<p>Position Description</p> <p>The Deputy Director of Financial Aid is responsible for overseeing the strategic and operational management of the financial aid department at Zane State College. This position focuses on financial aid literacy strategy, policy development, compliance, reporting, and systems management to ensure the efficient administration of federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs. The Deputy Director will manage departmental staff and operations, ensuring alignment with institutional goals for enrollment and student success. While this role is remote or hybrid, the Deputy Director is expected to maintain regular communication and collaboration with campus stakeholders to stay aligned with institutional objectives.</p> <p>Personal Touch: All major activities, essential duties and responsibilities shall be performed integrating the personal touch philosophy, which defines our College. The personal touch is characterized by respect, responsiveness, and responsibility in all relationships and is an attitude toward students, colleagues, and community members demonstrating respect, acceptance, responsibility, courteousness, and genuineness.</p> <p>Assessment: Contributions to assessment for continuous quality improvement of the academic support area(s) within assigned scope of responsibilities.</p> <p>Essential Duties and Responsibilities</p> <ul> <li> <p>Strategic Leadership and Departmental Management</p> </li><li> <p>Develop and implement financial aid strategies to enhance student access, retention, and success.</p> </li><li> <p>Oversee departmental policies, processes, and procedures to ensure compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations.</p> </li><li> <p>Lead and manage the financial aid team, fostering a culture of accountability and excellence.</p> </li><li> <p>Compliance and Reporting</p> </li><li> <p>Ensure the department meets all federal, state, and institutional compliance requirements.</p> </li><li> <p>Prepare and submit reports such as FISAP, IPEDS, and other mandated financial aid data.</p> </li><li> <p>Monitor and manage institutional default rates, providing appropriate interventions as needed.</p> </li><li> <p>Systems Management and Efficiency</p> </li><li> <p>Oversee the financial aid management system (e.g., Jenzabar), ensuring its optimal functionality.</p> </li><li> <p>Work with IT and other stakeholders to implement system updates and enhancements.</p> </li><li> <p>Streamline processes to improve operational efficiency.</p> </li><li> <p>Collaboration and Communication</p> </li><li> <p>Maintain regular communication with campus departments to align financial aid efforts with broader institutional goals.</p> </li><li> <p>Actively participate in strategic planning initiatives and provide expertise on financial aid policies.</p> </li><li> <p>Serve as a resource for internal and external stakeholders on financial aid-related matters.</p> </li><li> <p>Financial Literacy and Outreach</p> </li><li> <p>Develop and oversee financial literacy initiatives and materials for students and parents.</p> </li><li> <p>Collaborate with the Senior Financial Aid Officer to ensure consistent messaging and support for financial aid outreach activities.</p> </li></ul> <p>Qualifications</p> <ul> <li> <p>Education: Bachelor's degree required; master's degree preferred.</p> </li><li> <p>Experience: At least 3-5 years of direct financial aid office experience, including leadership and strategic responsibilities. Comprehensive knowledge of federal and state financial aid regulations is essential.</p> </li><li> <p>Skills:</p> </li><li> <p>Strong analytical, organizational, and critical-thinking skills.</p> </li><li> <p>Proficiency in financial aid systems (e.g., Jenzabar) and Microsoft Office Suite.</p> </li><li> <p>Excellent communication and collaboration abilities.</p> </li><li> <p>Attributes:</p> </li><li> <p>Self-starter with the ability to work independently and manage a remote team effectively.</p> </li><li> <p>Demonstrated commitment to maintaining compliance and ensuring operational excellence.</p> </li><li> <p>Ability to schedule and lead regular virtual and in-person meetings with campus stakeholders.</p> </li></ul> <p>Employment and Benefits</p> <p>ZSC offers an excellent benefits package including the following:</p> <ul> <li>Competitive base salary </li><li>Comprehensive healthcare plans including medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage </li><li>HSA/FSA </li><li>Employee Assistance Program </li><li>Life and long-term disability insurance </li><li>Supplemental retirement savings plans </li><li>Generous paid time off including vacation, sick, and personal leave </li></ul> <p>Review of applications will begin immediately. The position will remain open until filled. The final candidate is subject to the successful completion of reference checks and a background check.</p> <p>Zane State College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, national origin (ancestry), military status (past, present or future), disability, age (40 years or older), status as a parent during pregnancy and immediately after the birth of a child, status as a parent of a young child, status as a nursing mother, status as a foster parent, genetic information, or sexual orientation.</p>