Manager, Student Athletic Services (23925B)

Under minimal supervision, responsible for planning, organizing, directing and controlling all aspects of the assigned department’s internal and external customer service, human resource and financial management operations. Acts as a catalyst between department and its customers and staff to ensure continuity and quality of service.

The position will be responsible for overseeing all activities and assisting with maintaining National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) certification related to financial aid for student-athletes on the University of Utah campus. The person is required to know Federal and State regulations pertaining to the processing and delivery of student financial aid and NCAA compliance regulations. Provides professional assistance to students and university administration to ensure accuracy in the delivery of financial aid and compliance of NCAA eligibility rules and other regulations. Must train and supervise others inside and outside of the Financial Aid and Scholarships Office regarding Federal, State and NCAA regulations. Requires excellent customer service and, written and oral communication skills.

University of Utah Job ID PRN23925B - 00294 - Financial Aid

COMPENSATION: $39,300 to $56,286.48/annual

WORK SCHEDULE: Full Time, 40 hours per week, Day

RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Represent the University and campus community as the central administrator of aid for the athletics program.
2. Administer athletically related financial aid for nearly 600 athletes in eighteen sports
3. Administer Athletic Department Scholarships to nearly 100 administrative students.
4. Prepare offers of financial aid and letters of intent for recruits as well as administer a variety of other financial aid programs. (Federal Government Pell Grants, NCAA’s Postgraduate Scholarships, Special Assistance Fund, Student-Athlete Opportunity Fund, Institutional (UU) Scholarships, Ameri-corp Program, the U.S. Olympic Committee’s Operation Gold Grants, and other Educational Funds that do not conflict with NCAA Rules.
5. Ensure that the University of Utah conducts its athletics program in strict accordance to the rules of the NCAA and the PAC 12 Conference.
6. Coordinate with the Athletics Department’s compliance personnel as well as those in the Registrar’s Office responsible for monitoring athletics eligibility.
7. Review student files and performs a need analysis, utilizing a formula consistent with federal regulations to evaluate the level and type of assistance that can be offered.
8. Maintain a full range of financial aid awarded to athletes as described in NCAA Bylaw, Article 15.
9. Counsel students and their families in various aspects of obtaining federal, state and private organization funding for post secondary education; and determines whether students meet established criteria.
10. Advise students in budgeting and debt management and in alternative ways to meet the expenses associated with higher education.
11. Respond to credit-hour changes in eligibility caused by adjusting aid packages throughout the academic year as necessary.
12. Perform audits and calculation of aid figures.
13. Calculate, monitor, and disburse payments for athletes receiving full grant aid and those receiving partial grants – i.e., tuition, fees, books, and room and board, travel and miscellaneous.
14. Review Summer School aid to conform to overall aid limitations.
15. Recognize the varying financial aid awards from sport to sport.
16. Maintain six “full scholarship sports” for men’s basketball and football and the women’s basketball, gymnastics, tennis and volleyball.
17. Maintain other scholarship “equivalency sports” awarded by coaches and assure they do not exceed specified limits for financial aid.
18. Understand the difference of equivalencies between men and women’s sports.
19. Monitor and compute aid calculations, which vary, based on period of enrollment, number of credit hours, and status.
20. Send letters offering, confirming, and revoking financial aid to current and prospective athletes.
21. Evaluate and render decisions pertaining to athletic appeals; present appeals to members of the Executive Appeals Committee.
22. Monitor financial aid to ensure aid does not exceed the cost of attendance or conflict with any NCAA rules.
23. Conduct office trainings on NCAA program compliance.

Problem Solving

This position provides independent coordination and decision making for all activities of a specified program. The program outcome often impacts the University as a whole. Acts as a liaison between internal and external constituencies involved in program activities. Problems arising from these coordination efforts will be addressed by the incumbent who will refer to the Associate Director for issues outside of program policy and procedure guidelines. The incumbent has the authority to determine student eligibility and approve or deny federal funding; make adjustments to eligibility according to changed circumstances; and make decisions pertaining to appeals for an exception to policy while remaining in compliance with federal regulations. They also has authority to release registration holds; waive late fees and bill students; as well as monitor the quantitative and qualitative academic progress (Satisfactory Academic Progress) of students receiving financial aid. The coordinator reviews appeals as a committee member in instances where aid has been denied for the purpose of making a consensus determination.

Most decisions regarding a student’s individual aid can be handled at the Assistant Director level. Referrals to the supervisor are generally made only when the student is not satisfied with the decision, or explanation he/she has received.

Problems most frequently encountered by the incumbent involve staying current with, dealing with and understanding the myriad aspects of changes in the laws that relate to federal student aid programs. The incumbent follows detail procedures and ensures a posture of compliance; assists students who are emotionally distraught over financial aid denial.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree in a related area or equivalency (2 years related work experience may be substituted for 1 year of education).

Four to six years of progressively more responsible management experience. Demonstrated leadership skills in planning and directing employees and processes in order to effectively monitor and develop subordinates and to ensure the smooth operation of department. Demonstrated ability to work independently, analyze and make decisions related to program content. Strong coordination and organizational skills required to prioritize conflicting deadlines. The ability to work with a diverse population of students, and learn and understand federal, state, and NCAA regulations and financial aid procedures. Demonstrated human relations and effective communication skills are also required. Master’s degree in a related area may be preferred.

Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.

PREFERENCES:

Candidates will be screened based on the following preferences:

One year directly related experience or equivalency required in financial aid, production management, counseling, customer service, or other professional position in higher education administration, or other equivalent position. Plus one-year full-time experience in a financial aid office in any capacity.

Additional Comments

The Assistant Director will need knowledge of financial aid, institutional scholarships, athletic scholarships and how regulations governing these programs. The Assistant Director must ensure that deadlines are met and that all activities are performed correctly, and is responsible to report to the director on all activities.

TO APPLY, VISIT: http://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/106344

The University of Utah is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities. Please contact the Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action, 201 S. Presidents Cr., Rm 135, (801) 581-8365 (V/TDD), for further information or to request an accommodation. The University of Utah is committed to diversity in its workforce. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.