The Associate Director of Financial Aid supports the Director of Financial Aid in regulatory and compliance issues for Financial Aid. The position has oversight for all aspects of financial aid delivery related to federal, state, and institutional student aid programs. This includes, but is not limited to the Federal Pell Grant, Direct Loans, Work-Study, the Student Academic Progress (SAP) program, and institutional aid program. This position is responsible for reporting and reconciliation of federal funds, the administration of non-federal funds, and other duties as assigned. The Associate Director is responsible for maintaining an in-depth knowledge of compliance regulations of the awarding, disbursement, and reconciliation of federal aid processing. They must be familiar with university and office policies as they relate to the overall recruitment and retention efforts of Coppin State University.

• Oversees all aspects of the institution’s financial aid delivery related to the federal student aid programs, including the Federal Pell Grant, Direct Loan, and Campus-Based programs.
• Responsible for the administration of all non-federal funds, including but not limited to the Maryland Education Committee Program, Institutional Financial Aid, and Scholarship programs.
• Responsible for all reporting and reconciliation efforts for federal funds, supported by the Division of Enrollment Management & Student Affairs and the Division of Administration and Finance staff.
• Analyzes and makes recommendations on using funds to meet the University's mission and goals.
• Performs quality assurance checks and internal program reviews to determine strategies that ensure non-federal funds are awarded to students in accordance with applicable state statutes and institutional policies.
• Works with the Director of Financial Aid to recommend and implement any technical changes to administrating non-federal programs within the college’s student information system.
• Possesses a thorough understanding of the federal student aid programs to establish foundational eligibility.
• Serves as the institution’s Return to Title IV Administrator, supported by the Division of Enrollment Management and Student Affairs and the Division of Administration and Finance.
• Assists in the development and implementation of a financial literacy and communication program to reduce the institution’s Cohort Default Rate with an understanding that high rates can put the institution at risk of losing federal funding.
• Manages preliminary Cohort Default Rate communications from the Department of Education and works with the Division of Enrollment Management and Student Affairs staff to challenge results, as needed.
• Makes monthly Federal Work Study payment determinations in coordination with Division of Administration and Finance.
• Maintains subject matter expertise in federal, state, and institutional financial aid regulations.
• Maintains a thorough understanding of guidance governing federal, state, and institutional financial assistance programs.
• Performs other duties and tasks to support the overall success of the division.

• Attendance and participation at convocation, commencement, and honors ceremonies;
• Service on assigned committees and task forces;
• Attendance and participation at committee, staff, informational, and professional meetings at the college and Central Office, and Campus levels.

• Master’s degree in accounting, business, student affairs, public administration, or a related field, together with two to five years of experience in financial aid in a higher education setting, with up to two years of supervisory experience; or a combination of education, training, and experience which would lead to the competencies required for successful performance of the position’s essential duties.

• Candidate must have intermediate knowledge and experience with People Soft (Campus Solutions)
• Experience with a highly automated financial aid management system and a thorough knowledge of state and federal financial aid rules and regulations required.
• Familiarity with funding sources, their policies, and regulations.
• The ability to multi-task and manage multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Exceptional problem-solving, planning, and organizational skills.
• Interacting favorably with staff, agency personnel, and related vendors.
• Effective interpersonal, written, oral, and presentation skills.

Associate Director