Financial Aid Manager including ESA

Position Summary

The Financial Aid Manager is responsible for the overall administration of financial aid, tuition assistance, and the Education Savings Account (ESA) program for The Saint Constantine School K-12 families. This role ensures equitable access to education by managing the full financial aid life cycle, from application to disbursement, while maintaining strict compliance with all institutional, state, and federal regulations.

Key Responsibilities

• Program administration:
• Serve as the primary point of contact for families regarding the ESA program and school-based financial aid.
• Develop, implement, and maintain policies and procedures for evaluating financial aid applications and administering the ESA program.
• Oversee the financial aid system: create set-up parameters and review personalized options annually, counsel families on accurate entry of required information, shepherd application processing with service provider, generate award determination letters, address any appeals, and ensure timely disbursement of funds to family billing ledger accounts.
• Counseling and communication:
• Conduct family interviews to explain the financial aid process, determine eligibility, and provide counseling on financing options, including the ESA and school scholarships.
• Develop and deliver workshops and presentations for prospective and current families on available financial aid options including the Texas ESA program.
• ESA management:
• Stay current on state-specific ESA regulations, including eligibility criteria, qualifying expenses, and application deadlines.
• Assist families with ESA applications, necessary documentation, and understanding how ESA funds can be applied toward tuition and other fees.
• Spearhead finance department’s tracking and reconciling of ESA payments.
• Compliance and reporting:
• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations governing financial aid, including the ESA program.
• Coordinate and prepare for internal and external audits and compliance reviews.
• Generate and submit all required reports to state agencies regarding ESA participation and financial reporting.
• Leadership and collaboration:
• Serve as a resource to other departments, such as Admissions, Registrar, and Advancement, to ensure a cohesive and supportive experience for families.
• Work collaboratively with the Financial Aid/Scholarship Committee to assess program effectiveness and recommend policy changes.
  

Qualifications And Skills

• Education: Bachelor's degree in a business, economics, accounting, or related field required.
• Experience:
• Experience in tuition billing or financial aid administration, with a strong preference for experience in a K-12 or private school setting preferred.
• Experience managing any sort of financial program.
• Experience with competently completing complex account reconciliations.
• Experience with governmental grant program requirements is highly desirable.
• Technical skills:
• Proficiency in cloud-based finance or accounting software and database systems.
• Knowledge of state reporting regulations.
• Strong analytical skills to interpret financial data and inform strategic decisions.
• Personal attributes:
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and a commitment to providing excellent customer service.