Unclassified - Claremont, CA
posted 4 months ago
The Associate Director of Financial Aid, Operations and Systems at Claremont McKenna College plays a crucial role in the administration of various federal and institutional financial aid programs. This position is primarily responsible for assisting the Deputy Director of Financial Aid in maximizing the use of technology to enhance departmental operations. The Associate Director will conduct need analysis and verification, ensure compliance with federal and student aid programs, and provide counseling to students and their families. Additionally, the role involves maintaining the development and communication of the financial aid website and leading the migration to the PowerFAIDS Cloud and Anthology SIS. Candidates for this position should be technologically adept, interested in process automation, and possess strong project management skills to implement new systems effectively. The Associate Director will exercise independent judgment in fulfilling their responsibilities and may supervise employees and student workers. In terms of operations and systems, the Associate Director will lead the migration from PowerFAIDS Desktop to PowerFAIDS Cloud and serve as the liaison for software migration from Jenzabar CX to Anthology. They will work closely with the Office of Admission to effectively utilize Slate in the recruitment and enrollment process, ensuring the regular transfer of data between systems and maintaining the Financial Aid Checklist. The Associate Director will also assist in optimizing and documenting processes, conduct audits of data and systems, and provide training to staff on technical and functional aspects of financial aid software. The position also encompasses need analysis and compliance responsibilities, where the Associate Director will perform need analysis and verification on student aid applications, interpret federal and state regulations, and evaluate cost of attendance requests. They will be responsible for calculating federal Return to Title IV refunds and ensuring compliance with all regulations. The Associate Director will participate in weekly appeal meetings and develop equitable practices for administering the Kravis Opportunity Fund to assist high-need students. Counseling and communication are also key components of this role. The Associate Director will counsel families regarding the financial aid application process, conduct presentations, and respond to inquiries. They will maintain a positive office atmosphere and ensure effective communication with students and families. The successful candidate will demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion while providing exceptional customer service throughout all financial aid processes.