Associate Director of Financial Aid

FA182

Exempt

Full Time

No

A sensitive position requires a fingerprint-based criminal history check.

This is NOT a sensitive position.

No

This position is NOT designated as a Campus Security Authority. A Campus Security Authority (or CSA) is defined as an “official of the institution with significant responsibility for student and campus activities.” A CSA is required to immediately report any crime that is reported to them to the University Police who will then review, evaluate, and investigate the reported crime. Annual training is required by the Department of Education for all personnel who have been designated as a Campus Security Authority.

Yes

This position is a “designated position” meaning this position could potentially be required to work (depending on the event) during an emergency closing.

No

This position does NOT require a Statement of Personal Economic Interest.

No

A restricted position would be subject to availability of funding.

This is NOT a restricted position.

The Associate Director, under the direction of the Director of Financial Aid, promotes a “students first” service concept and is responsible for developing, promoting, and coordinating outreach events with Christopher Newport, local high schools and the community. Assists the Director with administration of student financial aid programs and related processes and contributing to student success in line with the University mission and strategic goals. Manages functions and processes associated with quality assurance initiatives and compliance with federal, state and institutional rules and regulations and makes recommendations for improvements to the Director. The Associate Director routinely participates with the Director in regular planning and decision-making.

Outreach, Counseling, Advising, and Programming

• Oversees the development and implementation of a financial literacy and communication program, utilizing staff and other institutional resources, which may include partnering with other offices across campus and external partners.
• Assists in overseeing an effective and comprehensive student financial aid counseling program which maintains relationships with students, parents, faculty, advisors, and university administration to provide an avenue for students to seek assistance when needed.
• Serves on various university committees and teams within the financial aid office, as well with other offices across campus, as directed.
• Designs, develops, implements, and participates in outreach activities with an emphasis on financial aid advising and services to current and prospective students, including high school college nights, college fairs, admission open houses, admitted freshman days, orientations, and programming for special student programs (such as the Community Captains program).
• Coordinates campus postings, email reminders, website maintenance, and develops and maintains general campus financial aid and financial literacy outreach.
• Develop and maintain very positive and professional customer service and/or relations within the office/department and with all constituencies to include students, faculty, staff, guests, and employees. Demonstrate a positive and professional attitude and treat everyone with dignity and respect. Fully support the “Student’s First” value at CNU and routinely goes the extra mile in providing service.

• Assists the Director with the administration of financial aid programs in accordance with federal, state, and institutional regulations and policies.
• Assists the Director in managing compliance activities, to include developing and updating policies and procedures.
• Assists Director with implementation of large-scale regulatory changes in the office, such as those included in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 and upcoming state regulatory changes.
• Supports the Director in compiling documentation and files for any audits or other quality assurance reviews conducted on the activities of the Office of Financial Aid. Serves as the secondary contact in the office for federal, state, and internal auditors. Assists in developing responses to potential findings
• Continuously develops, implements and maintains multiple levels of proactive internal quality control mechanisms to ensure compliance with all federal, state, and institutional policies and/or regulations; develops action plans for the correction of any violations or deficiencies noted; and provides regular feedback to the Financial Aid team.
• Reviews financial aid regulations, policies and procedures distributed by federal, state, and institutional sources to help ensure the university’s continued ability to meet regulatory requirements and maintain compliance.
• Assists in managing and maintaining consumer information in accordance with federal guidelines to ensure regulatory compliance. Helps to coordinate activities and teamwork between Financial Aid, the Business Office, Admissions, and Registration to ensure all required information is available to students and adequately communicated/distributed.
• Develops and delivers comprehensive training programs including financial aid fundamentals, changes to federal and state regulations and institutional policies, and changes to or reminders of office procedure. Conducts assessment activities to ensure mastery of required knowledge and skills for existing and new staff.
• Assists the Director with maintaining, updating and developing policies and procedures.

• Supervises assigned staff, as appropriate, within the Office of the Financial Aid.
• Recommends and/or coordinates staff training sessions/workshops for the purpose of reducing workload processing errors and improving accuracy of work output. Develops and prepares training sessions within scope of capabilities, experience and knowledge based on findings of quality control and auditing review and analysis.
• Trains staff on new regulations and policies and procedures.
• Responsible for staffing, hiring, coaching, discipline, performance standards, staff evaluation, and staff development for direct reports.
• Resolves and/or assists in the resolution of problems and/or complaints and initiates corrective action as appropriate.
• Acts as a knowledge source to the student financial services staff.

