Director of Student Financial Services

Student Financial Services is a comprehensive provider of financial aid, billing and student employment services to prospective and current students, parents of students, and alumni.  Student Financial Services assures compliance with federal and state regulations for eligibility of financial aid and administration of financial aid programs.

 

 Description of Job:
 Responsible for overall administration of financial aid programs in accordance with federal, state and institutional policies and regulations.  Efficiently supervise and lead the SFS staff in successfully recruiting and retaining students while ensuring excellent customer service to all applicants, their families and members of the community.   Develop and execute consistent policies and procedures affecting all financial aid programs in compliance with all federal, state and institutional laws and regulations.  Manage the budgets of all sources of aid assigned to the department, as well as the operating budget of the SFS office.  Represent CSU Pueblo SFS at national, state and University meetings.   Work collaboratively with University departments, administrators and stakeholders; and respond to periodic media inquiries regarding financial aid.  Work closely with the Associate Vice President of Enrollment Services and the Director of Admissions to coordinate SFS activities and efforts with ongoing recruitment and enrollment initiatives. 
Primary Duties

• Management of daily operations of SFS, including customer services management, a focus on establishment and updating of policies and procedures to align with University directives and all federal and state guidelines, and attention to continuous improvement efforts.
• Oversee two direct reports and retain higher-level oversight of staff who report to Associate and Assistant Directors.
• Counsel students, families, faculty and staff in financial aid and related financial literacy.
• Monitor departmental budget and activities to ensure strategically efficient expenditure of resources while supporting optimal university enrollment.
• Support packaging of financial aid awards and departmental responses to financial aid appeals; provide oversight of award process to ensure compliance with University approved funding model(s), as well as exception free audits and program reviews related to the programs administered by the SFS.
• Collaborate with Enrollment Services team to coordinate activities and efforts with ongoing recruitment and enrollment initiatives.
• Keep SFS staff informed of new regulations, legislation, code, polices and procedures, including identification and dissemination of appropriate training opportunities, planning and participation in regular SFS meetings.
• Provide campus and community financial aid presentations as needed; including clear communication of events, deadlines, and changes in policy and programs, with a two-prong focus on campus education and student enrollment.
• Other duties as assigned.
   

 

 Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights: Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s Degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
• Three (3) years of supervisory experience. 
• Five (5) years of experience in financial aid including knowledge of Federal Student Aid regulations and guidelines. 
• Experience with a financial aid management system.
• Ability to prioritize workload and conflicting demands. 
• Microsoft Office suite proficiency. 
• Comfortable with public speaking. 
• Superior customer service skills. 
• Experience working with culturally diverse populations. 
• Valid Driver’s License.

Preferred Qualifications

• Capacity for independent work and problem solving.
• Knowledge of Colorado State financial aid regulations and guidelines.
• Experience with Banner Student Information Systems.
• Experience with PowerFAIDS Student Information Systems.
• Prior FISAP submission experience.
• Experience with Program Participation Agreement and ECAR.

 

 Supplemental Information: All interested candidates must apply through the on-line application system. No other format of application materials will be accepted.

Applicants must attach the following documents, in order to be considered for this position: 

1. a letter of intent (cover letter);
2. a current resume or CV;
3. unofficial or official transcripts showing degree conferred; and
4. three professional references with contact information to the on-line application.

Applications submitted without the required attachments above or an application not completed in its entirety will be considered incomplete and will not move forward in the selection process. Once submitted, applicants will not be able to make changes or add information to their application packet, with the exception of their personal contact and demographic information.

Early submission of application materials is encouraged. Screening of application materials will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled, though all applications received by 4:00 p.m. (MST) on Friday, June 25, 2021 will be given full consideration.


About Colorado State University Pueblo
Colorado State University Pueblo is a comprehensive state university with an enrollment of 4,000 students.  CSU Pueblo provides relevant professional coursework and superior instruction with a small student-to-faculty ratio for an ever-changing global economy.  Students can choose from 35 undergraduate programs with 81 fields of study in the College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics; the Hasan School of Business; the College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences; and the College of Health, Education, and Nursing; and 13 graduate programs.
 
