Director, Financial Aid Programs and Administration

Kent State•Kent, OH

7d•$86,249 - $90,000•Onsite

About The Position

Assist the Associate Vice President of Enrollment Management, Scholarships and Financial Aid in the administration of the Student Financial Aid Department. This role provides leadership, coordination, and supervision for the activities of the Student Financial Aid department through a team of administrative, professional, and support staff. The Director will work closely with the Associate Vice President to establish department goals, objectives, and strategies, develop programs to improve the university's image and student retention, and make recommendations concerning staff utilization, procedural modifications, operating budget needs, and publications. The position ensures compliance with all federal, state, and university policies and regulations related to student aid, leads internal and external communications for financial aid information, and serves as an operational liaison with various university offices. Additionally, the Director will develop and maintain collaborative relationships, conduct student aid presentations, resolve student aid complaints, evaluate technical needs, and serve on university committees. The role may also involve managing office functions and representing the Associate Vice President in their absence.

Requirements

Master’s degree in higher education administration, public administration, business administration, or a relevant field.
Six or more years of progressively responsible experience in student financial aid in higher education to include two years of supervisory experience.
Knowledge of personal computer applications, including Microsoft Office Suite.
Knowledge of high-level and detailed understanding of integrated systems.
Strong verbal and written communications and interpersonal skills.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
Ability to work closely with and demonstrate sensitivity to individuals with diverse backgrounds.
Ability to provide exemplary leadership and direction to the department.
Ability to keep current with changing policies in federal, state, and institutional aid programs.
Must pass a security check.

Responsibilities

Provide leadership, coordination, and supervision for activities of the Student Financial Aid department through a team of administrative, professional, and support staff; oversee personnel.
Work closely with Associate Vice President of Enrollment Management to establish department goals, objectives, and strategies; develop programs and activities to accomplish goals, improve the image of the university, and attract and retain students.
Work closely with Associate Vice President of Enrollment Management in strategic planning activities for the department and make recommendations concerning utilization of staff, procedural modifications, operating budget needs, publications, and purchase requisitions consistent with departmental objectives and activities; develop annual student aid packaging and awarding guidelines.
Assist Associate Vice President of Enrollment Management as needed with annual audits, program reviews, FISAP, final reconciliation and other reports as required.
Ensure compliance and consistency with all federal, state, and university policies and regulations related to student aid; consult with department staff to provide technical support and interpretation of policies and regulations.
Lead internal and external communications for financial aid information in a proactive manner to include managing a website, financial aid portal content, and informational brochures.
Serve as operational liaison with various university offices to ensure resolution of inter-departmental procedural conflicts and timely awarding of student aid.
Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with academic units, administrative offices, and external partners to ensure timely awarding of financial aid.
Conduct student aid presentations to campus and community groups to recruit and retain students.
Resolve and respond to complaints regarding student aid issues.
Evaluate technical needs and enhancements used in financial aid administration and incorporate improvements and modifications when appropriate.
Serve on various departmental, divisional, and university committees.
May manage all office functions in the absence of the Associate Vice President of Enrollment Management, Scholarships and Financial Aid; represent the Associate Vice President of Enrollment Management, Scholarships and Financial Aid at professional meetings and in university committees as needed.
Perform related duties as assigned