• Manages the review for accuracy and completeness of all financial aid application materials received, including verification documents, citizenship status documentation, and subsequent ISIRs.
• Ensures that all required verifications are performed in accordance with federal regulations, and assists in conducting verification reviews when necessary.
• In conjunction with the Director, exercises appropriate professional judgment when appropriate, as described by federal regulations. May assist in the review and processing of exceptions to regulatory definitions of dependent/independent student status, modification of financial need through adjustments to information reported on the FAFSA or to the student COA, and appeals for failure to meet or maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress standards.
• Serves as a liaison between the Office of Financial Aid and other CNU offices for student status, disbursement of awards, and with external financial agencies

• Accomplishes other tasks and projects as requested by the Director of Financial Aid.
• In the absence of the Director, performs the financial aid duties of the Director.
• Assumes other duties as assigned.
• Review and communicate safety issues to assure a safe and healthy workplace and a reduction in work related absence.
• This position is designated as a “responsible employee” who has the authority to redress sexual violence, who has the duty to report incidents of sexual violence or other student misconduct, or who a student could reasonably believe has this authority or duty.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Strong administrative and interpersonal relations skills; excellent written and oral communication skills; demonstrated ability to work harmoniously with a wide range of people.
• High attention to detail.
• Demonstrated knowledge of and ability to interpret federal, state, and institutional financial aid rules and regulations.
• Demonstrated ability for student programming and public speaking.
• Strong management and leadership skills; develop rapport; provide support; train; coach; promote change; manage conflict.
• Strong leadership, teambuilding, collaboration, analytical, strategic planning, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Proven ability to set work priorities, manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced, hands-on environment while meeting deadlines.
• Strong commitment to customer satisfaction.
• Ability to partner with others across the University and externally to exchange information, collaborate on projects, share resources, etc.

Familiarity with the Commonwealth of Virginia’s financial aid programs.

Master’s degree in a related field such as Higher Education, Leadership, Public Administration and Policy, College Student Personnel; or Bachelor’s degree in a related field plus demonstrated, directly related work experiences that equates to an advanced degree.

• Experience in interpreting federal financial aid rules and regulations.
• Experience building, conducting, and managing outreach activities.
• Experience processing financial aid requests and reviewing eligibility determinations.
• Experience with financial aid software and websites, such as COD, FSA, NSLDS, etc.
• Demonstrated experience in dealing with complex situations and diffusing customer conflict.
• Financial Aid compliance and training experience.

• Increasingly responsible experience in enrollment and student services functional area(s).
• Prior supervisory experience.
• Experience in an environment with responsibility for the management of fiscal programs
• Experience in interpreting state financial aid rules and regulations.
• Experience with student program development.
• Demonstrated experience with Banner or another student information system.
• Experience with SQL*, Toad, SQL Developer, or an equivalent application.
• Computer proficiency with Microsoft Office suite.
• Data analysis experience.
• Experience working at a four-year liberal arts institution.
• Demonstrated experience with program management.

Selected by The Princeton Review to be included in The 387 Best Colleges: 2022 Edition, Christopher Newport University is a public school offering a private school experience – great teaching, small classes, and a safe, vibrant campus. The University is located in Newport News, Virginia, enrolls approximately 5,000 students, and is dedicated to the ideals of scholarship, leadership, and service. Academic programs at Christopher Newport University encompass more than 90 areas of study, from biology to business administration and political science to the performing arts. The University is ranked by U.S. News & World Report’s America’s Best Colleges guide as 3rd among public regional universities in the South and 6th overall, and has recently completed more than $1 billion in capital construction on its 260-acre campus. Christopher Newport University is committed to ensuring that all people are welcomed, honored, and fully engaged in the life of our academic community. We recruit exceptional and diverse faculty and encourage applications from individuals who are underrepresented in their profession. For further details and information about Christopher Newport, visit www.cnu.edu.

AP219P

1

04/05/2022

04/24/2022

Interested parties are requested to submit a cover letter; current resume; and the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of at least three professional references at the time of application.

Review of applications will begin April 24, 2022.Applications received after April 24, 2022, will be accepted but considered only if needed.

Search finalists are required to complete a CNU sponsored background check.
Christopher Newport University (CNU) will make a reasonable effort to accommodate persons with disabilities in the application and/or interview process. Persons with disabilities who require accommodation should contact the CNU Human Resources Office by calling (757) 594-7145.

https://jobs.cnu.edu/postings/13310

Christopher Newport University, an EO Employer, is fully Committed to Access and Opportunity.
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