Assistant Director of Financial Aid - South Bend/Elkhart

GENERAL PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF THE POSITION:

The Assistant Director of Financial Aid provides financial aid counseling to students and families for federal, state, and institutional programs in accordance with all applicable rules and regulations. The position is also responsible for maintaining financial aid compliance for award packaging. The Assistant Director of Financial Aid will share in the responsibilities of administering federal and state aid, verification, loans, professional judgements, satisfactory academic progress (SAP), Scholarships, Federal Work-Study, Veterans Education Benefits, and other related financial aid functions. Working hours will vary. Travel throughout the South Bend/Elkhart Service Area is required.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Demonstrate strong customer service and student advocacy through a positive attitude of approachability, adaptability, strong problem-solving skills, and desire to identify and support student success.

• Engage in behaviors that create an inclusive environment in which all people are valued and supported.

• Outreach to current and prospective students via various outlets of email, text, phone calls, and presentations both on campus and in the community.

• Provide both individual and group counseling regarding availability of financial assistance, explain the application process and assist with the completing of applications.

• Process applications and other materials related to financial assistance, including Student Aid Reports (SAR), student/parent loan applications, tax transcripts, verification of information and certification of student eligibility.

• Package financial aid awards, disburse funds, notify students and agencies of disbursements and process necessary reports related to federal, state and institutional aid programs.

• Run, review, and process appropriate reports as required.

• Utilize various governmental websites (Scholar Track, CPS, COD, NSLDS) to research and resolve difficult student issues.

• Maintains accurate records for student aid applicants and helps in collecting data for required reporting.

• Monitor and enforce Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP). Update system as needed after review of SAP.

• Assist with efforts with the Financial Aid and Veterans Affairs processing centers.

• Conduct all activities within the established guidelines of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

• Process forms for external agencies including forms for housing, TANF, Workforce Development and Vocational Rehabilitation.

• Assist in workshops such as College Goal Sunday, High School Financial Aid Nights, Orientations and other activities on and off campus designed for new students.

• Organize resources and initiate actions within established guidelines to achieve departmental objectives.

• Provide recommendations/decisions that may affect activities, programs, groups and/or departmental operations.

• Attend training events (in person or virtually) to increase and maintain financial aid knowledge.

• Earn at least one credential through NASFAA.

This is not to be construed as an exhaustive list. Other duties logically associated with this position may be assigned. All responsibilities will be conducted within the parameters of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), other applicable regulatory requirements, and professional standards.

Must demonstrate the ability to promote an inclusive environment that reflects the broad diversity and backgrounds represented by our students and employees in which every individual feels respected and valued.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Director of Financial Aid

SUPERVISION GIVEN: None

POSITION LOCATION: South Bend/Elkhart region

HIRING RANGE: $47,000 - $52,000

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Associate Degree and at least 3-4 years of related work experience, or Bachelor’s Degree and at least 1-3 years of related work experience.

• At least two years of relevant experience demonstrating leadership qualities and a customer-service focus.

• Ability to work in a self-directed team environment.

• Excellent written and verbal communications.

• Knowledge of financial aid regulations and processes.

• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work with college departments to obtain and maintain accurate information for callers.

• Ability to set priorities, manage time effectively, handle multiple responsibilities simultaneously, and demonstrated ability to work with a diverse student population in a fast-paced environment.

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Ivy Tech is committed to supporting the well-being, growth, and financial security of our full-time faculty and staff. Our comprehensive benefits package includes:

Health & Wellness

• Multiple medical plan options paired with a Health Savings Account with a generous employer contribution

• Dental plan with no-cost preventive services and coverage for orthodontia

• Vision plan with low-cost exams and allowances for glasses or contact lenses

• Employee Assistance Program offering no-cost confidential counseling sessions, legal consultations, financial planning consultations, and other resources

• Wellness program with opportunities to earn $250 in Wellness Rewards

• Flexible Spending Accounts for healthcare (limited purpose) and dependent care

Retirement & Financial Security

• 10% employer retirement contribution, fully vested after two years

• Basic life insurance equal to annual salary paid by the College, with optional supplemental coverage

• Short-term and long-term disability benefits

Educational Benefits

• Fee remission for employees, spouses, and dependent children

• Tuition assistance for undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs

• Paid professional development opportunities

Work‑Life Balance

• Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, holidays, and winter recess

• Flexible work arrangements where available

• Paid childbirth recovery leave (8 weeks)

• Paid parental leave (4 weeks)

Additional Perks

• Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness

• Additional discounts on gym memberships, transportation, and various retail services

Ivy Tech is proud to offer benefits that support your health, your family, and your future—because when our employees thrive, our students and communities thrive too. For more information on Ivy Tech Benefits, visit https://careers.ivytech.edu/benefits.

Note: Employees who re-hire with the College within 180 days of leaving a full-time position with the College may be eligible for additional benefits depending on their bridged seniority date.

Ivy Tech Community College is an accredited, equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, marital status, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age or veteran status. As required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Ivy Tech Community College does not discriminate on the basis of sex, including sexual harassment in its educational programs and activities, including employment and admissions. Questions specific to Title IX may be referred to the College’s Title IX Coordinator or to the US Department of Education Office of Civil Rights.