Director of Financial Aid

Title: Director of Financial Aid Salary: $71,676 Contract Term Length: 12 Months Standard Hours: 37.5 Work Location: Discretionary Hybrid FLSA Status: Exempt College: Gateway Community & Technical College Campus Location: Gateway Edgewood Campus Department: Financial Aid Total Rewards Gateway Community & Technical College offers a competitive benefits package and an attractive work environment that supports excellence, innovation, and creativity including: Exceptional health care, vision, dental coverage for you and your family Tuition reimbursement/waiver for you, your spouse, and dependents 403(b) retirement plan: a 5% employee contribution receives a 10% employer match Vacation/Sick Time Work-Life Balance 9.5 Paid Holidays 2 Weeks Institutional Closing Pay (Last 2 weeks of December) for qualifying positions Employee Assistance Program Job Summary The Director of Financial Aid is responsible for the leadership, administration, and strategic direction of all financial aid programs. This role ensures compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations while delivering exceptional service to students. The Director oversees financial aid operations, supervises staff, manages budgets, and collaborates with internal and external partners to support student success. Job Duties: Leadership & Compliance Administer all financial aid programs, including Title IV, state grants, institutional aid, and scholarships. Maintain accurate and current information in the Electron Application (E-App) and Eligibility and Certification Approval Report (ECAR). Manage the recertification of the Program Participation Agreement (PPA). Develop and implement policies, procedures, and systems to ensure regulatory compliance. Student Support & Counseling Provide guidance on financial aid options, SAP, appeals, and return to Title IV. Review and process professional judgment requests, including dependency overrides and special/unusual circumstances. Adjust aid packages and notify students of changes in eligibility. Evaluate Cost of Attendance adjustments based on documented educational expenses. Operations & Supervision Supervise financial aid staff and oversee daily office operations and budget. Coordinate student communications, data reconciliation, enrollment reporting, and audit preparation. Outreach & Collaboration Conduct financial aid presentations and workshops for students, families, and community groups. Partner with area high schools, external agencies, and internal departments. Serve on institutional and external committees as a financial aid representative. Default Management Lead the college’s default management efforts, including strategy development and coordination with servicers. Implement the college’s default management plan to reduce cohort default rates. Special Programs Complete and manage consortium agreements, including coordination with host schools to verify remote hours for Gateway degree requirements. Perform additional responsibilities as assigned to support the mission of the college and the financial aid office. Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree or equivalent Minimum 2 years of experience in a supervisory or management role Working knowledge of financial aid systems and processes. 3 years of direct experience in financial aid operations in a higher education setting Ability to handle conflicts and provide constructive feedback. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and decision-making skills Strong communication skills Detail-oriented, self-motivated, and able to work independently and adapt seamlessly to fast-paced, dynamic environments. Skilled in engaging and supporting students from different cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds. Professional and courteous communication at all levels, both internally and externally. Proven ability to manage multiple priorities effectively and meet tight deadlines. Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Forms, Outlook, Teams, SharePoint, Word). In order to perform all job responsibilities, applicants may not be in default on a federal student loan Preferred Qualifications: Master's degree or equivalent Previous experience in a community college setting This position may be considered for a discretionary hybrid work arrangement following the successful completion of the probationary period. Approval of any hybrid schedule is contingent upon supervisory authorization, alignment with institutional operational needs, and adherence to a maximum of two (2) remote workdays per week. Employee Rights - Employee Polygraph Protection Act Equal Opportunity Employer - The Kentucky Community and Technical College System is an equal educational and employment opportunity institution.