Director of Financial Aid

Salary: $93,000.00 - $102,300.00 Annually
Location : Auraria Campus, CO
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 2020-00784
Division: Enrollment Administration & Student Success
Department: Financial Aid
Opening Date: 04/11/2025
Position Type: Administrative/Technical/Professional

Purpose/Summary
Applications received by April 25th, 2025, will receive priority consideration. However, we encourage all interested candidates to apply, as the position will remain open until filled.
Community College of Denver is seeking individuals with demonstrated commitment to creating an inclusive learning and work environment. CCD values the ability to work effectively with students, families, faculty, instructors and staff of diverse backgrounds.
GENERAL SUMMARY

The Financial Aid Director is responsible for providing strategic leadership and direction to the financial aid department. This role requires a dynamic and forward-thinking individual who can develop and implement innovative strategies to ensure the efficient and effective delivery of financial aid services to our students while maintaining strict compliance with federal, state, and college financial aid regulations, policies, procedures, and guidelines. The candidate will analyze financial aid trends, evaluate student needs, and assess the effectiveness of award distribution. The successful candidate will possess a strong understanding of financial aid regulations and best practices, demonstrate strategic aid practices, as well as excellent leadership and communication skills.
In accordance with 34 CFR 668.16(b)(1), the Financial Aid Director is responsible for the administration of all Title IV, HEA programs in which the Community College of Denver participates and for coordinating those programs with the institution's other Federal and non-Federal programs of student financial assistance. As required by its Program Participation Agreement with the United States Department of Education, the role of Financial Aid Director is integral to the eligibility of CCD as a Title IV aid granting institution.
The Financial Aid Director is accountable for leadership, oversight, coordination and assessment of all fiscal, human resource and other related projects within the Financial Aid Office. This position manages departmental budgets, ensuring efficient resource utilization; prepares and manages annual operating and scholarship budgets; expends federal, state, private, and institutional funds to ensure fiscally sound program administration and the best utilization of funds. This role oversees the fiduciary accountability of the institution as it relates to all matters impacting TIV compliance. Areas of compliance oversight include, but are not limited to, institutional consumer information disclosures, campus safety and security reporting, Financial Value Transparency/Gainful Employment disclosure and reporting requirements, R2T4 calculations and processes, accurate and timely student status reporting, student verification, student credit balances, SAP and SAP appeals, Professional Judgment determinations, student loan entrance and exit counseling, federal and state work-study budget oversight, accurate reporting to COD and NSLDS, accurate and timely reporting and reconciliation of COD/G5/school records, loan default management, Course Program of Study (CPOS) reporting and compliance, emergency aid, and Bookstore Credit reporting.
The Financial Aid Director ensures proper completion and submission of all major reports associated with maintaining Financial Aid compliance, including: updates to the Eligibility and Certification Approval Report (ECAR), Program Participation Agreement (PPA), annual Fiscal Operations Report and Application to Participate (FISAP), the financial aid sections of the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and Colorado's Student Unit Record Data System (SURDS), plus other mandatory state grant expenditure reports.
The Financial Aid Director collaborates with the Budget Office to develop and monitor scholarship budgets, ensuring appropriate awarding and availability of funds to support student awards. They work closely with the Controller to verify accurate financial reporting for grant expenditures and assist in monitoring cash flows related to state and federal grant awards.
The Director also provides essential data and documentation for audits, reviews, and regulatory reporting in alignment with fiscal policies. The Director collaborates with the fiscal team to develop, maintain, and recommend updates to policies related to student billing, tuition refunds, and financial aid adjustments.
In accordance with the federal standards of administrative capability, the Financial Aid Director oversees and assists with the development and implementation of appropriate compliance training for the staff of the Financial Aid Office.

Duties and Responsibilities
PRIMARY DUTIES
Areas of Responsibility and Supervision

• Directly supervise 3 Associate/Assistant Directors with distinct areas of operation: Customer Service, Operations, and Scholarships
• Responsible for program administration and fiscal accountability in all Title IV, state, and institutional forms of financial aid
• Responsible for short-term and long-term planning for the Financial Aid Office while focusing on college goals and strategic plan
• Develop and implement policies and procedures related to the administration of financial aid programs in compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations
• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the financial aid department, including the processing of financial aid applications, awarding of aid packages, and disbursement of funds
• Collaborate with other departments, including but not limited to executive staff, admissions, cashier's office, academic affairs, and student services, to ensure a seamless student experience from application through graduation
• Develop and implement an aid award strategy that supports the key performance measures of the college
• Provide leadership and guidance to financial aid staff, including training, mentoring, and performance management
• Stay abreast of changes in financial aid regulations and industry trends, and make recommendations for policy and process improvements as needed
• Manage the financial aid budget and allocate resources effectively to meet the needs of students while maximizing institutional resources
• Represent the institution at external meetings, conferences, and events related to financial aid, and build relationships with external stakeholders, including government agencies, lenders, and professional organizations
• Serve as a resource for students and families, providing information and guidance on financial aid options, eligibility criteria, and application procedures.
• Data collection and evaluation for report generation and policy setting
• Responsible for accurate federal and state reports such as FISAP and SURDs
• Resolve any student issues referred to us by the Department of Education, the Colorado Department of Higher Education and College Staff.
• Manage data from the Department of Education files to ensure accuracy in tracking, packaging, and disbursement.
• Active participation in the Colorado Community College System Financial Aid Team to represent CCD's needs
• Oversee the administration of legislative initiatives like Foster Ed, Empower Ed, Colorado Promise, COSI, and all other new programs that may arise

Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Any equivalent combination of education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Education:(Minimum/Required)

Years of experience directly related to this position may be considered on a year-for-year basis in lieu of a degree

• Bachelor's degree preferred, NASFAA FAAC designation is preferred

Experience: (required/minimum)

5 years of progressively responsible professional experience in financial aid.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities: (required/minimum)

• Dedicated to fostering an equitable and inclusive environment where every voice is valued, respected, and empowered to thrive, both professionally and personally
• Skills in developing and implementing policies and procedures that are in compliance with
• Federal and Colorado State laws, and institutional rules and regulations related to processing and awarding financial aid assistance.
• Strong management, technology, and leadership skills, and a collaborative approach to problem solving;
• Effective written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills;
• Demonstrated achievement in collaboration within a diverse campus community, while meeting institutional goals.
• Strong commitment to student services;
• Strong commitment to fiscal accountability and quality customer service is required as well as a thorough understanding of financial aid regulations.
• Leadership skills to manage a complex, fast-paced and detail-oriented work unit;
• Ability to coordinate several concurrent projects and bring to completion by established deadlines.
• Detail and task oriented
• Efficient long and short-term strategic planning skills
• Ability to work with constant interruptions
• Strong oral and written communication

Licensure/Certification: NASFAA FAAC preferred
Other Considerations: Experience with the Ellucian Banner database management system preferred.

Supplemental Information
Our campus is located in downtown Denver, adjacent to two light rail stations, and just minutes away from shopping, restaurants, and event venues. When you visit our campus, it will be immediately evident that our faculty, staff, and instructors are passionate about serving our diverse student population. At CCD our passion is to help others, and we offer career pathways that will make a difference in the lives of our students.
If you are interested in sharing our passion for student success, CCD offers generous medical, dental, vision, life, and retirement options. We also offer the opportunity to expand your education, and those of your dependents, through our tuition reimbursement program.
CCD is a Learning College where policies, programs and practices support learning as the major priority. The Community College of Denver is an Equal Employment Opportunity Educational Employer.
Background checks will be conducted on all finalists for employment consideration.
CCD recognizes that administration, faculty, instructors, and staff reflect the diversity of its students and community and prohibits employment and student discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.
For a complete review of the benefits we offer, please click on the following link:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1COuMZUvUnWuK9uoXKd1EOyFLhlJzG0G-/view
SELECTION PROCESS
Preliminary screening will be made on the basis of completed application packet submitted by candidate. Completed application packet includes: a letter of interest of no more than five pages, addressing in general the items under "Primary Duties" and specifically each item under "Minimum Qualifications"; an online application; resume; and transcripts. All candidates, including current Community College of Denver

employees must submit a complete application packet which includes all material listed above.
Only completed application packets will move forward for screening. Please review the job duties and minimum requirements carefully. Meeting the minimum qualifications for a particular position does not assure the applicant an interview. Selected applicants will be invited by the screening committee for interviews. All application materials become the property of Community College of Denver and cannot be copied.
APPLICATION PROCEDURES:

Interested applicants must submit a complete application packet at which includes:

Electronic Application, Click 'New Resume' at the bottom of this page

Cover Letter

Resume

References - Names, phone numbers, addresses, & email addresses of three professional references

Copies of transcripts, unofficial preferred

Copies of appropriate credentials, if applicable

**All included attachments should be saved with the following nomenclature: Last name, First name Document; for example Doe, John Resume; Doe, Jane Transcripts
***Your resume should clearly indicate how you meet the minimum qualifications. Those applicants that do not meet the minimum qualifications will not be considered. Part-time experience is the equivalent of full-time experience. Example: Four (4) years applicable part-time experience equals 2 years full-time equivalency.
For information regarding Community College of Denver Security, including crime statistics for the campus and surrounding area, please see the CCD Campus Security website under "student's right to know": CCD.edu/Safety. For a hard copy report please contact 303-352-3042.
Non-Classified Benefit-Eligible Employees
Benefits for administrative, professional and technical (APT) staff and faculty are administered through the SBCCOE Trust. Effective July 1, 2015, employees in APT and faculty positions that are budgeted at .75 FTE or more are eligible for benefits beginning on their date of hire. Information regarding benefits can be found at Additional information regarding leave accruals can be found in We encourage lifelong learning; non-classified employees are also eligible for

Retirement

CCD and most employment categories contribute to , which provides retirement and other benefits to employees of more than 500 government agencies and public entities in the state of Colorado. PERA is the 21st largest public pension plan in the United States. PERA is a substitute for Social Security; CCD employees do not contribute to Social Security. PERA eligible employees are required to contribute a fixed percentage of their salary to the pension. Student employees are not eligible to participate in PERA.

CCD and the State of Colorado offer three tax-deferred investment plans, including 401(k), 403(b) and 457 plans.