Noorda College of Osteopathic Medicine (Proposed) Director of Financial Aid Overview of Position: Under the supervision of the Associate Dean for Student Affairs, the Director of Financial Aid oversees administration and management of financial assistance programs, scholarships, and financial wellness programming for students attending Noorda-COM. The Director of Financial Aid is expected to provide exceptional customer service while also demonstrating knowledge of scholarship opportunities, developing private lending relationships, and establishing Title IV federal financial aid eligibility for Noorda-COM. Carries out all duties in accordance with rules, regulations, and polices set forth by local, state, federal governments and the College. Responsibilities:

1. Directs all administrative duties under the Financial Aid department. 1.1. Directs the day-to-day management of department (facilitating meetings, ensuring adherence to college policies, practices and protocols, preparation of annual departmental report and all other reporting requirements). 1.2. Develops departmental budget recommendations for approval and assumes fiscal accountability for prudent management of financial resources, ensuring adherence to college practices (preparing and submitting annually, monitoring expenditures, reconciling monthly, examining income/expense statements, assessing needs [operating and capital], ensuring optimal utilization of facilities and resources, following protocols, formulating recommendations, effectively documenting, etc.). 1.3. Oversees/manages direct reports and assigned department(s) (defining/outlining roles and responsibilities, assigning tasks/ projects, coordinating cohesive productivity, providing guidance toward optimal performance, clarifying/instructing on duties, deadlines, and expectations; reviewing/conducting performance evaluations.). 1.4. Assists with and serving as a resource for problem resolution (trouble-shooting problems, changing duties as demands dictate, delegating and /or re-distributing tasks/projects due to volume or extenuating circumstances, personnel issues administering “due process” protocols, crisis management, etc.). 1.5. Oversees personnel record keeping (vacation, holiday, sick time, etc.) monitoring activities, recording absences, directing the updating of files, etc.
2. Provides vision, leadership, and strategic direction for the Financial Aid department, collaborating with relevant internal and external partners as applicable. 2.1. In accordance with the regulatory environment, develops, maintains and presents policies and protocols regarding Financial Aid to Dean’s Council and once approved, to faculty and staff (identifying topics and issues of importance, conducting informational and educational professional development, soliciting feedback and evaluations, etc.). 2.2. Serves as the responsible party for interpreting, understanding and implementing the laws, regulations, and guidelines related to student financial assistance. Develops and maintains the Federal Program Participation Agreement to allow Noorda-COM to become eligible and maintain Title IV funding. Establish and maintain program eligibility for HPSP (Health Professions Scholarships Program) for each participating military branch. Assists prospective Noorda-COM students in identification of, application for and administration of various financial aid resources and scholarship programs, including military and Public Health Service programs. Oversees the Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) and Return of Title IV (R2T4) Funds processes. 2.3. Works closely with key College administrators and community partners to identify private lending opportunities and scholarship opportunities for students. 2.4. Provides excellent customer service to applicants and students seeking information about financial assistance options and eligibility. Determines annual Cost of Attendance for all categories of students. Develops an annual awarding strategy for the available federal, state, and institutional financial aid funds to optimize the resources in the best interest of Noorda-COM and its students and to compliment the enrollment goals of the College. Offers presentations to prospective applicants and at professional meetings. Provides ongoing outreach and education to enrolled students. 2.5. Implements financial aid tracking software program(s). Develops, modifies, implements and maintains the application intake and tracking process for proper documentation of all awards for audit trail. Maintains fund control records in accordance with funding level limitations. Completes federal, state, and institutional reports including application for federal funding and reports the expenditures of funds allocated. Coordinates internal reconciliation efforts and reports to reviewing entities, such as auditors, program reviewers and accreditation teams. Monitors, approves, and/or revises all financial aid packaging for all qualified applicants in accordance with federal, state, institutional, and other policies and procedures. Maintains confidentiality and adheres to FERPA guidelines. 2.6. Monitors borrowing levels to help develop effective financial literacy programs. Develops and delivers financial literacy trainings for students. 2.7. Administers appeals process related to SAP and Special Circumstances. Establishes appeal guidelines and ensures they follow regulatory requirements. Notifies students of appeal outcomes and counsels students on available options. 2.8. Within the scope of role as Financial Aid Director, rigorously contributes to the defense of any claims made in the course of representing the College in any official capacity.
