Director of Operations

Salary for Announcement

The salary range for this position is $72,200 – $96,350. The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty and training.

The above salary range represents the University’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Posting Details

Posting Number

A02315

Position Title

Director of Operations

Position Number

E00923

Pay Grade

20

Employee Category

Administrators

Department

Financial Aid

EClass Code

Full Time Professional Staff

Position Summary

This position manages all Operations of the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships ( OFAS ), providing oversight of financial aid processing and advising of students. The Director works to coordinate unit outcomes with respect to the strategic goals and daily operations of the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships and enrollment management through leading initiatives, structuring support, management, goal-setting, streamlining processes and monitoring workflow or process outputs. The Director serves as part of the OFAS Leadership Team to oversee the coordination, management, planning and compliance of all federal, state, private and institutional student aid funds for MSU Denver. The Director works closely with all campus departments towards strategic enrollment management services initiatives including recommending, establishing, and administering policies and procedures related to the delivery of aid to students. This position is part of the interdepartmental management team that reviews, develops, recommends, implements and monitors operating policies and procedures within the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships; and for the allocation of student aid funding. All duties require monitoring and current knowledge of federal and state regulations and office policies and procedures in order to ensure efficient processing and program compliance. Prepares and/or assists in preparing various federal, state, institutional and external agency fiscal and statistical reports.

The incumbent holds significant responsibility for the proper administration of over $160 million in federal, state, private and institutional aid. This position reports to the Executive Director of Financial Aid and Scholarships.

Metropolitan State University is an equal opportunity employer.
IND208

Duties/Responsibilities

30% Administrative

• 1. This position works closely with the US Department of Education, the Colorado Department of Higher Education, the MSU Denver Foundation and Office of Advancement, external community and college partners for the appropriate management, maintenance and planning the expenditure of all student aid funds within institutional policy and regulatory compliance.
• Develop and maintain a strong working knowledge of US Department of Education utilities such as the Common Origination and Disbursement system, the National Student Loan Data System, Central Processing System and the Knowledge Center ( IFAP ).
• Perform as liaison to external and internal auditing parties including program reviews.
• Research and remain current on all regulatory guidelines and pending regulatory changes related to federal and state student aid administration and coordinate appropriate updates to policy and procedures based on interpretation of regulatory guidance.
• Update and collaborate with internal units to maintain operations and training for the management of area responsibilities and to ensure that processes are consistently in-line with regulatory guidance.
• Participate in the OFAS Leadership group and represent OFAS as the subject matter expert in financial aid operations.
• Lead the development and maintenance of unit policy and procedures through interpreted regulatory guidance and institutional mission as well as any unit strategies or initiatives as required by regulatory changes or streamlining efforts.
• Develop and spearhead initiatives to improve the delivery of student aid to MSU Denver students.
• Support the communications efforts, media and processes to ensure timely, accurate and compliant information is delivered to students and families.
• Work to ensure a clear line of communication and priority in development of systems requests.
  
  

30% Supervisory

• This position is responsible for oversight of financial aid operations, including processing of financial aid, advising, and funds management, scholarships and implementation of strategy for the job duties assigned to each.
• Be a relational, collaborative and friendly leader that builds morale for staff.
• Work with staff to develop annual goals and program development plans to support the initiatives of the office and university.
• May assume the duties of Executive Director of the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships when the Executive Director is absent or unavailable.
  
  

30% Oversee a program of financial aid review:

• Verification and program file review, resolution of conflicting information, appeals and professional judgment and comprehensive financial aid advising.
• Provide support to staff and office team through high volume work periods, handle resolution of student/parent complaints, actively mentor direct reports, work closely with systems, compliance and communication staff to develop and communicate policy and procedure.
• Must be aware of, interpret, and maintain compliance with federal and state rules and regulations, and demonstrate proficiency with need analysis (Federal Methodology and Institutional Methodology), packaging, and other financial aid topics, and ensure equitable treatment of financial aid applicants.
• Develop and lead staff training modules and sessions for new and current staff to stay abreast of changes to federal, state, and institutional guidelines, procedures, and regulations.
• Monitor staff performance of application verification and other key workflow processes.
• Develop and maintain quality control processes for top customer service and accurate file review and awarding.
• Work closely with peers and supervisees to serve special student populations including but not limited to first generation, Veterans, AmeriCorps, and Undergraduate/Graduate students.
• Supervise staff who have responsibilities in financial literacy, R2T4, and Division III athletic awarding, graduate school financial aid, and satisfactory academic progress monitoring and compliance.

5% Outreach and Training

• Oversee development, coordination and deliver financial aid training internally and externally.
• Serve as the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships representative to federal and state entities as needed.
• Participate in conferences, state, regional, and national financial aid organizations.
• Provide financial aid presentations and workshops to the campus and broader communities including high schools.

5% Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree
• Three years of experience in student financial aid operations/processing/advising
• Two years experience managing professional staff
• Experience in providing customer service and resolving difficult financial aid issues

Important Note: Successful applicants will ensure their resumes clearly demonstrate that their work experience describes how they meet ALL required qualifications.

Preferred Qualifications

• Extensive experience and knowledge in financial aid student information systems ( SIS )
• Experience using Microsoft office software which includes Word, Access, Excel and Outlook
• Five to more years of experience with supervising and training employees in student financial aid operations/processing/advising
• Experience collaborating with others to complete a task or project
• Experience leading others to meet deadlines and goals
• Experience with diverse populations.

Work Hours

Monday thru Friday 8-5 as well as some evening hours and possible weekends. Some travel will be required for professional development.

Posting date

10/07/2022

Closing date

Closing Instructions

Open Until Filled

To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT)

10/21/2022

Special Instructions to Applicants

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

IMPORTANT : In order to be considered as an applicant you must apply via the online application system, http://www.msudenverjobs.com.

References refers to a list of three professional references and their contact information.

Official transcripts will be required of the candidate selected for hire.

Talent Team Representative

Carlos Alcala

Talent Team Representative E-mail

calcala1@msudenver.edu

Benefits

MSU Denver is pleased to offer our current and potential employees a wide array of benefit options. To learn more, please visit the following link:

Employee Benefits Offerings

Diversity Statement

Metropolitan State University of Denver is a unique, access-oriented campus community that values diversity, equity, and inclusion in all its forms. Our student population consists of nearly 50% first generation students and over 45% students of color. We are a designated Hispanic Serving Institution located in downtown Denver.

We create an equitable learning and working environment in concert with individuals who consistently demonstrate commitment to equity and inclusion. We greatly value the diverse identities and perspectives of our students, faculty, and staff and recognize that in order to achieve a just and equitable society, diversity must go beyond simple representation. It requires critical inquiry and dialogue and a commitment to action. We strive to provide a culture of belonging for all community members to achieve personal and professional success.

MSU Denver is committed to creating and fostering a work environment and culture of belonging; we are proud of the work our employee affinity groups contribute to our culture. For more information on our employee affinity groups please visit this link .