Assistant Director of Financial Aid

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF FINANCIAL AID

Number of Openings:           1

Employee Classification:      Exempt, Executive

Institution:                           Cleveland State Community College

Department:                         Financial Aid

Reports to:                            Senior Director of Financial Aid

Campus Location:                 Cleveland, TN

Salary Range:                        $49,453 - $61,817

Moving Allowance:                Not Applicable

Cleveland State Community College is a comprehensive, two-year post-secondary institution, located in Cleveland, Tennessee. Cleveland State is committed to providing open access and quality education to all students. A Tennessee Board of Regents institution, Cleveland State is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). At Cleveland State, our mission is to build strong minds, careers and communities through exceptional teaching and learning, workforce development and service. We wish to hire individuals with similar values who can help us accomplish those goals.

JOB SUMMARY

The Assistant Director of Financial Aid is a student-facing position responsible for providing expert financial aid counseling and resolving complex issues for students and families at Cleveland State Community College. This role oversees the accurate and timely awarding of financial aid while ensuring compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations. The Assistant Director of Financial Aid serves as a subject matter expert on interpreting financial aid policies and requirements.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

1. Financial Aid Operations (30%):

• Assist the Senior Director of Financial Aid in planning, implementing, and evaluating financial aid policies, procedures, and processes.
• Oversee the accurate and timely processing of financial aid applications, packaging, awarding, and disbursement.
• Monitor and maintain compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations, including Title IV, state aid programs, and institutional aid policies.
• Coordinate the preparation and submission of required reports and audits related to financial aid programs.

1. Complex Issue Resolution (30%):

• Serve as an expert resource on interpreting and applying federal, state and institutional financial aid regulations.
• Investigate and resolve complicated cases involving special circumstances relevant to financial aid & disbursement.
• Coordinate with other departments such Registrar & Business Office to address cross-functional matters.
• Document resolutions thoroughly, ensure follow-up, and update policies/procedures as needed.
• Counsel prospective and current students regarding financial aid opportunities, application processes, deadlines and requirements.
• Evaluate financial aid eligibility by analyzing student income, assets, and special circumstances.
• Package and award financial aid from federal, state, institutional and external sources.

1. Compliance and Reporting (25%):
• Ensure adherence to Title IV regulations, FERPA guidelines, and CSCC financial aid policies.
• Conduct audits and reviews of financial aid awards and consumer information activities.
• Compile data and generate reports related to financial aid processing, disbursements and metrics.
• Participate in financial aid system testing, configurations and process improvements.

1. Professional Development and Other Duties (10%):

• Provide financial aid presentations, workshops, and outreach activities.
• Assist with training and monitoring staff performance in the Financial Aid Office.
• Serve on committees related to financial aid, enrollment management and student services.
• Stay current on changing federal, state and institutional regulations impacting financial aid.
• Participate in state, regional, and national professional development opportunities as appropriate to ensure effective application of policies and procedures related to state and federal aid programs.

1.  Other Duties (5%)
• Other duties as assigned

EQUIPMENT

Work activities routinely involve the use of computers, scanners, and peripheral devices.  Photocopy and other office machines are frequently used.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, attentive to detail, maintain flexibility, and the ability to manage stressful situations.
• Effective interpersonal skills. 
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including public speaking. 
• Strong administrative, organizational, and time management skills.
• Demonstrated proficiency with various software packages including Microsoft Office Suite.
• Knowledge of the comprehensive community college concept.
• Ability to think critically, analyze data and interpret federal and state guidelines and policies. 
• Awareness of effective customer service practices, and the ability to implement them within an educational setting.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS / QUALIFICIATIONS

• Bachelor’s Degree in a related field. Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of four years of professional experience in student financial aid.
• Demonstrated experience in a supervisory role(s).
• Demonstrated proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office, including Word and Excel.
• Knowledge and experience in Banner software preferred.
• Community college work experience is preferred.

JOB LOCATION

The Office of Student Financial Aid located on the main campus of Cleveland State Community College in Cleveland, Tennessee is the primary workplace. Travel may be required within the college’s 5-county service area including travel to attend state meetings, etc.

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Applicants may be subject to a background and credit check.

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Cleveland State offers a comprehensive benefits package, including but not limited to the following:

Insurance: Health, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability (long and short term), FSA/HSA
Wellness Incentive Program (if enrolled in health)
Educational Assistance: Fee Waiver, Spouse/Dependent Discounts, Tuition Reimbursement
Employee Assistance Program
Longevity Pay
Retirement Options: State of TN Pension (TCRS), 401a, 401k with $50 match, 403b, and 457
14 Paid Holidays/Year
Sick and Annual Leave
Sick Leave Bank
State Employee Discount Program with over 900 merchants

If you are interested, click on the link to apply. 

Applications can be assured full consideration if submitted by January 2, 2025. 

Human Resources Office
Cleveland State Community College
Telephone: 423-478-6203; FAX: 423-478-6257
email: mdarnell01@clevelandstatecc.edu
website: www.clevelandstatecc.edu

Cleveland State Community College does not discriminate against
students, employees, or applicants for admission or employment on the basis of
race, color, religion, creed, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender
identity/expression, disability, age, status as a protected veteran, genetic
information, or any other legally protected class with respect to all
employment, programs and activities sponsored by Cleveland State Community
College. Cleveland State Community College's policy on nondiscrimination
can be found at: 

https://www.clevelandstatecc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/7_04_00_00-…