The University of South Carolina Aiken (ranked #1 Public College in the South by US News and World Report) seeks a dynamic Director of Financial Aid.  The Director serves as a key member of the Enrollment Management leadership team for initiative development and implementation. Specifically, this position is responsible for the supervision and implementation of all federal, state, and university aid distribution in addition to serving as the reporting and compliance officer for all related programs. This highly technology-based position, reporting to the Associate Vice Chancellor, is critical in the efforts to develop innovative ideas/programs/services to grow university enrollment. All efforts of this position and the financial aid office, both strategic and routine, are to be viewed as enrollment enhancement activities.

Must have knowledge of federal, local, and state programs that provide financial assistance to students; the principles of individual appraisal, including interviewing and advisement techniques; pertinent laws, rules and regulations; systems control auditing processes; and working knowledge of data systems. Must possess effective oral and written communication skills along with the ability to work with students of diverse cultural and economic backgrounds; demonstrated proficiency in management of financial aid need analysis, packaging and required revisions; interpret federal and state financial aid regulations; demonstrated analytical, organizational and supervisory skills; strong counseling skills; gather and compile data and prepare reports; train, supervise, and evaluate the assigned staff; consistently perform under the pressure of deadlines and other administrative demands; and work cooperatively with others. A Master's degree in Student Personnel Services or related field and 7 years of experience in Financial Aid in Higher Education is required. Ten years of Financial Aid experience is preferred with at least 5 years supervising professional staff members. Must have competent computer skills, both on mainframe and on PC. Excellent administrative, interpersonal, organizational skills are a must. Strong technology skills, complex data warehouse knowledge/report writing, and experience with Ellucian ERP and other relational data bases preferred.

The Director of Financial Aid will manage and direct the financial aid office of Erskine College with responsibility for the interpretation and implementation of federal and state financial aid regulations. Successful management of the office staff is key to making the operations run smoothly which would include cross training for the office personnel. Customer service and office efficiency are key components in assuring that our students and their families receive the attention needed to navigate this essential part of their college experience.

Responsibilities:

• Manages overall function of the financial aid office, including supervising staff.
• Interprets and implements federal and state financial aid regulations.
• Ensures the student concerns pertaining to the FAO (Financial Aid Office) are promptly addressed and fully documented.
• Maintains College’s Financial Aid data to assure timely and accurate submission of the federal, state, and local reports.
• Develops and directs Financial Aid strategies within the framework of federal and state regulations that are consistent with the enrollment goals of the College.
• Meets with prospective and current students and/or parents to counsel and advise them on the process and opportunities available.
• Prepares reports as required by federal and state agencies as well as various institutional departments.
• Coordinates with the Business Office to ensure proper cash management procedures, including timely disbursement of funds.
• Develops procedures to enhance collaboration with Admissions, Registrar, Business Office and Academic Offices to promote effective enrollment management initiatives and assessment.

Qualifications:

• Embrace, support, and promote Erskine College’s Christian mission as an agency of the Associated Reformed Presbyterian Church. 
• Bachelor’s degree (Master’s preferred) and three-to-five years of experience in student financial aid. 
• Preference given to those with knowledge of financial aid programs in South Carolina. 
• Working knowledge of institutional software (CAMS) preferred and Microsoft Office products. 
• Strong interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills and the ability to relate to a wide range of constituents.
  

Deadline:
Application review will begin immediately and applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Application Process:
To ensure full consideration, interested candidates should complete the online application, which can be found here. The online application includes a link to upload a letter of application, a resume, and a list of references.