Director, Financial Aid and Scholarships [Full-Time]

Clackamas Community College (CCC) at the Oregon City campus, Oregon seeks to hire a Director of Financial Aid and Scholarship (full-time, non-union, exempt). This recruitment will be accepting applications until the position is filled. We are interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and candidates that may be from a less traditional background. We welcome applicants who bring a diversity of identity, culture, experience, perspective, and thought. We encourage you to apply, even if you do not believe you meet every one of the qualifications described. 

CCC is committed to continuous improvement and innovation in support of student-centered teaching and learning. We are committed to understanding and dismantling systems of oppression and to co-creating a more equitable educational system that in turn fosters a more equitable society. We strive to be a student-ready institution that supports and partners with students to promote discovery and growth. We work to mobilize community-wide awareness and action related to College strategic priorities and seeks to build relationships in support of community well-being. At CCC, individuals are celebrated for their experience and expertise, validated for their unique perspectives, and engaged in ways that reflect their needs and interests. To learn more about CCC visit Leadership, Vision and Initiatives .

The Director of Financial Aid serves as the chief administrator for the Financial Aid department and oversees the administration of a student aid program that consists of federal, state, and local funds averaging $30 million annually. The Director serves as the primary contact between the institution and the Department of Education and oversees the accurate receipt, evaluation, and approval of requests for all aid programs including establishing procedures, maintaining transactions, records, and ensuring the effective and efficient use of systems and databases, while meeting all regulatory requirements.  The Director provides leadership and direction to 10 full-time classified, part-time, and student personnel, and ensures that departmental systems and processes are in place to meet institutional goals and maintain financial aid program compliance.  The Director is an active leader on campus, serves on multiple committees and is responsible for sharing information about aid programs, state regulations, and for providing data-driven financial aid strategies that support student recruitment and retention efforts.  

Duties & Responsibilities

1.  Administers Financial Aid Programs 

1.1.  Administers federal and state financial aid and work programs effectively to meet student needs and enrollment management objectives including developing, planning, implementing, administering, and assessing department priorities and objectives to meet identified goals.

1.2.  Responsible for maintaining Title IV Program Participation Agreement with the U.S. Department of Education.  Stays current with changes and regulations and submits new programs for approval of funding and ensures compliance with Title IV aid programs.

1.3.  Effectively utilizes the student information system (Colleague) and federal systems to administer budgets for Financial Aid, Student Employment and related funding options, monitors fund balances, ensures funds are spent properly, and takes appropriate action to maximize usage of fund and prevent over awarding.

1.4.  Oversees the satisfactory academic progress (SAP) evaluation process and serves as the final reviewer in the appeal process for students seeking reinstatement of financial aid eligibility.

1.5.  Prepares, writes, and files required state and federal reports; answers questions and provides information during audits and official reviews to justify policies, procedures, and variances. Ensures the data integrity of results reported to the College and to the US Department of Education.

1.6.  Manages the College’s policy & procedure manual for Financial Aid programs to ensure aid programs are compliant with federal, state, and Foundation rules, regulations, and bylaws. Continuously reviews, updates, and ensures the processing of financial aid, grants and scholarships follow the published policy & procedure manual.  

1.7.  Actively demonstrates a commitment to student service and student development and proactively works with staff within the department and across the campus to ensure that the student experience with Financial Aid is accessible without unnecessary barriers.

1.8.  Proactively responds and works to resolve grievances and complaints about financial aid processes, procedures, and staff. Meets with students who have complaints about financial aid in general or specific to the College. Obtains and investigates complaints, determines facts, and responds appropriately to students or agencies with final decisions.

1.9.  Collaborates with CCC Marketing teams to promote financial aid, scholarship and work study programs appropriately to prospective and current students and ensure that all required notifications and materials are accurate.

2.  Supervision of Employees 

2.1.  Develops a knowledgeable, productive and effective departmental staff who are adept at meeting the needs of today’s students, by hiring, training, and supervising full-time classified, part-time, and student employees both directly and through delegation.

2.2.  Develops office-wide goals and objectives to ensure that staff in the department are administering financial aid, scholarship and work programs effectively, efficiently, and that the department is meeting identified institutional outcomes.

2.3.  Maintains open and effective communication among all supervised areas engaging employees in regular team and individual meetings to set individual and team expectations and priorities, build consensus, address conflict and communicate changes or new expectations appropriately.  

2.4.  Advocates for the staffing, professional development, cross-training and technology needs required for the department to achieve identified goals.    

2.5.  Works with employees to train, improve, and correct deficiencies, set goals, and learn new skills and tasks; implements discipline and termination procedures and follows requirements set by collective bargaining agreements.  

2.6.  Works closely with the Financial Aid Coordinator and Systems Analyst to ensure that day-to-day operations in the department are running smoothly, staff are clear about daily tasks and assigned projects, processes and procedures are accurately being applied and that regulatory and service needs are being met.  