3. As relates to the department, actively engages in the advancement of the College. 3.1. Builds collaborative partnership opportunities across and among various entities participating in networking opportunities, [internal and external partners [elected officials, state constitutional officers, business and community leaders] other colleges and universities, hospitals, local organizations, societies, etc.] promoting relationships with the College. 3.2. Refers to and coordinates in advance with the Communications team in the Office of the President on all media contacts, communications, and/or interactions to include message, promotion, etc. in which asked to serve as an official representative, content expert, or spokesperson on behalf of the College. 3.3. Coordination in advance with the Communications team in the Office of the President on all Noorda-COM related legislative issues to include contact with the national, state, and local government officials, whether in official College capacity or with a national, state, or local organization. 3.4. Serves on various committees and teams within the College as assigned (attending meetings, contributing to discussions, sharing/exchanging information, and leading constituents toward goal attainment) to include advising and mentoring (students, clubs, campus organizations). 3.5. Contributes to College’s compliance with and in the development of required documentation as related to accreditation of all programs to which departmental content is contributed. (faculty adequacy model, gathering data, self-assessment, peer review, providing input/feedback, etc.) aiding in the attainment of academic compliance. 3.6. Participates in the production of various College materials [academic calendar, strategic planning, directory, College website, etc.] (collecting/preparing materials, organizing/formatting data, adhering to various deadlines, reviewing drafts, providing input/feedback, etc.). 3.7. Contributes to the College’s reputation/image of being one of the best osteopathic medical colleges (monitoring outcomes, partnering with internal and external stakeholders, modifying techniques, etc.). Qualifications: Education: Bachelor's degree required. A Master’s degree in Student Affairs, Business Administration, Finance or a related area is highly preferred. Experience: Minimum of 5 years’ experience working in financial aid in a higher education setting, medical school experience preferred. Demonstrated effectiveness, knowledge, and experience in financial aid, customer service, and administration. Skills & Abilities: Highly professional with honest, genuine, direct communication style, excellent interpersonal skills and emotional maturity with the essential ability to demonstrate tact, discretion and job diplomacy. Significant understanding of higher education administration with proven knowledge of budget, fiscal management and experience include working and building relationships with high-level community leaders, government officials, and others. Proven track record of quality, integrity and trustworthiness. Ability to make common sense, consistent and fair decisions (based on fact and data) and have courage of convictions and tolerance for ambiguity. Must be: • Be a self-confident, strong leader, skilled decision-maker with ability to lead by influence and effectively communicate with various constituencies across the college. • Be highly organized and possess strong planning skills. • Possess exceptional listening, written and oral communication skills. • Demonstrate good judgement and ethical decision-making abilities. • Maintain a high energy level and demonstrate a passion for assisting students in achieving their educational goals at Noorda-COM. • Be able to work independently yet is an effective participant in cross-functional teams. • Be adept in conflict resolution skills, crisis intervention techniques and possess demonstrated ability to react calmly and effectively in emergency situations. • Be self-motivated, self-disciplined, have a strong work ethic and capable in establishing priorities. • Be flexible and able to adapt to changing priorities and effectively handle frequent interruptions. • Be innovative, resourceful, detailed oriented, with excellent follow through skills. • Be capable of balancing multiple projects in stressful situations while meeting deadlines, achieving desired results, and maintaining positive relations while understanding of the importance of confidentiality of data and information. • Maintain confidentiality and adhere to FERPA guidelines. • Be able to travel occasionally. Pay & Benefits: Pay is commensurate with experience and education. Full benefits package available Noorda College of Osteopathic Medicine (proposed) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against individuals in any phase of the application or employment phase on the basis of race, religion, creed, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition including medical characteristics, marital status, veteran status, economic status, genetic identification, political belief, or any other classification protected by applicable local, state or federal laws. We encourage all qualified individuals to apply.