Director of Financial Aid

Ozarka College is seeking applications for the position of Director of Financial Aid.  The Director of Financial Aid, acting under the direction of the Dean of Student Enrollment, will provide support to all areas in regard to financial aid.  The Director of Financial Aid is responsible for the supervision and evaluation process of all support staff within the department.  The Director of Financial Aid is a twelve-month position.

Why This Role Matters

At Ozarka College, we believe that financial barriers shouldn't stand in the way of a student’s dreams. As the Director of Financial Aid, you aren't just managing numbers and compliance—you are the champion who helps students and families navigate their college journey with confidence. Leading a dedicated, student-friendly team, you will shape the policies, outreach, and support systems that directly unlock a brighter future for our community. It is a deeply rewarding leadership role where your expertise and empathy make a life-changing impact every single day.

What You'll Do (Key Responsibilities)

We’ve streamlined our day-to-day operations into four core pillars of impact:

1. Team Leadership & Student Advocacy

• Lead with Heart: Supervise, train, and inspire our financial aid specialists and administrative staff to deliver top-tier, friendly customer service.
• Empower Families: Guide students and parents through federal and state financial aid programs, making complex information clear and accessible.
• Create Pathways: Manage critical student-centered programs, including the Federal Work-Study program, financial aid suspension appeals, and personalized loan counseling.

2. Strategic Compliance & Tech Management

• Stay Ahead: Keep Ozarka College sharp and compliant by attending federal/state updates and regularly refining our policies to match financial aid best practices.
• Master the Systems: Confidently navigate federal record-keeping technology (Ed Expresss, Ed Connect) to smoothly process, reconcile, and disburse Pell Grants, loans, and state awards.
• Protect Student Success: Implement proactive default management strategies to protect our students' financial health and maintain the college's ongoing federal eligibility.

3. Community Outreach & Collaboration

• Inspire Future Students: Organize and host lively High School Financial Aid Nights to clear up confusion for graduating seniors and their families.
• Collaborate Campus-Wide: Work hand-in-hand with the Business Office, federal/state agencies, and campus committees to keep our financial audit trails flawless and our student programs thriving.

Who You Are (Qualifications)

The Essentials:

• Education: A Bachelor’s degree in Business or a related field.
• Expertise: Deep knowledge of federal and state financial aid regulations, paired with tech/software skills.
• Skills: A natural leader and organizer who meets deadlines with ease, communicates beautifully (both written and spoken), and loves building strong teams.
• Core Values: A genuine commitment to the community college philosophy, professional growth, and maintaining an approachable, "student-first" office environment.

The Extra Flex (Preferred):

• A Master’s Degree in a related field.
• 3 to 5 years of hands-on experience thriving in a Financial Aid Office.

Ready to Make a Difference?

If you are an organized, empathetic leader who loves solving puzzles, navigating technology, and seeing the direct impact of your hard work on students' lives, we want you on our team!

Will remain open until a qualified candidate has been selected.  To apply, please submit a detailed letter of application, a completed Ozarka Employment Application, resume, unofficial copies of transcripts, and names, addresses, and phone numbers of three professional references to:

Ozarka College Application