Logo
Vaughn College of Aeronautics

Director, Financial Aid

Vaughn College of Aeronautics, Flushing, New York, United States, 11358

Save Job

About the Organization At Vaughn College, our mission is to educate and train future leaders in the futureproof fields of engineering and technology, management and aviation. The college strives to provide a dynamic learning environment built on our aeronautical heritage that inspires a diverse and committed community of students to achieve success as leaders in the industries we serve. Just minutes from Manhattan, Vaughn College is in the heart of New York City in Queens, NY, adjacent to LaGuardia Airport. Queens is one of New York's most fascinating boroughs and has been ranked as the 'number one' US travel destination and the nation's single most diverse county.

What separates Vaughn College from other institutions is our uniquely committed faculty who come to the classroom with extensive experience in such fields as engineering, manufacturing, aviation, management and communications. Working closely with the industries we serve, Vaughn has developed rigorous curricula that incorporate the latest technology as well as the knowledge you need to succeed in your chosen profession.

We provide traditional degrees as well as professional, technical and certification programs that prepare our graduates for successful careers. Most importantly, a degree from Vaughn College provides the critical, analytical and communication skills that form the foundation for a lifetime of success. Our graduates have gone on to become leaders in many major industries. More than 98 percent of our graduates are employed or continue their education, 78 percent in their field of study, within one year of graduation.

Vaughn College has a six-acre campus and is convenient to major transportation routes. As part of the institution's strategic plan, a 200-bed residential hall has been built, enabling students to live and pursue their chosen field of study on campus.

Description

Position purpose

The Director of Financial Aid serves as a key strategic and operational leader at a private, nonprofit institution, overseeing the administration of federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs. This role ensures compliance with applicable regulations while supporting the institution's mission of access and student success. The Director is responsible for optimizing financial aid resources to support recruitment, retention, and completion, and for providing exceptional service to students and families.

Major Responsibilities/Duties/Functions/Tasks:

Leadership and Team Management Provide leadership, supervision, and mentorship to Three full time financial aid staff. Develop team goals and training plans that promote professional growth and service excellence. Foster a culture of collaboration, integrity, and student advocacy. The Director will collaborate closely with the AVP to develop, manage and monitor the department's annual budget Regulatory Compliance and Reporting

Ensure full compliance with all Title IV regulations and New York State financial aid programs (TAP, ETA, APTS, etc.). Process all Title IV funds, ensuring timely and accurate disbursement, reconciliation, and reporting. Maintain up-to-date knowledge of federal and state regulations; implement policy and procedural updates as needed. Ensure the timely and accurate submission of required reports, including FISAP, IPEDS, CDS, SIR, and NYSED reports. Serve as the institutional liaison for audits, program reviews, and government agencies. Financial Aid Operations

Direct the packaging, awarding, and disbursement of financial aid in accordance with federal methodology and institutional awarding policies. Oversee the review and processing of professional judgment, dependency overrides, and satisfactory academic progress appeals. Manage financial aid data systems PowerFAIDS, Ellucian, and Sonis ensuring integrity, accuracy, and efficiency. Student-Centered Service

Develop communication strategies to keep students and families informed about financial aid processes, deadlines, and policies. Lead financial literacy and outreach initiatives to support informed borrowing and financial planning. Partner with Student Accounts to streamline billing and aid disbursement processes. Ensure that accurate and current financial aid information is maintained in institutional publications, including the catalog, website, and the Net Price Calculator. Strategic and Institutional Collaboration

Collaborate with Admissions, Registrar, Academic Advising, and Student Affairs to support enrollment and retention initiatives. Analyze institutional data and aid utilization to support enrollment strategy and budget forecasting. Participates in Institutional committees to support strategic planning, policy development, and cross-departmental collaboration. Provide insight and recommendations to senior leadership regarding institutional aid policy and leveraging models. **Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience Requirements

Bachelor's degree (master's preferred) in a relevant field. Minimum of 5 - 7 years of progressive experience in financial aid administration, preferably in a nonprofit higher education setting. Deep understanding of federal and New York State financial aid regulations. Experience managing financial aid systems and reporting tools. Demonstrated leadership and minimum of seven years of supervisory experience. Excellent interpersonal, communication, and analytical skills. Preferred:

Experience in a mission-driven, private nonprofit college or university. Familiarity with strategic enrollment management principles and financial aid leveraging. Bilingual (English/Spanish) is a plus.

Work Environment

Office-based position with a standard work schedule; some evening and weekend work required during peak periods. Occasional local or regional travel for training and professional development.

Compensation

The entry level salary for this position is expected to range from $80,000 - $90,000 per year.

Full-Time/Part-Time Full-Time

Exempt/Non-Exempt Exempt

Salary $80,000 - $90,000 per year

EOE Statement We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

This position is currently accepting applications.