Associate Director, Financial Aid

Position Function:

Responsible for management of the Direct Loan and the Alternative Loan programs; coordinate all loan related processes including loan originations, certifications, and disbursements; manage exception reports and change requests; complete monthly/year end reconcilements; supervision of staff involved with processing student loans; stay up-to-date on all federal regulations as they apply to the Direct Loan program and comply with Private Loan policies; coordinate with IT and manage the annual setup of financial aid within the Banner system. Liaison for medical programs (Vet Med, Physician Assistant, and Nursing); provide counseling and awarding based on program eligibility; and determine annual budget for each program.

Salary Grade: 15

Please see Staff Compensation Structure for salary ranges.

Area of Specialization:

Student Loan Area

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Manage the Federal Direct Loan programs:
• Advise and counsel students; determine student loan eligibility; ensure accurate awards
• Completes month end and year end reconciliation of all loan funds
• Send/receive origination and loan extraction files weekly from the Dept. of Educ.
• Make loan adjustments based on award changes, withdrawals, student request, etc.
• Stays up to date on all federal regulations as they apply to the awarding and disbursement of direct loans
2. Manages the processing, awarding and disbursements of Private Alternative loans
3. Manages the processing, awarding and disbursement of medical programs (Vet Med, Physician Assistant, and Nursing)
4. Manages student communications that include outgoing emails and phone calls
5. Advises and collaborates with the Executive Director of Financial Aid and Scholarships on issues of compliance as they apply to federal loan programs
6. Work with ITS and manage the setup of the new year financial aid loan set up system within Banner
7. Performs other duties as assigned by the Executive Director Financial Aid and Scholarships

Supervisory Responsibility:
Full supervisory responsibility is a major responsibility and includes training, evaluating, and making or recommending pay, promotion, or other employment decisions.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education Bachelor’s degree

Strong student orientation with at least two years pertinent work experience.

AND

One year staff management experience

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in business and prior management experience
• Prior experience in financial aid at assistant or associate director level

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

1. Ability to effectively communicate with students and staff members with a high degree of professionalism
2. Working knowledge of methods and procedures used in collecting, analyzing, and maintaining data.
3. Ability to understand and apply financial aid criteria
4. Strong attention to detail and understand the importance of confidentiality
5. Ability to manage a large complex office that administers Title IV Federal financial aid

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

• Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment.
• No or very limited exposure to physical risk.
• No or very limited physical effort is required.

Instructions for Applying:

All applicants must apply online at www.msujobs.msstate.edu and attach a cover letter, current resume or curriculum vitae, and the complete contact information for at least three professional references.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

MSU is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy, gender identity, status as a U.S. veteran, and/or any other status protected by applicable law. We always welcome nominations and applications from women, members of any minority group, and others who share our passion for building a diverse community that reflects the diversity in our student population.

What do I do if I need an accommodation?

In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi State University, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at tel: (662) 325-3713 or [email protected].

If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at (662) 325-3713 or [email protected]. Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.