Timebase: 100%, 12 months

Location: Remote, *EDvance operates on a PST daily schedule

Type of Position: Exempt

Level of Position: Director

Reports to: Chief Financial and Operating Officer

EDvance College (EDvance) is a leading accredited, non-profit institution of higher education, committed to addressing the global demand for high-quality early childhood educators (ECE). Our mission is to create a dynamic ecosystem of teachers, leaders, and change agents who work towards transforming society for the better. We strive to provide an academic experience grounded in real-world, relevant issues to develop academically well-rounded, equity-focused, and self-determined leaders. Our affordable, inclusive, and dynamic ECE curriculum combined with unparalleled support services empower our students to attain their BA degree and succeed in their career advancement.

EDvance College is a revolutionary redesign of the higher education experience that reimagines a world in which higher education facilitates the development of agency and full potential in individuals and communities. Current trends in workforce development such as more college students identifying as adult students with families or employment related responsibilities and graduation outputs demand a new way of thinking and addressing the needs of a critical and diverse educator population. EDvance College students graduate with the skills and confidence to act as critical, culturally aware change agents in our society and become high-quality teachers who have strong critical thinking, communication, and teamwork skills to lead and collaborate within the classroom and school setting. We are looking for dynamic team members who share our passion for innovation and a commitment to creating equitable solutions that address the needs of underrepresented groups.

MISSION for DIRECTOR OF FINANCIAL AID

The Director of Financial Aid at EDvance College will work closely with the CFO and Controller to establish and manage the Financial Aid Office, overseeing the planning, organization, and administration of the financial aid program at EDvance College. Oversees all aspects of the financial aid operations; ensures overall compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations; and manages overall data collection and dissemination for reports, surveys, and audits. Ensures the financial aid staff and operation delivers a high-quality, responsive, customer-service orientation to internal and external audiences. The Director of Financial Aid has the authority for making decisions relative to financial aid awarding policies, professional judgment issues, operating policies and procedures, work guidelines for staff assignments and reassignments, and for departmental priorities in the delivery of student financial aid.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Role Establishment and Office Set-Up

• Office Creation and Policy Documentation: Leads the establishment of EDvance College's Financial Aid Office, documenting and implementing policies and procedures to ensure compliance, efficiency, and sustainability. Responsible for the planning, organization, and administration of the financial aid program, and ensures all procedures align with federal, state, and institutional regulations.
• Institutional Grant Management: Oversees the distribution of EDvance institutional grants for new and current students, ensuring accurate and timely awards and addressing any regulatory compliance needs.

Compliance and Accountability

• Primary Compliance Officer: Serves as the primary Compliance Officer in the Financial Aid Office, ensuring alignment with Title IV federal and state aid regulations and all accreditation and institutional requirements.
• Audit and Reporting Oversight: Assists with federal, state, accreditor, and external reporting requirements, including leading the completion of the annual financial aid compliance audit and maintaining comprehensive records for data accuracy.
• Fiscal Accountability: Manages fund disbursements by coordinating technology and information systems, ensuring compliance and fiscal responsibility across all financial aid operations, including the reconciliation of aid transactions and award balances with the Bursar and general ledger.

Student Service and Outreach

• Student-Centric Service Model: Ensures a high standard of service delivery to students, families, and community members through all financial aid interactions, with a commitment to clarity, responsiveness, and inclusivity.
• Communication and Financial Literacy: Creates clear, timely communication strategies around college affordability, financial aid processes, and award packages. Plans and conducts informational sessions, including financial literacy workshops, orientation events, and recruitment activities.
• Outreach and Collaboration: Works closely with Outreach and Recruitment to implement initiatives that increase financial aid awareness and provide a smooth experience for prospective and current students. Coordinates with faculty, staff, and students to foster transparency and accessibility in financial aid services.

Strategic Operations and Leadership

• Policy Development and Implementation: Plans, develops, and evaluates policies and procedures to support student needs and enrollment goals, focusing on compliance, financial viability, and alignment with institutional objectives.
• Operational Management and Reconciliation: Manages financial aid reconciliations with internal and external stakeholders, resolving variances in a timely manner and ensuring integrity in financial records.
• Strategic Reporting and Benchmarking: Prepares detailed financial aid reports, collaborating with Institutional Research and Effectiveness. Analyzes demographic and benchmarking data to guide recruitment and completion strategies.

