This job description provides a general outline of duties and qualifications of the position. Other duties may be assigned, and the description may be changed at any time. It is not intended to limit normal change and growth nor prevent employees from working to ensure the success of our endeavors.

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

The Director of Financial Aid at The Valley College of Osteopathic Medicine (The Valley COM) oversees all aspects of financial aid administration and scholarship management for students. This position also oversees and ensures that the Financial Aid team members provide financial aid and debt management counseling to all eligible students. This position ensures compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations while providing strategic leadership in financial aid planning and execution.

SPECIFIC/KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Mission Driven

• Support The Valley COM’s mission by ensuring that all financial aid practices align with the institution’s educational priorities and commitment to student access and success.
• Promote affordability and accessibility of medical education through strategic financial aid and scholarship planning.

Leadership and Advisory

• Provide strategic leadership and direction for all financial aid operations.
• Supervise financial aid staff and foster a service-oriented team culture committed to accuracy, compliance, and student support.
• Serve as a key advisor to senior leadership on trends, risks, and opportunities related to financial aid.

Curriculum Development & Instruction

• Design and deliver workshops, webinars, and presentations on financial literacy, responsible borrowing, and financial planning for medical students.
• Support financial aid integration into student orientation and ongoing advising efforts.

Evaluation/Assessment

• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of financial aid policies and procedures.
• Use data analytics to assess the impact of aid programs on enrollment, retention, and student success.
• Conduct regular audits and assessments to ensure compliance with Title IV and other regulations.

Professional Development

• Stay current on changes to federal and state financial aid regulations, Title IX guidelines, and industry best practices.
• Participate in national and regional financial aid associations and attend professional development opportunities.
• Train and mentor financial aid staff on policy updates and compliance standards.

Student Support Services & Mentorship

• Counsel students on available financial aid options, including federal, institutional, and private sources.
• Guide students through the financial aid application, onboarding, and renewal processes.
• Conduct exit counseling for students graduating or taking a leave of absence to support loan management and repayment planning.

Collaboration

• Partner with Admissions, Registrar, Student Services, and Business Office staff to support integrated student lifecycle services.
• Coordinate with academic leadership to align scholarship disbursement with student academic performance and eligibility.
• Serve as a liaison to external partners, including lenders and federal/state agencies.

Research & Innovation

• Identify and evaluate external private lender options for students not eligible for federal aid.
• Explore and implement new technologies and systems to streamline aid processing and improve the student experience.
• Research funding models and recommend enhancements to optimize aid disbursement and scholarship impact.

Accreditation, Quality and Compliance

• Ensure full compliance with Department of Education Title IV regulations and institutional financial aid requirements.
• Prepare and submit mandatory federal and institutional reports (e.g., FISAP).
• Maintain a current and comprehensive Financial Aid Policies and Procedures Handbook.
• Serve as the primary lead in creating, submitting, and managing the institution’s Title IX application, and assist in overseeing Title IX protocols.

Strategic Planning and Development

• Lead strategic planning efforts to enhance financial aid programs and student funding opportunities.
• Develop policies and plans that anticipate changes in federal aid and proactively position the college for financial sustainability.
• Support the college’s enrollment management strategies through targeted financial aid planning.

Finance & Administration

• Oversee financial aid budget projections, reconciliation processes, and fund disbursement accuracy.
• Collaborate with Finance and the Business Office to ensure proper accounting and reporting of aid funds.
• Monitor and report on scholarship usage and fund availability.

General

• Represent the Financial Aid Office in campus-wide meetings, committees, and accreditation activities.
• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism in all student financial aid matters.
• Ensure operational excellence through timely and accurate communication, documentation, and student service.

QUALIFICATION(S):

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s preferred in Student Affairs, Higher Education Administration, Business Administration, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of progressively responsible experience in financial aid administration, preferably in a higher education setting.
• Deep understanding of Title IV and federal/state aid regulations.
• Demonstrated leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Experience with financial aid software systems and reporting tools.
• Ability to support a student population with empathy and professionalism.

NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT:

It is the firm policy of THE VALLEY COLLEGE OF OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE not to discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, religion, national origin, age or disabilities. It is a violation of The Valley COM policy to discriminate in the selection of administrative personnel, faculty and staff, and students; the provision of employment opportunities, benefits or privileges; to create discriminatory work conditions; or to use discriminatory evaluative standards in employment if the basis of that discriminatory treatment is, in whole or in part, on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, religion, national origin, age or disabilities. Further, it is a violation of The Valley COM Policy to discriminate in the selection of administrative personnel, faculty and staff, and students if the basis of that discriminatory treatment is, in whole or in part, genetic information or marital status in its programs, activities, hiring, or the admission of students. Discrimination of this kind may also be strictly prohibited by a variety of federal, state and local laws.

Approved: May 27, 2025