Assistant Director of Financial Aid Client Services

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Type of Position:Professional Staff - Academic Affairs

Workstudy Position:

No

Job Type:Regular

Work Shift: Day Shift (United States of America)

Sponsorship Available:

No

Institution Name: University of Arkansas at Fort Smith

The University of Arkansas - Fort Smith is a vibrant mid-sized public university dedicated to breaking the higher education mold by bringing truly transformative, hands-on experiences to every student. From high school seniors to senior professionals, first-generation students to second-chancers, our goal is to provide a high-quality, future-focused education that honors each student's unique, personal situations and goals. Our tiered approach to learning offers students access to more than 80-degree plans and programs including certificate, associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees. We seek to recruit and retain a diverse workforce as a reflection of our commitment to serve the diverse population of Arkansas, to maintain the excellence of the university, and to offer our students richly varied disciplines, and perspectives.

Located on the Arkansas-Oklahoma border and situated in a region of lakes, Fort Smith is the second-largest city in Arkansas and features a vast array of cultural activities, shopping, dining, and entertainment, including a thriving downtown entertainment district. Parks, trails, and water recreation are all within the city limits, and true outdoor enthusiasts will find the area’s lakes, streams, and mountains offer adventure only minutes away from campus. Fort Smith was recently named by Forbes as the number one city in America for the cost of living, and a top city in the nation for the highest-paying tech jobs. The city is within easy driving distance of Tulsa, Kansas City, Dallas, Little Rock, and Memphis.

Thank you for your interest in joining our university. Below you will find details for the position including any supplementary documentation and/or questions you should review before submitting your application. For general application assistance or if you have questions about a job posting, please contact Human Resources at (479) 788-7080.

If you have a disability and need assistance with the hiring process please contact Human Resources at 479-788-7080. Applicants are required to submit a request for each position to which they have applied.

Department:Financial Aid

Department's Website:

Uafs.edu

Summary of Job Duties:The Assistant Director of Financial Aid Client Services works under general supervision and provides leadership, direction, and supervision for the development of a comprehensive student-centered culture providing enhanced services to students, families, public and university community partners. Delivers optimum service to all internal and external customers and provides necessary training and updates to ensure accurate communication on behalf of the Financial Aid & Veteran Benefits Office. The position reports to Director of Financial Aid.

Qualifications:

Required Education and/or Work Experience: Minimum qualifications include a bachelor’s degree and three years experience in customer service and/or higher education. Other job-related education and/or experience may be substituted for part of these requirements.

Preferred Education and/or Work Experience: Bachelor’s degree required, plus three to five years experience working in a Financial Aid Office.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Coordinates, plans, and develops programming for student-centered customer service strategies and financial aid outreach. This includes being responsible for customer service in-person, on the phone and through written communications. Additional responsibilities include reviewing and updating financial aid content on the UAFS website, social media, and print, as well as, student communication plans.
• Supervises, trains, and leads the Financial Aid Client Services team.
• Counsels and advises students and families on matters related to Title IV federal student aid programs, state financial aid programs, and university scholarship programs.
• Assists with ensuring the department is staying current on federal and state regulations and implementing policies and procedures that reflect institutional or regulatory changes. Coordinates the review, update and disclosure of documented policies and procedures.
• Assists the Director in development of workflows, business processes and communication plans related to the financial aid office.
• Coordinates all financial aid outreach both on and off campus to promote financial aid and FAFSA completion through in-person presentations and workshops, as well as, email communication.
• Serves as one of the university’s Veteran Benefits School Certifying Officials.Works collegially with all appropriate stakeholders. Responsible for maintaining a positive work atmosphere by acting and communicating in a manner that fosters teamwork and by providing leadership to subordinates. Requires consistent on-time attendance.

Other Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: To perform the job successfully, the following competencies are required for the essential functions of this position:

• Excellent oral and written communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Commitment to a high level of quality customer service.
• Ability to communicate effectively with students, parents, staff, and faculty.
• Experience managing, planning, and directing people and/or programs.
• Ability to successfully function in a fast paced, dynamic environment, in a variety of situations, while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
• Understand FERPA and the highly confidential nature and scope of this position.
• Knowledge of Banner financial aid module and the skill to navigate within the system.
• Professional demeanor.
• Some public speaking is required.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.

Additional Information:

Working Relationships: The Assistant Director of Financial Aid Client Services works efficiently and collaboratively with UAFS students and families, administrators, staff, faculty, and alumni, as well as, campus guests, donors and community members.

List Employees Supervised: Serves as a department leader and directly supervises the PT Administrative Assistant III, Financial Aid Specialist, Financial Aid Advisor for Veteran Benefits and student employees.

Special Job Dimensions: Work performed primarily in an office setting. While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly exhibits digital dexterity when entering data into computer. The employee frequently sits for extended periods of time, and occasionally stands and walks. Vision demands include close, relatively detailed vision when focusing on a computer screen. Employee regularly talks and hears. Employee occasionally lifts items up to 10 pounds. The Financial Aid Office is open 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday. Extended hours occasionally required during peak periods.

Background Check Requirements. Criminal background check, financial background check, and Motor Vehicle Registry (MVR) check.

Salary Information:

$48,000-52,000/Year

Required Documents to Apply:

Cover Letter/Letter of Application, List of three Professional References (name, email, business title), Resume, Unofficial/Official Transcript(s)

Optional Documents:

Proof of Veteran Status

Special Instructions to Applicants:For full consideration, please apply by December 16, 2022.

Recruitment Contact Information:

Human Resources 479-788-7080

All application materials must be uploaded to the University of Arkansas System Career Site https://uasys.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/UASYS

Please do not send to listed recruitment contact.

Pre-employment Screening Requirements:Criminal Background Check, Financial Credit Check, Motor Vehicle Reports Check

This position may be subject to a pre-employment criminal background check, sex offender registry check, financial history background check, and/or drug screening. A criminal conviction or arrest pending adjudication and/or adverse financial history alone shall not disqualify an applicant in the absence of a relationship to the requirements of the position. Background checks and drug screening information will be used in a confidential, non-discriminatory manner consistent with state and federal law.

The University of Arkansas is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution. The university welcomes applications without regard to age, race, gender (including pregnancy), national origin, disability, religion, marital or parental status, protected veteran status, military service, genetic information, sexual orientation or gender identity. Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment. All applicant information is subject to public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.

Constant Physical Activity:Hearing, Manipulate items with fingers, including keyboarding, Sitting

Frequent Physical Activity:Feeling, Reaching, Talking

Occasional Physical Activity:Standing, Walking

Benefits Eligible:Yes