 CSU Pueblo is dedicated to interdisciplinary learning and entrepreneurship that elevates our people and our community, creates educational opportunities, fosters unique collaborations, and supports inclusion, access, and affordability as a gateway to the world. CSU Pueblo is equally committed to serving the diverse population of the region; this emphasis is reflected in the demographic characteristics of the student body. Because more than 25 percent of our students are Hispanic, the Federal Government has designated CSU Pueblo a Hispanic Serving Institution.  Besides reflecting our commitment to serve this critically important and rapidly growing segment of the student population, that designation also allows the University to compete for certain federal grant funds to support its ability to better serve all students.  
 
 Among its unique features, CSU Pueblo is one of seven schools in the nation to offer a degree in mechatronics, which combines electrical and mechanical engineering. The Hasan School of Business ranks among the top 15 percent of all business schools internationally with graduate and undergraduate programs in business administration accredited by the AACSB International Board of Directors. The College of STEM houses an undergraduate engineering program that was ranked in the nation's top 100 by U.S. News and World Report.  CSU Pueblo has an ever-changing campus landscape that features a newly renovated Library, a new general academic classroom building, and a newly renovated and expanded student center.
 
 At CSU Pueblo, Student Life offerings have increased significantly with the transition of the campus from a commuter environment to a more traditional collegiate experience.  Competing at the NCAA Division II level, CSU Pueblo is a member of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference and offers 22 varsity intercollegiate sports and also has active intramural and club sports teams that allow students to get involved in campus life.

Colorado State University Pueblo offers a comprehensive benefits package including:

Medical Insurance and Prescription Drugs 

Dental Insurance 

Vision Insurance 

Flexible Benefit Plan 

Basic Term Life Insurance 

Voluntary Term Life and AD&D Insurance 

Long-Term Disability Insurance 

Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) 

Travel Accident Insurance 

Voluntary Critical Illness and Accident Insurance 

Wellness Incentive Program

Annual & Sick Leave 

Retirement Plans

 About Pueblo, Colorado 
 
 The city of Pueblo is a historically and culturally rich, diverse city of more than 100,000, located in the southern part of the state along the Arkansas River near the Wet Mountains and the majestic Sangre de Cristo range. Pueblo enjoys ideal year-round climate with four distinct mild seasons, crisp mountain air and 300+ days of sunshine per year. Pueblo attracts outdoor enthusiasts to a full slate of summer and winter recreational activities, encompassing water sports at Lake Pueblo, biking or running along Pueblo's beautiful river trail system, golfing, tennis, hiking or skiing in the mountains to the west.  The region is heavily agricultural, with large and small-scale farming and ranching, and a diverse mix of service, manufacturing, and technology industries.
 
 CSU Pueblo is committed to providing a safe and productive learning and living community. To achieve that goal, we conduct background investigations for all final candidates being considered for employment. Background checks may include, but are not limited to, criminal history (felony and misdemeanor), national sex offender search, and/or motor vehicle history. Candidates who are extended an offer of employment must submit to and pass a background check prior to beginning employment. Some positions depending on the job duties may be required to complete a DMV and/or credit check.
 
 The University reserves the right to check additional references, with prior notification given to the candidate.
 
 Note: The successful candidate must provide official transcripts of academic work completed and, under U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services regulations, be able to submit evidence of the ability to accept work in the U.S. by the day employment begins.
 
 It is the policy of Colorado State University Pueblo to provide reasonable accommodations for employees and applicants with disabilities.  If you need accommodations, please contact the Office of Human Resources and Institutional Equity at (719) 549-2441 or hr@csupueblo.edu.
 
 In compliance with the Clery Act of 1990, the University's annual security report is available at: https://www.csupueblo.edu/campus-safety. 
 
 Colorado State University Pueblo is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or veteran status. Additionally, the University complies with all other relevant, federal, state, and local laws regarding employment practices.