Financial Aid Officer - Merritt

Job Summary

Under general direction of the Dean of Enrollment Services, the Financial Aid Officer – Merritt will supervise and coordinate the operation of a comprehensive financial aid program at the campus, ensuring compliance with federal and state programs and providing guidance to the Dean.

• Serve as the college’s financial aid lead to the Federal Department of Education and the California Community College Chancellor’s Office.
• Ensure implementation of all federal and state programs in accordance with policy and procedural guidelines.
• Provide training to financial aid staff and student workers to facilitate award processing.
• Support compliance with state initiatives (AB 540, AB 19, etc.) and federal Work-Study program contracts.
• Reconcile all federal and state student aid programs.
• Manage and oversee the campus financial aid budget and recommend operational budget changes.
• Act as liaison to various campus and district offices (Business, Admissions, Finance, etc.).
• Develop initiatives such as Loan Default Prevention, Get SAP, FATV, etc.
• Handle student grievance claims and prepare investigative reports for the Department of Education.
• Lead compliance with the institution’s Program Participation Agreement and coordinate with external agencies.
• Manage federal and state grant programs and develop new procedures as needed.
• Develop and update communications related to financial aid services.
• Plan and implement outreach efforts, including presentations and state‑mandated initiatives.
• Respond to changes in aid programs by recommending new processes.
• Assist in resolving first‑level conflicts among aid staff and outside departments.
• Coordinate committee work (Appeals, Petition, Student Success, etc.).
• Calculate Title IV refunds and report over payments to borrower services collections.
• Supervise the day‑to‑day operation of the aid program in compliance with applicable regulations.
• Determine student eligibility for all aid programs.
• Interpret federal, state, and district rules and update office procedures.
• Accurately complete required aid reports in a timely manner.
• Identify system improvements and provide input to the district data center.
• Write the aid procedure manual and handbook with the Director of Financial Aid.
• Provide leadership and develop policies in collaboration with district supervisors.
• Draft letter types (appeal, over payment, etc.) for the aid department.
• Collaborate with other colleges to resolve Title IV issues.
• Prepare audit reports with the district financial aid director.
• Develop measurement tools for program evaluation.
• Recommend improvements based on annual program reviews.
• Manage the financial aid webpage and delegate tasks as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, public administration, counseling, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• Five years of experience in a financial aid office, including one year of administrative or supervisory experience.
• Proficiency with word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and standard office equipment.
• Demonstrated cultural competency and sensitivity to diverse backgrounds.

• Knowledge of financial aid program operations, supervision, federal/state regulations, and budgeting.
• Experience with program reporting, accounting, and eligibility evaluation.
• Strong communication and reporting skills.
• Ability to coordinate programs, supervise staff, recommend policies, and manage budgets.
• Understanding of district operations and external agencies.
• Experience with outreach, training, and public interaction.
• Ability to develop workshops and make independent decisions.

• Occasional work performed alone.
• Constant work around and with people.
• Flexibility to respond to multiple demands.

• Occasional standing, walking, stooping, kneeling, squatting, climbing stairs, lifting up to 15 lbs., pushing/pulling up to 20 lbs., twisting, and use of manual, tactile, and visual acuity.
• Frequent rapid pace, reaching, communicating orally, and reading.

• Computers and standard office machines & equipment.
• Multi‑line telephones.
• Department‑s…