Description

The Executive Director serves as the chief administrator for the Office of Student Financial Aid and administers all student financial aid programs consisting of institutional, donor, federal, state, and local funds. The Executive Director sets the vision for the department and develops, oversees and leverages financial aid strategies to support and achieve the University’s strategic enrollment plan for its undergraduate and graduate programs.

The Executive Director is one of three key leaders that supervises the financial aid team, evaluates and approves requests for all student financial aid programs, establishes procedures for and keeps records on transactions with students, ensures effective and efficient use of automated financial aid management systems including artificial intelligence, supervises the preparation of all required and ad hoc reports and surveys and ensures that the University’s use of funds is in compliance with University policies and applicable state and federal regulations.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Key participant in the accomplishment of enrollment management objectives of the University by recommending data-driven student financial aid strategies within the framework of federal and state regulations, donor funded student scholarships, and institutional funds that are consistent with those objectives and by administering financial aid and scholarships that supports student recruitment, retention, and success.
• Ensure that the University has exception-free compliance audits and program reviews by remaining current on all federal and state laws and regulations that pertain to the programs administered by the office, implementing and/or modifying office procedures to comply with those laws and regulations, making certain that all required reports are prepared accurately and in a timely manner.
• Maintain compliance with NCAA regulations as it relates to student financial aid.
• Ensure that the student financial aid information system (Ellucian Colleague Financial Aid SaaS modules) and other technology and systems (Slate, Othot, FrontRush, etc.) are used efficiently and effectively.
• Works closely and serves as liaison between the Student Financial Aid office personnel, Athletics, the Business Office, Admissions, Registrar, Student Affairs, and Information Technology Departments.
• Create and maintain a high quality and high functioning customer service office and culture that serves students, parents and guardians, high school and higher education counselors, and University employees.
• Manages the Student Financial Aid Office operating and capital budget.
• Provide leadership in maintaining quality staff through recruitment and development that creates a positive culture for employee growth and satisfaction and meets the needs of the University.
• Develop metrics and key performance indicators and performs data analysis as required to monitor performance, identify issues and resolve discrepancies.

Requirements

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science or Arts from and accredited college or university.
• Five (5) to seven (7) years experience in student financial aid.
• Proficient with the Microsoft Office Suite software.
• Thorough knowledge of student financial aid state and federal rules and regulations.
• Knowledge or ability to learn applicable rules and regulations for administering student financial aid for a NCAA Division II athletic programs.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, analytical, problem-solving, critical thinking and interpersonal skills.
• Effective organization and planning.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master of Business Administration, Accounting, Organizational Leadership or related fields.
• Knowledge of the Ellucian Colleague system.
• Experience with a highly automated student financial aid management system.