Assistant Director, Financial Aid - Ross School of Business

How to Apply

A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.

Summary

The Office of Financial Aid, in partnership with the Stephen M. Ross School of Business,  is looking for a dynamic and experienced candidate with expertise administering financial aid and scholarships in complex and unique student situations.  You will have full supervisory, budgetary, planning, and program authority, as approved by the central U-M Office of Financial Aid. A focus is on ensuring financial aid and admission processes work together to recruit the highest quality students to Michigan's Ross School of Business; counseling prospective and current students regarding financial aid and scholarship programs and ensuring that appropriate faculty and staff members are informed of financial aid issues, trends, legislation and regulations.  

You will demonstrate qualitative and quantitative proficiency, understanding of diversity, and critical thinking skills.  Competent administration of the aid process in a highly complex and regulated environment will be essential.  Strong interpersonal skills are also essential in providing quality customer service to students, families and campus partners by phone, email, virtual and in-person connections.

Responsibilities

You will report to the Director of the Ross Registrar's Office & Financial Aid and the Senior Associate Director in the central Office of Financial Aid.

• Autonomously exercise professional judgment to resolve complex, unusual and mitigating family circumstances and amend aid eligibility. Professional Judgment determinations enter into all aspects of the Financial Aid Administrator position.
• Evaluate financial aid applications, including comprehensive and complex family financial statements, federal tax returns, and additional supporting confidential material.  Interpret application materials for use in needs analysis methodologies.
• Administer donor scholarship programs, maintain the integrity of the programs, and maintain strong working relationships with Ross Development and Finance.
• Manage a multitude of financial aid programs and authorize aid for which the student is eligible, ensuring compliance with all applicable policies, procedures, rules, and laws. This includes developing budgets, administering aid, and reporting on a  variety of special programs.
• Develop and manage awarding methodology, policy and procedure documentation, process innovation, and staff updates/training as needed. 
• Counsel and advise students and family (individually and in groups) on financial aid programs, policies and procedures.  Assist students in making responsible financial decisions.  Liaison with and refer students to other U-M offices and outside agencies as appropriate. 

Additional Information

In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, The University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:

• Generous time off
• A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting
• Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability coverage
• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses

This position may be eligible for flexible work opportunities at the discretion of the hiring department. Flexible work agreements are reviewed each term and subject to change dependent on the business needs throughout the course of employment.

Job Requirements

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor degree.  
• Minimum 3 years of experience working in financial aid at a four-year college or university.  
• Demonstrated ability as a supervisor in a professional environment. 
• Ability to handle confidential information.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Demonstrated project management and organizational skills with strong attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects with tight deadlines.  Ability to consistently meet deadlines.
• Ability to work independently and to exercise initiative.  Must also demonstrate ability to be team-oriented, flexible and customer-service oriented.  
• Ability to work effectively in a high-stress and fast-paced environment.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Ability to contribute to a positive work community; ability to approach work with diversity, equity and inclusion in mind; demonstrated ability to treat other with respect, dignity and in a manner where individuals feel they belong; ability to listen to, value and learn from feedback and the perspectives of others.  Experience successfully interacting with a diverse group of people.

Desired Qualifications

• MBA degree or other advanced degree.  
• Experience with the U-M financial aid system, U-M OFA policies and procedures. Knowledge and use of MPathways for financial aid management and eligibility determination.  
• Knowledge of Ross School of Business (RSB) programs, including familiarity with RSB's policies, programs and core values.