Apex Technical School is an adult vocational school located in Long Island City, New York, that provides top-tier vocational training in high-growth trades. Founded in 1961, Apex serves about 1,400 students annually with six 900-hour certificate courses in skilled trades including A/C and Refrigeration, Automotive, Plumbing and Pipefitting, Electrical and Advanced Electrical, Welding Technology, and Construction. Apex certificate programs are highly regarded and have been shown to have a substantial positive impact on economic mobility—leading to entry level careers. As Director of Financial Aid. you will provide oversight of the daily operation of the financial aid department and disbursement of title IV funds while ensuring compliance of state and federal regulations. Responsibilities + Interpret and apply federal regulations relating to the disbursement of title IV funds. + Provide leadership and oversight in the implementation and maintenance of financial aid policies. + Support the financial aid office in their efforts to counsel students and parents in regard to financial aid eligibility. + Create/submit/maintain operational reports, and applicable master calendars. + Develop, implement, and revise policies and procedures to ensure compliance with all Federal and State laws and regulations + Supervise and monitor employees’ progress and performance. + Conduct annual performance review for the department. + Develop team members by coaching, counseling, disciplining, and facilitating professional growth activities. + Maintain sufficient/adequate departmental staffing levels by working with Human Resources to recruiting, selecting, orienting, and training employees. + Ensure the FA department delivers professional, timely and courteous customer service. + Responsible for title IV calculations. + Ensure file maintenance in accordance with applicable regulations and standards. + Oversee the work-study program. + Reconcile with the accounting office. + Review program, audits and provides correction plans as needed. + Oversee the Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) and return of title IV funds processes, refunds and repayments, including U.S Department of Education and National Student Loan Data System notifications, while collaborating with the Dean of Student Affairs. + Ensure and foster a collaborative, positive work environment. + Participate in all individual career development sessions as required by Apex and Fedcap. + Provide administrative and project coordination support as needed. + Act as the liaison with federal, state and local agencies on issues related to financial aid. + Collaborate throughout the institution on ways to ensure financial literacy to reduce student default rates. + Contribute to organization success by accepting new assignments, helping team members, learning new skills, and striving to improve team results. Requirements + Minimum of 7 years in a financial aid department, with at least 5 years in a leadership role overseeing financial aid processes and teams. Experience in a technical school licensed by NYS Educational Department and National Accreditation preferred. + In-depth knowledge of federal and state financial aid regulations. + Excellent oral and written communication skills and ability to convey complex ideas and concepts to school administration. + Strong interpersonal skills to maintain effective working relationships with staff, supervisors, and students. + Problem-solving and conflict resolution skills. + Ability to manage a team of managers and financial aid advisors. + Ability to work with a diverse student population with varying skills and abilities. + Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team. + Strong organization skills and ability to effectively prioritizatize tasks.