Description

Saginaw Valley State University is proud of its profound local and global impacts, and is currently seeking an ambitious, innovative, and student-focused leader to become its next Director of Scholarships and Financial Aid who will help expand our university’s reach. We are seeking candidates who are proven leaders in the areas of college access and student success and will support and lead efforts that significantly expand student attraction, retention, and timely program completion/graduation. As the most affordable four-year university in the State of Michigan, SVSU values affordability, keeping a transformational higher education in reach for our aspiring and current students. The successful candidate for this role will play a key role in ensuring that scholarship and financial aid programs are fully leveraged to optimize University enrollment.

The Director of Scholarships and Financial Aid works with Enrollment Management and other SVSU leadership to develop goals and implement strategic plans to meet these goals in alignment with and supportive of the Strategic Enrollment Management Plan for Saginaw Valley State University. Reporting to the Vice President for Enrollment Management, the Director will serve as the University’s most senior financial aid officer and will lead at the tactical and strategic levels.

Requirements

• Supervise the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid staff and will oversee the day-to-day functions of the Scholarships and Financial Aid Office.
• Lead or coordinate staff hiring, onboarding, training, development, and regular performance evaluations.
• Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with faculty, staff, and other university departments with the aim of advancing student success and SVSU’s mission and strategic plan (particularly focused on enrollment, retention, and graduation rate objectives).
• Lead and supports a student-first approach to the administration, communication, and advisement of financial aid and scholarships.
• Ensure the highest level of student service is provided to SVSU’s students and families, maintaining timeliness, respect, availability, accuracy, and helpfulness in all student interactions.
• Serve as a model solutions-provider, who seeks to overcome barriers to enrollment and completion while exercising professional judgment and discretion.
• Oversee the preparation of federal, state, and other audits as needed; coordinate with Administrative and Business Affairs to resolve findings.
• Develop and maintain standard operating policies and procedures documentation for the work of the office.
• Assume leadership for the Financial Aid Office budget; ensure the effective distribution of financial resources by implementing processes and procedures that minimize underutilization of funds and maximize student recruitment, retention, and success.
• Present financial aid information at programs, both on-and-off-campus, including evening and weekend presentations (e.g., recruiting events, financial aid nights, and orientation).
• Monitor financial aid practices to ensure compliance with applicable federal and state laws and regulations and university policies.
• Maintain knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, and best practices.
• Identify opportunities for innovation and implement new programs or practices that keep SVSU affordability and student success at the forefront of positive change.
• Prepare or oversee federal, state, and institutional reports, including FISAP, IPEDS, and FVT/GE reporting.
• Oversee Return to Title IV (R2T4) processes, verification, SAP monitoring, and loan default management.
• Supervise the preparation, verification, and distribution of aid offers financial aid recipients, focusing on clarity and ease of use, while highlighting SVSU’s affordability and generous aid packages.
• Continuously maintain and review student communication plans to ensure the highest levels of engagement and effectiveness through innovative use of modality (text, message platforms, email, mail, etc.) and messaging (personalization, support, and clarity).
  Perform other duties as assigned

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.