Director, Financial Aid

About College of the Desert
The College of the Desert Desert Community College District enrolls approximately 15000 students each academic year with steady enrollment growth each year. College of the Desert embraces diversity in all forms and the right of all people to have access to quality higher education in a safe learning environment. Designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) College of the Desert administers an array of student programs specifically focused on student support and helping students achieve their educational and career goals. As a two-year college we offer Associates Degree for Transfer both in Art and Sciences Associates Degrees and Certificates across a wide range of disciplines.

College of the Desert is a district that consists of leadership staff and faculty who are committed to enhancing our community through supporting the academic success of all of our students including students of color students with disabilities students who are first generation to college veterans students of all ages students with diverse socio-economic backgrounds dreamers and students of diverse sexual orientation and gender expression.

When you join College of the Desert you can expect to be part of a diverse inclusive and collaborative community. We provide students with a rich and dynamic learning experience that embraces differences emphasizes collaboration and engages students in and out of the classroom. We are committed to ensuring that College of the Desert is a welcoming place for the success of all students.

Interested in learning more about College of the Desert and the Coachella Valley Visit the links below.

• The Community Coachella Valley
• College of the Desert

Who We Want:
College of the Desert is seeking individuals from a broad range of cultural heritages socioeconomic backgrounds genders abilities and orientations. As such we prioritize individuals who fully demonstrate their understanding of the community we serve the benefits of diversity in a professional and educational setting and values creating a culture that brings people together. A successful candidate will value working in a collegial collaborative environment that is guided by a commitment to inclusion student education and equity. An equity-minded individual is a person who already does or has demonstrated the desire to:

• Understand the importance of holding ourselves accountable as faculty staff and leadership for closing equity gaps and engaging in equitable practices;
• Reframe inequities as a problem of practice and view the elimination of inequities as an individual and collective responsibility;
• Encourage positive race-consciousness and embrace human difference;
• Reflect on institutional and teaching practices and aim to make them more culturally responsive; and
• Strategically build buy-in and participation among colleagues for equity-related initiatives.

BASIC FUNCTION
Under the direction of the Dean Enrollment Services manage the day-to-day functions of the Financial Aid office; assure compliance with State federal and College policies guidelines and laws; assist students in the financial aid process; train supervise and evaluate the performance of assigned staff.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

1. Administer various financial aid programs such as Pell Grant scholarship program campus-based programs and other grant programs; assure compliance with State federal and College policies guidelines and laws. E
2. Manage the day-to-day operation of the Financial Aid office; assure that timelines are met and necessary processes are completed. E
3. Assist students in the financial aid process; provide information regarding student loan programs and related application forms. E
4. Serve as the designated district Financial Aid Officer. E
5. Train supervise and evaluate the performance of assigned staff; interview and select employees and recommend transfers reassignment terminations and disciplinary actions. E
6. Receive and process requests for financial aid in accordance with established State federal and College policies guidelines laws and regulations; review satisfactory academic progress requirements and determine eligibility of students according to established guidelines. E
7. Resolve difficult or complex issues relating to financial aid applications and disbursement. E
8. Prepare reports as required for receipt and maintenance of financial aid programs; prepare reports as required related to financial aid activities; compile and review data for annual funding application grant reports and other year-end reports. E
9. Prepare and monitor the Financial Aid office budget. E
10. Meet with other College personnel to coordinate activities of the Financial Aid office. E
11. Meet with students to explain financial aid programs and to answer questions and resolve problems related to financial aid. E
12. Attend and conduct a variety of meetings as assigned; attend conferences and workshops to maintain current knowledge of Financial Aid programs laws regulations and guidelines; participate on assigned committees. E
13. Meet schedules and timelines organize multiple projects efficiently and effectively and carry out required project details throughout the year. E
14. Seek and participate in professional development activities. E
15. Prepare presentations to a variety of college audiences.
16. Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Any combination equivalent to: Bachelors degree in business administration public administration or related field and five (5) years of experience in a financial aid program including at least three (3) years supervisory experience.

• Valid California drivers license must have an acceptable driving record and current vehicle insurance meeting State of California requirements.

• Knowledge of:Current federal State County and institutional laws regulations ordinances and policies concerning financial aid programs and office operations; Financial Aid programs and processes; principles and practices of supervision and training; modern office practices procedures and equipment; record-keeping techniques; operation of a computer and appropriate software; oral and written communication skills; interpersonal skills using tact patience and courtesy; budget preparation and control.
• Ability to: Manage the day-to-day operations of the Financial Aid office; assure accuracy and timeliness of the Financial Aid office operations; review financial aid applications and forms; assist students in the financial aid process; train supervise and evaluate the performance of assigned personnel; prepare and monitor an assigned budget; operate a computer and applicable software including scheduling email database management word processing spreadsheets and presentations; communicate effectively both orally and in writing; prepare and maintain comprehensive narrative and statistical reports; interpret and explain policies guidelines regulations and laws to staff students and the public; work independently and confidentially with minimal direction; exercise tact and diplomacy in dealing with sensitive or confidential matters; plan and organize work; meet schedules and time lines; establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others; maintain confidentially of student financial records.

