Assistant Director for State Aid Programs and Compliance
Assistant Director for State Aid Programs and Compliance
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1 Vacancy
Job Description
This position provides leadership and guidance in the interpretation and implementation of State financial aidrelated regulations. Working in close collaboration with the Executive Director of Financial Aid this individual is responsible to ensure GRCCs policies and procedures related to state programs are properly and effectively administered. As such the individual will ensure that students receive thorough and timely information about State programs. Additionally the individual will take a lead role in monitoring student eligibility and ensuring accurate awarding. This position is also responsible for the analysis of data and the creation of dashboards and reports for tracking metrics related to financial aid applicants for use by Student Success administrators and Executive Leadership Team members. This individual will work collaboratively with the Executive Director of Financial Aid to ensure State institutional and other reporting functions are completed in a compliant timely and accurate manner. This position will work directly with external auditors to facilitate annual compliance audits as well as periodic state and federal program reviews.
Requisition ID: 825
Department: Financial Aid
Employee Group: Professional Management and Administration
Schedule: FullTime Exempt
Compensation: AP5 $56256 annually
Benefits: Full Time
Reports to: Executive Director of Financial Aid
Posting Opens: 03/28/2025
Posting Closes: 04/11/2025
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Lead the administration of State of Michigan financial aid programs of $8 million in financial aid awards annually to nearly 5000 students.
- Ensure that GRCCs policies and processes comply with State of Michigan regulations. Be a liaison between GRCC and the State of Michigan including with the Treasury and Labor and Economic Opportunity departments as well as the Office of Sixty by 30.
- Develop and administer state aid program training programs for GRCC Financial Aid staff and other cross campus departments as needed to ensure accurate information is disseminated to students staff and business and community stakeholders.
- Develop and ensure that GRCC has regular processes for all State of Michigan reporting requirements including billing payment rosters eligibility checks reporting adjustments and other reporting processes. Ensure accuracy of data prepare and submit reports in compliance with state requirements.
- Ensure that GRCCs data system is set up properly proactively identify necessary modifications and work in collaboration with departmental functional analysts GRCC IT personnel and consultants to facilitate the compliant administration of State aid programs. Stay abreast of emerging technical functionality and identify ways to continuously improve accuracy and efficiency related to aid delivery.
- Advise and assist current and prospective students and their families by phone inperson and via email with all aspects of the financial aid application process.
- Work in collaboration with the Executive Director of Financial Aid to complete and submit various State reports and Federal reports as needed including the following: NAITW Reconnect Wraparound grant report reports to MiSSG MPDI and federal state and accrediting agency reporting requirements.
- Develop and maintain information on GRCCs website regarding State aid programs.
- Supervise the Special State Programs Coordinator position.
- Analyze data and design various dashboards and reports for tracking student metrics related to state and federal aid program utilization FAFSA completion and other metrics.
- Evaluate data and recommend changes in outreach and awarding procedures. Provide dashboards and reports and give presentations to Student Success administration and Executive Leadership on an ongoing basis.
- In coordination with the Executive Director of Financial Aid assist with the collection of information and data required for external audits and federal and state program reviews. Work with auditors and program reviewers to address questions and implement changes if needed.
- Work in cooperation with the Associate Director of Financial Aid Student Engagement and Eligibility and other GRCC departments to provide students with information about completing the FAFSA and maintaining eligibility for State aid programs.
- Participate in various GRCC events FAFSA completion events and other events to provide information and assist students and families with questions related to financial aid. This will involve communicating with various audiences about the available federal and state funding including students other GRCC departments and outside constituents such as high schools businesses and community organizations. Methods of communication and outreach include but are not limited to GRCCs webpage email text messages social media small and large group presentations etc.
- Monitor analyze and interpret regulatory changes and updates through publications announcements and training opportunities from primarily the state government.
- Maintain the Financial Aid Office Policy and Procedure Manual and Packaging Philosophy in accordance with state regulatory requirements. Update annually or as required to address regulatory changes.
- Perform quarterly internal audits to ensure compliance with state awarding guidelines. Identify areas for improvement recommend policy and procedural changes and work with key stakeholders to resolve compliance and service issues in a timely manner.
- Act as a liaison providing financial aid information and training to other GRCC offices including but not limited to Admissions Student Records Student Financial Services Counseling and Career Services Academic Advising Disability Support Services Occupational Support Services Institutional Research and TRIO.
- Attend professional development conferences seminars workshops and webinars to stay abreast of current regulations trends and best practices in the student financial aid profession.
