Director of Financial Aid

Salary: $70,000.00 Annually

Location : Lake Charles, LA

Job Type: Full-Time

Job Number: MSU102324U99105

Division: Enrollment Management

Opening Date: 10/23/2024

Position/Application Information

MCNEESE STATE UNIVERSITY invites qualified applicants to apply for the position of Director of Financial Aid.

DEPARTMENT: Office of Financial Aid

POSITION INFORMATION: This is a full-time, 12-month, unclassified position. The appointment begins on or after November 14, 2024.

POSITION NUMBER: U99105

SALARY: $70,000

DEADLINE: Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

APPLICATION PROCESS AND MATERIALS: For the application process, applicants MUST complete an electronic application and upload the required documents listed below to ensure full consideration:

• Letter of Application
• Resume
• References (name, phone number, and email address of at least three)
• Unofficial College Transcripts

Only completed application packets including all items listed above will be reviewed.

TO APPLY FOR THIS VACANCY, click on the "APPLY" button at the top of advertisement to complete the electronic application, which can be used for this vacancy as well as future job opportunities. Applicants are responsible for checking the status of their application to determine where they are in the recruitment process. Further status message information is located under the Information section of the Current Job Opportunities page. Required application materials WILL NOT be accepted after the deadline, if applicable. Applications may be rejected if incomplete.

ALL JOB OFFERS ARE CONTINGENT UPON THE SUCCESSFUL RESULT OF A CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK AND RECEIPT OF OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT(S) IF APPLICABLE.

IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS REGARDING THIS POSITION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Sarah Leonards, Executive Director, Office of Advising at

If you have questions regarding this recruitment, please contact the HR Analyst:
Kim Dronett at or ; TDD:
Position Duties/Responsibilities

The Director of Financial Aid reports to the Executive Director of Enrollment Management and supervises all staff employees within the Office of Financial Aid. The Director is responsible for administering all phases of the federal and state need-based financial aid programs to meet the financial needs of students. These administrative activities also include application for distribution of, and reporting on funds to various governmental agencies. Other duties and responsibilities include:

• Oversee the administration of federal and state need-based aid programs
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of and ensure compliance with federal and state laws/guidelines as established by the Department of Education, Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance (LOSFA), and other appropriate agencies to include oversight of annual application, operational reports, internal reconciliations, and liaison with auditors, program reviewers, and accrediting bodies
• Develops and directs financial aid strategies within the framework of federal and state regulations that are consistent with the enrollment management objectives of the university that support student recruitment and retention
• Provide clear and accessible information, counseling and advise students and families regarding financial aid eligibility, application procedures, and deadlines for federal, state, and institutional aid programs
• Organize and conduct financial aid workshops, campus visit events, high school outreach and presentations for new and continuing students, providing clear and engaging information about financial aid opportunities
• Facilitate strong communication and collaboration between the Financial Aid Office and other University departments (especially enrollment management) to ensure a seamless educational experience
• Work closely with the business office functions (administrative accounting, payroll, personnel) to ensure accurate and timely data exchange between financial systems, overseeing the reconciliation of financial aid awards and disbursements
• In partnership with Information Technology and University Computing Services, maintain and manage the technical aspects of the Ellucian College system and all databases for financial aid processing, ensuring smooth operations and effective communication management
• Participate in national, regional, and state professional organizations and electronic monitoring sites which support the mission of post-secondary need-based financial assistance such as NASFAA, SWASFAA, LASFAA
• Develop and monitor the office budget including personnel needs and departmental operating expenses
• Lead and manage the office including staff recruitment/development, training/cross-training, performance evaluations, and documentation of operating policies/procedures
• Maintain/Update the USDE Program Participation Agreement and Eligibility Certification as well as institutional catalog, consumer, and registration information
• Develop the annual student cost of attendance budgets for financial aid and NCAA compliance
• Perform other duties as assigned

Required/Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, Master's degree preferred
• Education and work experience of 5 or more years in a business or higher education field will be considered
• Ability to interpret and implement state, federal, and institutional regulations governing student aid programs
• Demonstrated administrative and organizational skills including but not limited to standard office practices and procedures, reporting, budgeting, record keeping and personnel management leadership ability, supervisory skills, and fiscal management ability
• Ability to work and communicate effectively with diverse populations
• Flexibility to work outside of the typical workday and travel as necessary to complete position responsibilities
• Working knowledge of mainframe computer systems and electronic reporting processes; experience with Ellucian Banner is preferred

General University information

McNeese State University, located in Lake Charles, Louisiana, is a public university and a member of the University of Louisiana System. Under Louisiana law, applications and all supporting materials will become public record. All applicants are expected to submit complete and accurate materials as specified in the position announcement. A background check and an English Proficiency assessment (Faculty Only) will be conducted on selected finalists. We comply with Louisiana Revised Statute 49:1001, et seq, and State of Louisiana Executive Order 98-38, which provides for drug testing of employees, appointees, prospective employees, and prospective appointees. Prospective employees and employees are informed if a drug test is required.

McNeese State University is an AA/EEO/ADA employer committed to excellence through diversity and a SAME agency (State as a Model Employer for People with Disabilities) for the State of Louisiana.

Persons needing reasonable accommodations as provided by the Americans with Disabilities Act should contact the ADA Coordinator, Krisshunn Youngblood, Office of Inclusive Excellence: Voice: ; TDD/TTY, Hearing Impaired: ; or

The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 requires McNeese State University to inform applicants that the University can employ only U.S. citizens and aliens lawfully authorized to work in the U.S. Each new employee is required to present documentation verifying his/her identity and right to accept employment. McNeese participates in E-Verify.

Louisiana Revised Statute 42:31-"Eligibility requirements for certain unclassified employees"-requires any person hired or employed in an unclassified position, whose annual salary or rate of compensation is equal to or exceeds one hundred thousand dollars, provide proof to his public employer that he has been issued a Louisiana driver's license and that all vehicles registered in his name are registered in Louisiana within thirty days of being hired or employed at such salary.

Transcripts from Foreign Universities: Prospective faculty submitting transcripts from foreign universities or schools must have the coursework evaluated for equivalency to United States-accredited coursework by a University-approved agency. The prospective faculty member is responsible for the cost of the evaluation. McNeese typically accepts evaluations by World Education Services or Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc

McNeese State University offers a wide array of benefits to eligible employees to include:

Comprehensive retirement programs through the State of Louisiana or Optional program, Supplemental retirement accounts (403B and 457) pre-tax and roth versions, Health Insurance, Life Insurance, Supplemental Insurance to include Vision, Life, Dental, Cancer, Intensive Care, Short Term Disability and more, Paid holidays, Tuition fee reduction program for eligible employees and dependents, Leave accrual and carryover, and many other on campus perks/discount programs.

You may view the current year's Benefits Guide at: