Director of Student Financial Services

 

 

Position:  Director of Student Financial Services

 

For the purposes of ACU's Background Check and Self-Reporting Policy, this position is classified as security sensitive.

 

Exempt/Full-Time

 

The key principles of this job are to:

1. Support ACU's Mission: Educate students for Christian service and leadership throughout the world.
2. Support ACU's 21st Century Vision: By 2020, ACU will become the premier university for the education of Christ-centered, global leaders.

 

Scope: Reports directly to the Associate Vice President for Enrollment and is responsible for planning, coordinating, and implementing all student financial aid programs, billing and collection processes in order to maximize enrollment through effective recruiting and retention strategies.

 

I. Basic Responsibilities

 

1. Plan and implement effective strategies for the awarding of prospective new students and renewal of returning student awards to meet enrollment and fiscal goals.
2. Manage the primary functions involved with the awarding, processing and interpretation of all federal, state and institutional aid programs.
3. Manage the billing and student accounts receivable functions to maximize cash flow and reduce receivables.
4. Oversee departmental activities including budgets, personnel, facilities, equipment modifications, form revisions, etc.
5. Promote affordability and value.

 

II.  Essential Duties include the following.  Other duties may be assigned.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.

1. Plan and implement effective strategies for the awarding of prospective new students and renewal of returning student awards to meet enrollment and fiscal goals.
   1. Produce annual report on the impact of awarding strategies on meeting strategic and fiscal goals.
   2. Develop and refine awarding strategies and renewal policies to leverage institutional resources to meet strategic and fiscal goals.

B.  Manage the primary functions involved with the awarding, processing and interpretation of all federal, state and institutional aid programs.

1. Involve staff in the ongoing development and refinement of processes to award and deliver financial aid to students.
2. Assess work-flow and adjust personnel as needed in order to meet deadlines and handle peak operating periods while delivering exceptional customer service.
3. Communicate changes in policy, rules and regulations to all staff members.
4. Read trade journals and Department of Education information on a frequent basis in order to stay abreast of changes in regulations and their effect on the SFS operations.
5. Participate in professional development opportunities to discover best practices and build relationships in the financial aid community.

C.  Manage the billing and student accounts receivable functions to maximize cash flow and reduce receivables.

1. Work closely with Student Financial Aid counselors in managing the collection efforts, particularly the more difficult accounts where options are limited.
2. Review payment plans and procedures for all students on an annual basis and make changes as needed.
3. Communicate with parent/students on various methods and options for paying off the balance on their account.

D.  Oversee departmental activities including budgets, personnel, facilities, equipment modifications, form revisions, etc.

1. Set deadlines and timelines on certain activities and prioritize the critical jobs in the data entry, awarding and processing (loans) areas.
2. Delegate other departmental activities to key employees and ensure follow-up.

E.  Promote affordability and value.

1. Attend special events such as Preview Days, special seminars, Passport, Premier Weekends, etc. to present information to parents and students regarding the financial aid available and the process involved.

III.  Professional Development Requirements:

1. Skills 

1. Organizational skills for managing several processes and activities.
2. Strong communication skills.
3. Finance or accounting background.

B.  Training Modules Required 

1. Computer operations (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), SunGuard's Banner Systems
2. Financial aid training programs, conferences, etc.
3. Basic management courses.

 

IV.  Qualifications:

ACU is affiliated with the fellowship of the Church of Christ. This position requires the employee to be a professing Christian and to be willing to support the Christian mission of ACU.

 

A.  Professional 

1. Bachelor's Degree in an appropriate field of study preferred.
2. Financial aid experience preferred.
3. Public relations/communications background not necessary but preferred.
4. Demonstrate leadership ability.

 

B.  Personal 

1. Self-motivated, resourceful, creative.
2. Professional image.
3. Strong communication skills.
4. Ability to interact with all levels of staff, faculty and administration. 

V.  Physical Demands 

1. Ability to work long hours when necessary (weekends on occasion).
2. Ability to perform computer operations for extended periods of time.
3. Some lifting required.

 

I understand that our mission at Abilene Christian University is to educate students for Christian service and leadership through the world.  Because of ACU's commitment to this principle and my commitment to God, people and learning, my actions will exemplify integrity, service, stewardship, involvement, and excellence.

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