3.  District-wide Financial Aid Resource

3.1.  Provides financial aid expertise to faculty and staff across the campus and contributes to the development of good financial aid policy and strategic planning at the college by serving on departmental and college-wide committees representing financial aid programs including Access, Retention and Completion, Chairs and Directors, Student Accounts and Curriculum Committees.
 3.2.  Represents CCC at the state and federal level by participating in regular OASFAA meetings and related conferences and taking advantage of opportunities for input provided by the U.S. Department of Education, Oregon Department of Higher Education, and various professional associations.
 3.3.  Develops and maintains positive and productive relationships across campus with faculty and staff; gives presentations and shares information about financial aid rules and regulations, addresses concerns, areas of noncompliance, and helps mitigate financial risk for the College.
 3.4. Collaborates with the CCC foundation and Business Office staff to administer additional grant, aid, and scholarship funds. Participates in an advisory capacity to the foundation and business offices.
 3.5.  Demonstrates an understanding and awareness of other cultures and belief systems, advocates to remove barriers for students who may experience systemic barriers, and facilitates a work environment that encourages knowledge of, respect for, and development of skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds.
 3.6.  Performs other related tasks as required.

Qualifications

Your application will be scored based on the minimum qualifications, core competencies, and preferred qualifications. If you are unsure whether you meet all of the qualifications listed below, we encourage you to apply and address through your application materials all of the relevant education, transferable skills, and related experience that makes you a great candidate for this position. 

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Student Services, or in a related field (e.g. Education, Business, Accounting, and Public Administration).
• 5-years’ experience in a financial aid office.
• 3-years’ experience management and supervisory experience in a higher education setting. 
• Advanced knowledge of Title IV federal financial aid program guidelines and requirement.
• Advanced skills using a student information system (e.g. Colleague or Banner) to administer financial aid programs.

OR

• An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.

Preferred Qualifications

• Masters’ degree in Student Services, or in a related field (e.g. Education, Business, Accounting, and Public Administration)
• Previous experience working in a community college setting.

• Previous experience using Colleague as a Student Information System.
• NASFAA Credentials or CFFA.

Supervisory Responsibilities
Directly responsible for the supervision of over 10 and rarely over 25 FTE employees.
 
Supervision Received
Works under the general direction of the Associate Dean, Academic Foundations and Connections.

Physical Requirements 
Light Work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. Even though weight lifted may be negligible, it may be rated light work if frequent walking and/or standing is required.

The physical demands listed below represent those that must be met by an incumbent to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with qualified disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Application Instructions

When applying for this position, you will be required to complete the NeoGov application and attach the following electronic documents. 

Any applications which do not have the required documents attached will be considered incomplete. Incomplete applications will not be considered. CCC makes employment decisions based solely on the candidate's demonstrated competencies as related to successful performance in the position. 

Veterans’ Preference
 Applicants are eligible to use Veterans' Preference when applying with CCC in accordance with ORS 408.225, 408.230 and 408.235; and OAR 105-040-0010 and 105-040-0015. Preference will be given only if the applicant meets the minimum criteria of the position and electronically attach the required documentation at the time of application. For information regarding Veterans' Preference qualifications, visit http://www.oregonjobs.org/DAS/STJOBS/vetpoints.shtmlq  

Documents Required for Veterans’ Preference

• One  of the following:
  • MEMBER COPY 4 of the Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (DD Form 214 or 215) -OR-
  • Letter from the US Dept. of Veterans Affairs indicating receipt of a non-service connected pension -OR-
  • Certification that discharge or release from active duty under honorable conditions will take place not later than 120 days after the submission of the certificate
• In addition to one of the above documents, Disabled Veterans must also submit one  of the following:
  • A copy of their Veterans disability preference letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs -OR-
  • Certification that medical separation from active duty under honorable conditions will take place not later than 120 days after the submission of the certificate.

• You can request copies of your military service record through the National Archives website at http://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/  

Benefits

• CCC offers a comprehensive benefit package designed to provide employees and their families, including domestic partners, with access to a broad range of benefit options. Includes Health, Dental, and Vision options, Group Life, Long-term Disability, and Long-term Care Insurance programs.
• CCC currently funds the Oregon Public Employees Retirement System (PERS/OPSRP) pension and contributes an additional 6% into the employee's Individual Account Program under PERS/OPSRP.  A portion of the 6% will be diverted to The Employee Pension Stability Account as mandated by Senate Bill 1049.  CCC offers a tax deferred annuity program and a deferred compensation program where employees may save additional pre-tax dollars for retirement.
• CCC provides a tuition waiver for courses offered at CCC for yourself, domestic partner, and IRS dependents; plus, partial tuition reimbursement for yourself at other accredited institutions. 
• CCC qualifies as a public employer under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Terms of Employment

• All positions at CCC are required to be available for work onsite as requested by the college.
• Requires flexible work schedule to meet program needs, which may include evenings and/or weekends.
• Your official transcripts will need to be sent from the Registrar of your degree granting institution within 30-days of your hire.
• Employees must reside in the Portland metro area or Vancouver, Washington as a condition of employment.
• CCC does not support employment visas.
• Successful applicants must successfully pass a background inquiry, which may include criminal, driving, and full background checks. Only information relevant to the position will be considered. An individual with negative information on their background inquiry will not necessarily be denied employment. 
• Providing false information will result in rejection of an application, employment offer or dismissal.

Equal Opportunity Employer

CCC is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or any other protected class.

Annual Security Report:
 Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act), you may view CCC’s most recent Annual Security Report (ASR) at Clackamas Community College .  The ASR contains current security and safety-related policy disclosure statements, emergency preparedness and evacuation information, crime prevention and sexual assault prevention information and resources, and drug and alcohol prevention programming. The ASR also contains crime statistics for Clery Act crimes which occurred on PCC properties for the last three calendar years.