EMPLOYMENT STATUS & SALARY

• Classified Supervisor
• Classified Leadership Salary Schedule Range 9
• Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications.

• Online Application:Please fill out your online application completely with all requested details.
• Resume:Must include length of employment(month/year start & end dates)for each employer.
• Cover Letter:Please address how you meet the minimum requirements for this position and any special qualifications you possess.
• College Transcripts: For consideration of college coursework transcripts must be attached. Diplomas will not be accepted in lieu of transcripts.

• List of Professional References:List of Professional References: References should include at least three supervisors and two colleagues.Please include name title email and current phone numbers for all references in your application. Letters of recommendation will not be accepted in lieu of the required addition of Professional References.

• For consideration you must apply by Sunday October 19 2025.
• First level interviews are tentatively scheduled in-person on Tuesday November 18 2025.
• Recruitment timeline may be updated based on District need.

• College of the Desert reserves the right to re-open re-advertise delay or cancel filling this position.

• Employment is contingent on residence in California.
• Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.
• College of the Desert does not offer sponsorship nor take over sponsorship for an employment VISA.

Notice to all Candidates for Employment:

DISTRICTRIGHTS: College of the Desert reserves the right to re-open re-advertise delay or cancel filling this position.

TheSELECTED CANDIDATEis required to complete the following prior to employment:

• Provide a Certificate of Tuberculosis Exam for initial appointment (Note: The certificate must be renewed every 4 years as a condition of continuing employment).
• Have fingerprints taken by a Live Scan computer at the candidates expense (Clearance must be received prior to the first day of employment).
• Present original documents for proof of eligibility to work in the United States including a Social Security Card; (Note: We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.)
• Participate in a new hire onboarding completing all required tasks and forms.
• May be required to complete a fitness for duty physical exam based on the job description as applicable.

The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 Public Law 99-603 requires that employers obtain documentation from every new employee which authorizes that individual to accept employment in this country. The Desert Community College District (DCCD) will not sponsor any VISA applications nor take over any VISA.

Employees must reside in California while employed with the Desert Community College District (DCCD).

California Public Employees Retirement SystemandCalifornia State Teachers Retirement System:

A California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) retiree may not accept employment until after the first 180 days of retirement. Anyone retired from CalPERS accepting permanent employment with the DCCD will be required to reinstate as an active CalPERS member. Please contact CalPERS for additional information regarding your retirement status.

Any active vested member of California State Teachers Retirement System (CalSTRS) who accepts employment with the DCCD to perform service that requires membership in CalPERS is eligible to elect to continue retirement system coverage under CalSTRS

Disability Accommodations:

If you require special accommodations in the application and/or evaluation process please notify Human Resources at least two (2) business days prior to the job posting close or initial screening date by either calling (760) 773 -2529 or sending an e-mail to

Attendance Requirement:

All DCCD employees are required to report to work on a regular and consistent basis as scheduled to assigned job.

Campus Crime and Safety Awareness:

Information regarding campus crime and safety awareness can be found at

Non-Discrimination Notice:

The DCCD provides access to its services classes and programs without regard to national origin immigration status religion age gender gender identity gender expression race ethnicity color medical condition military and veteran status genetic information ancestry sexual orientation marital status physical or mental disability pregnancy or because they are perceived to have one or more of the foregoing characteristics or based on association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics.

California Fair Chance Act:

The DCCD will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check if the DCCD is concerned about a conviction that is directly related to the job you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction provide mitigating evidence or challenge the accuracy of the background report.

Diversity Equity Inclusion and Equal Employment Opportunity:

The DCCD is committed to creating an academic and work environment that fosters diversity equity and inclusion (DEI) and equal employment opportunity (EEO) for all and ensures that students faculty staff and managers of all backgrounds feel welcome included supported and safe. Our culture of belonging openness and inclusion makes the DCCD a unique and special place for individuals of all backgrounds.

The DCCD is looking for equity and inclusion-minded applicants who represent the full diversity of California and who demonstrate a sensitivity to the understanding of diverse academic socioeconomic cultural disability gender identity sexual orientation and ethnic backgrounds present within our community. When you join the DCCD you can expect to be part of an exciting thriving equity-focused and inclusive community that approaches higher education with the lens of social justice and collaboration among students faculty staff managers and community deciding whether to apply for a position at the DCCD you are strongly encouraged to consider whether your values align with the DCCDs mission and goals for DEIA and EEO.

Additional Resources

• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
• California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (FEHA)
  • Discrimination Laws Regarding People With Disabilities
  • Reasonable Accommodation
• Job Accommodation Network (JAN)
• AP 7100 - Commitment to Diversity
• COD - Equal Opportunity Plan
• Department of Labors Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP)

THE DCCD IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER