National Campus/FAO
P.O. Box 159
Kolonia, Pohnpei FM 96941

The Director of Financial Aid Office (FAO) reports to the VPEMSS and serves as chief administrator for the college’s student financial aid programs. The Director is responsible for planning, organizing, and overseeing all financial aid operations, ensuring compliance with federal, state and institutional policies while supporting the college’s mission to promote access to higher education and foster student success.

1. Leadership and Complance
• Manage all financial aid programs, ensuring compliance with federal, state and institutional regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Supervise processes related to Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP), Return of Title IV Funds, and student loan processing.
• Administer Title IV refunds and repayments, including notification to the U.S. Department of Education and National Student Loan Data System.
2. Finanical Aid Packaging
• Oversee the review, approval, and revision of financial aid packages for eligible students, ensuring adherence to relevant policies and procedures.
3. Policy Development
• Develop, implement, and revise financial aid policies to maintain compliance with applicable laws and regulations, and ensure operational efficiency.
4. Collaboration & Coordination
• Collaborate with Business Office, Office of Admissions, Records, and Retention, and other departments and/or offices to ensure timely and accurate information sharing and award distribution.
5. Reporting & Documenatino
• Manage the application intake process, maintaining thorough documentation for audit proposes.
• Prepare federal, state, and institutional reports, including federal funding applications and expenditure reports.
• Coordinate internal reconciliation efforts and liaise with auditors, program reviews, and accreditation bodies.
6. Publications & Outreach
• Design and update financial aid publications (website, catalog, handbooks, brochures), and provide training materials to staff.
• Lead financial aid presentations and participate in outreach activities, including workshops and new student orientations.
7. Student Support
• Counsel and advise students and families on financial aid options, eligibility, and application procedures.
• Provide support for academic progress and financial need inquiries.
8. Budget & Staff Management
• Develop and manage the Financial Aid Office’s annual budget. Conduct periodic cost and productivity analyses.
• Supervise office staff in accordance with college policies, including recruiting, training, evaluating, and guiding employee development.
9. Assessment & Improvement
• Establish and monitor program outcomes, assessing progress and implementing plans for continuous improvement.
10. Other Duties
• Perform additional tasks as assigned, including participation in college committees and initiatives.

Master’s degree required in higher education administration or related field from a U.S. accredited institution. Foreign credentials must be equated to US standards using World Education Services at http://www.wes.org . At least five years of administrative experience managing student financial aid programs in a community college or university setting. Demonstrated commitment to student success and experience building strong student relationships. Proven ability to develop and implement operational systems and mange high-volume workflows in an educational environment. Proficiency in using email, work processing, spreadsheet, data base, and presentation software, along with internet-based tools. A bachelor’s degree with double the required work experience may be considered in lieu of a master’s degree.

Applications are available at the College of Micronesia - FSM Human Resources Office, state campus sites or at the college's website at www.comfsm.fm.

Interested candidates must submit the following documents:

1. A letter of interest addressing how the candidate’s professional qualification and experience match the minimum essential requirements of the position (not to exceed 3 pages);
2. COM-FSM application form (http://www.comfsm.fm/jobs/HRdocs/employment08.pdf );
3. A current resume which includes personal email address and cellular phone number;
4. Unofficial copies of college transcripts for all degrees earned;
5. A minimum of three professional reference letters under 6 months old; and
6. Court Report (criminal background check) under 6 months old.

Documents are to be submitted electronically to hro@comfsm.edu.fm (preferably as PDF attachments) or mailed to:

Human Resources Office
College of Micronesia-FSM
P. O. Box 159
Pohnpei FM 96941

(U.S Postal Service domestic rates apply in the Federated States of Micronesia.)

Applications will be accepted until November 24, 2024 followed by screening by the committee or until filled. Official and hard copies of college transcripts are require to be mailed directly from schools to HRO when a candidate is being considered.