MIRACOSTA COLLEGE
CLASS TITLE:
DIRECTOR, FINANCIAL AID & SCHOLARSHIPS
BASIC FUNCTION:
Under the direction of the Dean of Admissions and Student Support, plan, develop, organize
and direct the operations and activities of the District’s Federal and State Financial Aid Services
and Scholarship programs; authorize aid packages and assure compliance with federal, state
and program requirements; evaluate and implement internal controls to avoid District liability;
train, supervise and evaluate the performance of assigned personnel.
REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES:
1.
Plan, organize, develop, control and direct the College's Financial Aid and Scholarships
programs. Analyze, interpret, and implement federal and state regulations and legislation
governing the financial aid program; maintain current knowledge of regulations and
legislation including the impact of other benefits (e.g., Veterans, Disabled, CalWORKs
parents, Social Security and other aid sources). Coordinate with EOPS in packaging
allocated funds. [E]
2.
Develop, implement, coordinate and evaluate policies and procedures for the
administration of various financial aid programs; revise as necessary to comply with
changes in state and federal laws. Maintain program quality and integrity; define program
goals and philosophies. [E]
3.
Develop procedures and best practices necessary to determine financial aid need and to
properly package applications for financial aid; analyze applications and verify eligibility in
compliance with the applicable state and federal regulations and guidelines. [E]
4.
Prepare formal applications for government and private funds based on applicable
demographic, financial and personal considerations; prepare and verify expenditure
reports required by state and federal agencies. [E]
5.
Monitor status of program funds; prepare budgets and disbursement program guidelines;
account for proper financial aid funds expenditure; prepare a variety of complex statistical
and narrative reports; assure the maintenance of accurate financial aid records and files;
develop, evaluate and implement internal controls to avoid District liability; direct the
preparation of documentation for external and internal audits; consult with auditors as
needed. Conduct regular department program reviews. [E]
6.
Review correspondence from students with special circumstances and resolve as
appropriate; interview and advise students regarding financial aid eligibility; review and
resolve student appeals; determine proper course of action if final appeal is approved by
the Financial Aid Appeals Committee. [E]
7.
Train, supervise and evaluate the performance of assigned personnel including hourly
certificated staff; provide for technical direction and guidance; schedule regular staff
meetings; make employment, transfer and promotion recommendations. [E]
8.
Maintain knowledge of and assist with training of staff in the use of financial aid computer
information system used in student needs analysis, awards and records maintenance;
MIRACOSTA COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT
[E]=essential job function
6/22/12
DIRECTOR, FINANCIAL AID & SCHOLARSHIPS
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direct the research and resolution of related computer application problems; provide input
into college-wide computer decisions and the smooth operation of integrated student
databases; serve as a resource on related computer projects; review and approve
computer and technological changes in regards to student financial aid records.
9.
Plan, develop, organize and direct campus financial aid orientation sessions. Direct the
District’s outreach activities relating to financial aid and scholarships. Provide application
and filing deadlines information to feeder high schools and satellite centers as appropriate;
create and disseminate public and student financial aid information, notices and
publications.
10.
Direct and organize the maintenance, confidentiality and security of student financial aid
records; oversee the proper retention and destruction of student records as required by
federal and state regulations. Develop, organize and monitor training documents, write
office procedures, integrate procedural input from other staff, direct the development of
manuals and forms to document student eligibility and to meet federal/state requirements.
Advise and consult with regional colleagues on policies to ensure consistency of the
application of professional judgment. Prepare, revise and regularly review student forms
and policies. [E]
11.
Plan, organize and oversee the District’s scholarship program to assure the awarding of
scholarships is consistent with applicable requirements; authorize transfer of funds. [E]
12.
Perform related duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:
KNOWLEDGE OF:
Federal, state and local student financial aid and award programs, regulations and guidelines.
Confidentiality and security regulations relevant to student records.
Fundamental accounting and fiscal reporting procedures.
Business Math.
Personal and financial problems of students.
Modern office practices, procedures and equipment.
Computer applications.
Data processing applications, financial aid needs analysis, accounting and record keeping.
Principles and practices of supervision and training.
On campus scholarship program.
District organization, operations, policies and objectives.
Oral and written communication skills including correct English usage, grammar, spelling,
punctuation and vocabulary.
Applicable sections of State Education Code and other applicable laws.
Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.
ABILITY TO:
Plan and organize work.
Read, interpret, explain and apply provisions of federal, state and local rules, regulations and
guidelines related to financial aid programs.
Interrelate effectively with socially disadvantaged students.
Interview students/parents and probe for information necessary to determine eligibility.
MIRACOSTA COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT
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DIRECTOR, FINANCIAL AID & SCHOLARSHIPS
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Exercise sound judgment in reviewing applications for grants and loans to determine eligibility.
Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.
Work independently with little direction.
Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action.
Develop and control budget.
Meet schedules and timelines.
Plan and organize work.
Train, supervise and evaluate personnel.
Maintain records and prepare clear and concise complex reports.
Work confidentially with discretion.
Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Understand and follow oral and written directions.
Operate a variety of office equipment including a computer terminal.
Operate a vehicle observing legal and defensive driving practices.
Demonstrate sensitivity to and understanding of diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural,
ethnic and disability issues.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Education and experience equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree and five years of related work
experience, including three years of progressively responsible experience in a college Financial
Aid program.
LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
Valid California driver license.
WORK DIRECTION, LEAD AND SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Lead Financial Aid Technician, Financial Aid Technician, Financial Aid/Scholarship Specialist,
Financial Aid Assistant, Financial Aid Clerk, Secretary Clerk III, Temporary Hourly Academic
Counselor, temporary and student workers.
CONTACTS:
Federal and state education agencies and auditors; community organizations; students,
parents, faculty, staff; vendors and district auditors.
PHYSICAL EFFORT:
Primarily sedentary with intermittent standing, walking, bending and stooping; occasional light
lifting and carrying of objects weighing 25 pounds or less; ability to sit and focus attention for
extended periods of time during meetings, workshops, hearings, etc.; ability to travel to a variety
of locations on and off campus as needed to conduct district business.
EMOTIONAL EFFORT:
Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships involving interactions and
communications in person, by phone and in writing with a variety of individuals and/or groups of
individuals from diverse backgrounds on a regular, on-going basis; ability to appropriately
respond to a variety of situations and unanticipated stressors; ability to work effectively under
pressure on multiple tasks concurrently while meeting established deadlines and changing
priorities.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
MIRACOSTA COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT
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DIRECTOR, FINANCIAL AID & SCHOLARSHIPS
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Primarily busy, indoor office environment; subject to frequent contacts and interruptions by
individuals in person or by phone; intermittent exposure to angry and/or verbally aggressive
individuals; may be required to work during day and/or evening hours including occasional
weekends and/or holidays on an as-needed basis. Occasional local travel may be requested.
MIRACOSTA COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT
[E]=essential job function
6/22/12