, the college fosters a positive environment through professional challenges, excellent benefits, and opportunities for recognition and camaraderie.

Work Schedule:

As required by the department

Rate of Pay:

This is a Full-Time Administrative position at grade 16, with an annual salary range of $73,141 to $97,522. The salary offer will be based on education and experience, in alignment with the College’s compensation philosophy and the current Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), if applicable.


Benefits:

• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
• Life and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA, DCA, Commuter)
• Retirement Plans (Pension, 457b, 403b)
• Time Off with Pay
• Professional Development/Expense
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Sick Banks

FLSA Status:

Exempt

Grant Funded:

No

Job Summary:

The Financial Aid Director is responsible for managing and overseeing all federal, state, institutional, and private student financial aid programs, including scholarships, grants, student employment, loan programs, sponsorships, and veterans’ benefits. This role ensures students have access to financial resources to support their education at ECC. The position serves as the designated administratively capable individual for administering all Title IV programs and non-federal student financial assistance programs in compliance with U.S. Department of Education regulations.

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

1. Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field
2. Five years of financial aid experience with progressively increasing levels of responsibility.
3. Three years of supervisory experience.
4. Considerable knowledge of Federal and State financial aid regulations.
5. Excellent customer service and communication skills; ability to foster fiscal responsibility and ensure compliance with peers, auditors, faculty, and staff.
6. Considerable skill in the use of the Microsoft Office Suite, including but not limited to Word, Excel, Access and Publisher
7. Considerable skill in organizing work to meet established deadlines while maintaining attention to detail.
8. Working skill in interpersonal interaction to be applied to a variety of individuals with differing education, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds.
9. Must be available to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends when required by the department’s needs.

Desired Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

Master's degree; experience at a Community College financial aid office.

Essential Duties:

1. Interpret and implement federal and state laws, regulations, and compliance requirements governing financial aid programs; maintain institutional policies and recommend actions as needed.
2. Ensure compliance by updating departmental policies and procedures, providing staff training, and monitoring adherence to federal, state, and institutional standards.
3. Manage day-to-day operations of the Financial Aid & Scholarships Office, including scheduling and coverage for office hours and events.
4. Oversee completion and submission of required federal and state reports (e.g., FISAP, IPEDS, audits) and ensure accreditation compliance for eligible programs.
5. Supervise and evaluate staff performance, including hiring, training, professional development, and disciplinary actions.
6. Represent the college during financial aid audits; prepare responses, corrective action plans, and required documentation.
7. Serve as liaison with administrators and staff to communicate and clarify financial aid data and processes.
8. Coordinate workshops and presentations to educate students and the public about financial aid programs.
9. Lead and manage the College’s Financial Literacy program.
10 Administer and monitor the Satisfactory Academic Progress policy, including appeals and policy updates.
11. Collaborate with Student Accounts to reconcile all financial aid programs as required.
12. Maintain and oversee financial aid systems and annual setup; manage additional software mandated by federal and state agencies.

Other Duties:

1. Perform other job-related duties as assigned which pertain to the job description.

Physical Demands:

Sedentary (up to 10 lbs occasionally, sitting most of the time)

Visual Acuity:

Close visual acuity (e.g. computer, assembly)

Work Environment:

Moderate noise

Environmental Conditions:

Typical office or administrative

Current SSECCA Union Member Information:

The initial posting date for this position is 12/11/2025. Elgin Community College Support Staff Association(SSECCA) members that apply by 12/18/2025 and meet the posted minimum qualifications will receive full consideration.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

Elgin Community College does not discriminate, or tolerate discrimination, against any member of its community on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex/gender/gender identity, age, religion, disability, pregnancy, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state or local law in matters of admissions, employment, or in any aspect of the educational programs or activities it offers.


In addition, Elgin Community College provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities to ensure equal access and equal opportunities with regard to employment practices, educational opportunities, and programs and services. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the College’s EEO/AA Officer. Determinations on request for a reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.