- Actively support and participate in the integrated Student Success service model.
- Other duties as assigned to further the mission of excellence in the delivery of student services.
- Conduct workshops and presentations on financial aid to faculty staff students parents high school counselors and community agencies. Some evenings and weekends will be required.
- Actively participate in college committees representing financial aid as needed.
- Regular attendance during normal scheduled hours is required. Being present is essential for serving customers and performing the essential functions of this position.
JOB SPECIFICATIONS
Education Credentials
- Bachelors degree in applicable field of study required
- Masters degree preferred.
Work Experience
- Extensive knowledge and understanding of federal state and institutional policies and procedures related to the processing awarding disbursement recalculation reporting and general administration of financial aid programs required.
- A minimum of three 3 years of financial aid experience in a higher education institution required five 5 years preferred.
- Prior experience with determining student eligibility for and navigating and interpreting Michigan Student Aid policies procedures and systems required
Skills
- Problem solving
- Process Improvement
- Communication
- Interpersonal
- Organizational
- Technical
Physical Demands
- Sitting for extended periods of time.
- Some travel required.
Mental Demands
- Proficiency in Spanish preferred
- Proficiency with MS Office and Google Suite products and student information systems (preferably PeopleSoft Campus Wide Information System)
- Working knowledge of government financial aid systems (preferably COD NSLDS FA Access SAIG and MiSSG).
- Demonstrated ability in process improvement presentation skills training and written and verbal communication.
- A high level of personal and professional integrity and ability to maintain confidentiality.
- Exceptional planning and organizational skills and the proven ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously.
- Ability to demonstrate process improvement experience and strategic thinking.
- Demonstrated team building and interpersonal skills as well as the ability to work with and respect diverse populations.
- Excellent listening and communication skills both verbal and written. Must demonstrate a high level of customer service and the ability to communicate effectively with a diverse student staff business and community partner populations.
- Demonstrated problem solving skills and ability to evaluate analyze create and make decisions with critical scenarios.
- Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously with a high level of accuracy.
- Must demonstrate attention to detail organizational skills and problemsolving ability
- Ability to delegate work appropriately set clear directions and goals and manage staffing and office workflow
- Ability to communicate effectively with a diverse student staff faculty and business partner population. Additionally must be able to share complex and sometimes difficult information with students in a compassionate respectful manner.
- Ability to plan and work independently and as a team member
- Must be punctual with a good attendance record and the ability to accommodate a flexible work schedule which includes evenings and weekends as needed.
Working Conditions
GRCC will comply with any mandated health and safety requirements. Compliance information is available on our policies website.
BENEFITS
- Health Coverage: Six health insurance plan options including one with no health insurance premiums.
- Time off: Enjoy substantial vacation time.
- Wellness Program: Access resources for physical and mental wellbeing and an onsite gym membership
- Continuous Learning: Career development and educational opportunities.
- Retirement Plans: Secure your future with our retirement options including the state retirement plan or a 401A with a 12 employer contribution.
METHOD OF APPLICATION
GRCC is only accepting online applications for this position at Submit a cover letter and resume. The opportunity to apply for this position will close at the end of the day on the close date referenced at the top of this job posting. Individuals with diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Grand Rapids Community College is an equal opportunity employer. Visa sponsorship is not available.
HIRING PROCESS
GRCC uses an Evidence Based Selection Process where we make data driven hiring decisions to help mitigate bias throughout the hiring process. As part of this process candidates will participate in assessments (cognitive and behavioral) reference checks and interviews.
Predictive Index Assessment (behavioral & cognitive) REQUIRED: In order to have your application considered you must complete the assessments: STATEMENT
Grand Rapids Community College creates an inclusive learning and working environment that recognizes the value and dignity of each person. It is the policy and practice of GRCC to provide equal educational and employment opportunities regardless of age race color religion marital status sex/gender pregnancy sexual orientation gender identity gender expression height weight national origin disability political affiliation familial status veteran status or genetics in all programs activities services employment and advancement including admissions to access to treatment in or compensation in employment as required by state and federal law. GRCC is committed to reviewing all aspects of GRCC programs activities services and employment including recruitment selection retention and promotion to identify and eliminate barriers in order to prevent discrimination on the basis of the listed protected characteristics. The college will not tolerate any form of retaliation against any person for bringing charges of discrimination or participating in an investigation. Further information may be obtained from the EEO Office or the Office of General Counsel 143 Bostwick Avenue NE Grand Rapids MI.
Required Experience:
Director
Employment Type
Full-Time
