Director of Financial Aid

Concordia is a Lutheran higher education community committed to helping students develop in mind, body and spirit for service to Christ in the Church and in the world.

Position Summary

Concordia University is seeking applications for the full-time staff position of Director of Financial Aid. This position reports to the Vice President for Admissions and Financial Aid. An ideal candidate will hold a graduate degree, have extensive history within higher education financial aid work, and have past leadership and managerial experience. This position will provide direction and guidance to financial aid staff on financial regulations and reporting to ensure compliance of federal, state and institutional regulations, policies and procedures. The Director of Financial Aid also serves as a compliance officer for the institution.

Job Duties & Responsibilities

• Manage planning and operational activities of financial aid programs and services for the institution including oversight for federal, state and institutional funds.
• Develop, implement, review and document policies and procedures to ensure effective, efficient and compliant administration of federal, state and institutional funds across all schools and campuses.
• Prepare or oversees timely preparation and submission of reports required by the institution, accrediting agencies, federal and state agencies.
• Develop and implement strategies, programs and resources to ensure the office provides high quality and timely service and counseling to students to finance their education and support financial literacy during school and after graduation.
• Oversee the Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) and return of Title IV Funds, coordination of student loan processing between students, federal government and the institution and Title IV refunds and repayments including the U.S. Department of Education and National Student Loan Data System notifications.
• Administer appeals process related to SAP and special circumstances.
• Identify and implement the philosophy of the packaging, scheduling and disbursing of financial aid funds.
• Publicly present financial aid presentations and maintain accuracy of all collateral (website, college catalog, and other media) relating to financial aid.
• Counsel and advise students regarding financial needs and problems and recommend financial aid opportunities and scholarship and loan eligibility and procedures. Maintain knowledge of institutional financial aid policies procedures, and programs.
• Manage personnel resources, performance, and day-to-day operations to support staff development, smooth and efficient workflow, and quality service to students.
• Prepare annual budget and monitor expenditures to support financial stewardship.
• Work closely with the Advancement Department to process merit and need-based scholarships and endowment.
• Oversees monthly federal and internal reconciliation efforts and report to reviewing entities, such as auditors, program reviewers, and the Controller and Senior Accountant in Business Office
• Other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Technological competence in Microsoft Office Suite products and financial software (e.g., Excel, Banner) products.
• Knowledge of accounting, finance and data analytics.
• Strong verbal and written communications skills.
• Ability both to work independently and collaborate with diverse constituents.
• Supportive of the mission and values of Concordia University Wisconsin/Ann Arbor and the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS)

Education & Experience

• Minimum Required Education: Bachelor degree (graduate degree is preferred)
• Minimum Required Experience: 5 years of experience in higher education that includes experience in financial aid and leadership roles

Physical Demands/Equipment

Compensation and Benefits

This is a full-time, exempt position. The starting wage may be determined upon education and/or experience. Concordia University benefit options include, but are not limited to the following:

• Health, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Personal Spending A