Assistant Director, Processing

The Assistant Director, Processing plans, organizes, and administers the systems, technology, and operations of the financial aid counselors and processing staff.

• Processes student financial aid files in accordance with federal and state regulations.
• Awards financial aid, including federal, state, and institutional grants, loans, and scholarships, as well as work-study and outside agency programs.
• Processes the daily student verification of the Free Application of Federal Student Aid.
• Accepts financial aid forms; reviewing for completeness and accuracy; verifies information on student applications to determine eligibility for awards; screens applications.
• Responds to student and parent queries in a timely fashion, researching issues and obtaining assistance from other staff as necessary; facilitates the resolution of difficult and/or unusual situations related to student financial aid issues.
• Provides financial aid counseling to students, families, and prospective students on all state, federal, and institutional student aid programs.
• Works in conjunction with the Admissions Office and other offices on student recruitment as it relates to the financial aid process.
• Interprets, applies, and complies with federal, state, and institutional regulations governing student financial aid; maintains current working knowledge of guidelines and regulations pertaining to financial aid; participates in the development, evaluation, and implementation of institutional policies and procedures regarding student financial aid.
• Supervises staff members.

• Performs all other duties as assigned.

Direct Reports:

• Full Time and Part Time Employees

Delegation of Work:

• Regularly assigns work to subordinate(s)

Supervision Given:

• Has primary responsibility for conducting performance evaluations and making recommendations for hiring and dismissing employees.

Required Education:

• Bachelor's degree

Required Experience:

• Minimum of four (4) years of related job experience

License/Certification:

• None required

• None

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of the federal, agency, state, and university policies, procedures, and guidelines pertaining to grant funding in a higher education environment; knowledge of the associated trends, issue, and accepted practices.

Skills:

• Good technical skills, including proficiency in Department of Education software and websites; strong critical thinking skills; good time management skills; excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

Abilities:

• Ability to learn new computer software quickly; ability to be flexible; ability to effectively communicate with a wide range of individuals and constituencies in a diverse community.

Primary Work Location:

• Works in an office environment.

Physical Demands:

• Work is performed in a typical interior work environment which does not subject the employee to any unpleasant elements; individual has discretion in relation to walking, standing etc., and has minimal exposure to physical risks.

Commitment to Excellence - UHD

• Demonstrates a commitment to competently perform his/her job duties and responsibilities within established time frames.
• Continuously strives to improve work performance.
• Accepts responsibility for his/her commitments to the university.
• Contributes to the success of the university by consistently providing quality results in the performance of his/her job duties and responsibilities.

Dependability

• Takes responsibility to accomplish job assignments within reasonable deadlines.
• Willing to accept new projects and/or commitments.
• Does due diligence to complete projects within specified timeframes and/or fulfill commitments.
• Arrives to work on time prepared and ready to contribute.

Computer/Automated System Proficiency

• Proficient in the use of university applications or automated systems to perform job duties.
• Complies with related policies, procedures, and work rules to maintain system security and data integrity.

Flexibility

• Willingly adjusts to changing work assignments or conditions.
• Open to changes in operational procedures, technology, and/or organizational structure.
• Views changes as opportunities for learning and professional development.
• Displays a positive attitude to encourage others.
• Promptly responds to changes in work priorities and/or unexpected circumstances or situations.

Focus on Customer Service

• Focuses on customer's needs and expectations. (Customers can be students, external constituents, employees, or university guests.)
• Respectfully ascertains customer's needs and determines appropriate response.
• Promptly responds by providing requested information, takes appropriate action, or refers customer to appropriate individual or department.
• If further actions need to be taken, advises customers of realistic timeframes for a response to their request.
• Follows up with customers on outstanding requests in a timely manner.
• Tactfully explains to customers why their needs and/or expectations cannot be met if the university does not provide the requested information or services.

Integrity

• Demonstrates high ethical standards of conduct in the performance of his/her job duties and responsibilities.
• Accepts responsibility for his/her actions.
• Respects and complies with department and university policies, procedures, and work rules.

Proficiency

• Possesses required job skills and knowledge.
• Demonstrates the ability to apply those skills and knowledge to competently perform his/her job duties and assignments.

Respect and Cooperation

• Treats others with courtesy, respect, and dignity in the workplace.
• Promotes cooperation through open and honest communications and consideration of others ideas, thoughts, and opinions.

Research and Analysis

• Applies knowledge and skills to collect and analyze relevant data and information.
• Assesses benefits and risks, and prepares comprehensive reports of findings.
• Submits recommendations for management's review and evaluation.

Supervision

• Supervises the work of staff employees.
• Sets clear goals and expectations within reasonable timeframes.
• Motivates staff through constructive feedback, challenging assignments, and recognition of achievements.
• Provides mentorship and guidance by sharing expertise and best practices.
• Supports staff by providing essential resources, professional development opportunities, and open communication.
• Promptly addresses performance issues with appropriate measures and discretion.

Student Success Indirect Support

• Contributes to student success by assisting students with anything that supports their student experience, whether directly or indirectly.
• Helps students navigate their way through the different offices, programs, and services at the university and/or connects students with the appropriate party(ies).
• Connects students with services or resources that can help them with career exploration, goal selection, and ongoing academic assistance.
• Helps students build peer support networks.
• Encourages student participation in out-of-class activities.
• Provides encouragement and guidance to foster student success.
• Treats students with respect
• Maintains the learning environment to ensure quality and/or sound pedagogy.