Director, Financial Aid Programs and Administration

Socket.dev; Kentucky; On-site; USD 86,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Kent State University in Kent, OH seeks a Director of Financial Aid Programs and Administration to lead the Student Financial Aid Department, oversee operations, and ensure compliant, timely awarding of aid.

The role requires a master’s degree in a relevant field and at least six years in student financial aid with two in supervision; it involves strategic planning, collaboration with academic units, and reporting to the Associate VP of Enrollment Management, Scholarships and Financial Aid.

Qualifications

• 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.

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 the 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 the 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 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 AVP at professional meetings and in university committees as needed.
• Perform related duties as assigned

Education

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

Job description

Job Title

Director, Financial Aid Programs and Administration

Physical Location

Kent Campus - Kent, OH

Salary

$86,249 - $90,000

Basic Function

Assist the Associate Vice President of Enrollment Management, Scholarships and Financial Aid in the administration of the Student Financial Aid Department. Reports to Associate Vice President of Enrollment Management, Scholarships and Financial Aid.

Additional Basic Function – if applicable

Not applicable.

Examples of Duties

• 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

Additional Examples of Duties – if applicable

Not applicable.

Minimum Qualifications

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

License/Certification

None.

Knowledge Of

• Personal computer applications, including Microsoft Office Suite
• High-level and detailed understanding of integrated systems *

Skill In

• 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
• Provide exemplary leadership and direction to the department
• Keep current with changing policies in federal, state, and institutional aid programs *

Preferred Qualifications – if applicable

Not applicable.

Assessments

Asterisk (*) indicates knowledge, skills, abilities which may require assessments. Assessments could take the form of interview questions, a request to provide work samples or a written or practical test to assess job related competencies.

Working Conditions / Physical Requirements

None.

Working Schedule

Monday - Friday 8 AM - 5 PM or otherwise discussed with your supervisor.

Additional Information

Kent State University is committed to creating a community that is culturally and intellectually diverse and to attracting and retaining a diverse staff. We strive to create and maintain working and learning environments that respect differences, and are inclusive, welcoming, respectful and kind.

Must pass a security check.

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

For official job descriptions, visit www.kent.edu/hr.

Kent State University is a Smoke-Free, Tobacco-Free University effective July 1, 2017. Smoking and tobacco use are not permitted on any of Kent State’s campuses or other locations and properties that are owned, operated, or leased by Kent State, both domestic and international. For additional details, visit www.kent.edu/smoke-free.

Disclaimer

The intent of this description is to illustrate the types of duties and responsibilities that will be required of positions given this title and should not be interpreted to describe all the specific duties and responsibilities that may be required in any particular position. Directly related experience/education beyond the minimum stated may be substituted where appropriate at the discretion of the Appointing Authority. Kent State University reserves the right to revise or change job duties, job hours, and responsibilities.