Team Leadership and Professional Development

• Staff Development and Supervision: Provides leadership, training, and professional development for financial aid staff, setting clear expectations for service excellence and compliance.
• Technology and Process Improvement: Utilizes technology effectively to manage and disseminate information across campus, promoting transparency and efficiency in financial aid functions and processes.

Community Engagement and Professional Involvement

• External Liaison and Representation: Represents EDvance College in state, regional, and national financial aid and educational forums, contributing to policy discussions and professional networking.
• Student Loan Counseling: Communicates with students and alumni on loan repayment options, providing guidance to support financial well-being post-graduation.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required Qualifications:

The minimum education, experience, or other background required to be considered eligible to apply for, or otherwise perform the duties of the position being applied for. Candidates must meet all required qualifications to be eligible for employment.

• Experience: Minimum of 8 years in financial aid within higher education, including at least 5 years in a leadership or management role.
• Education: Bachelor's degree in business or a related field from an accredited institution.
• Title IV Expertise: Demonstrated experience with implementing and managing the U.S. Department of Education's Title IV program.
• Federal Reporting Compliance: Experience with federal reporting requirements, such as IPEDS.
• Regulatory Compliance: Proven ability to write, enforce, and manage policies to maintain regulatory compliance.
• A background check (may include: employment and education verification, criminal records, civil records, professional licenses, credit and sex offender registries, as position requires). Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check and pass the criminal portion of the check may affect employment eligibility as it relates to the job specific duties listed below:
  • The role involves access to sensitive information, including student Social Security numbers, financial/tax information, and confidential financial aid records.

Preferred Qualifications:

Factors, experiences or circumstances that represent additional qualifications supporting fulfillment of the position. Candidates are not required to meet all desired qualifications to be eligible for employment.

• Familiarity with state funding programs such as CalGrants, WIOA, etc.
• Experience planning and delivering training sessions for students and families on financial aid processes.
• Prior experience supervising and working within a remote, dynamic team.

THE EDVANCE CULTURE

At EDvance College, we believe in creating a culture of collaboration, inclusivity, and student-centeredness. Our core values reflect our commitment to excellence and our dedication to fostering a supportive community for all members of our community:

• Student-centeredness: We place our students at the center of everything we do, prioritizing student learning and outcomes above all.
• Reflect to evolve: We are committed to evidence-based continuous improvement, reflecting on what works, what doesn't work, and making sensible adjustments.
• Passion for student success: Our work is fueled by a deep and genuine passion for supporting our students and helping them achieve their goals.
• JEDI+B values: We foster a diverse and inclusive community that values and respects all individuals.
• Everyone helps regardless of position: We value a can-do attitude and willingness to pitch in and help out, no matter how small the task or how big the position.
• Attention to detail: We strive for excellence in all aspects of our work, valuing attention to detail and a commitment to quality.
• Growth mindset: We believe in failing fast and learning from our failures, welcoming feedback as a critical tool for improvement.
• Holistic approach: We value a holistic approach to our work, understanding both the big picture and the details-we focus on the forest and the trees in everything we do.
• Flexibility: We value team members who are able to pivot comfortably in response to changing needs and priorities.
• Accountability: We take responsibility for our actions and hold ourselves and others accountable in a supportive and compassionate manner.
• Direct communication: We value direct, honest, yet caring communication, turning towards each other directly rather than turning away from each other in difficult situations.
• Flexible Predictability - We embrace the balance between adaptability and structure, fostering an environment with clear expectations and hold each other accountable.

As an EDvance College team member, you will be expected to embody these values and contribute to our community's culture of collaboration and inclusivity.

COMPENSATION

$130,000 to $152,000 annually to be determined based upon education and experience.

Positions hired at 75% time or higher are eligible for EDvance College's comprehensive benefits package (i.e., medical/dental/vision, 401k and additional peripheral benefits including but not limited to flexible spending accounts, life insurance, etc.).

Eligibility for medical/dental/vision benefits begins the first day of the month following the date of hire. Eligibility for 401k plan participation begins the first of the month 60 days following the date of hire.