Executive Director of Student Financial Services

Executive Director of Student Financial Services

The School of The Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC), in partnership with the national search firm, Scott Healy & Associates, invites applications and nominations for the position of Executive Director of Student Financial Services. The Art Institute of Chicago seeks an experienced professional to serve in this important role. The Executive Director participates in the development of short term and long term institutional plans with regard to enrollment and overall school services, and coordinates the activities of the Student Financial Services to ensure that the students are provided a seamless environment in which to apply for aid and settle their tuition and fee balances.

Responsibilities:

• Leads strategies of the Student Financial Services Office to ensure quality control of department functions and customer service.
• With the Director of Student Financial Services, develops and maintains policies/procedures that ensure compliance with federal, state and institutional policies related to financial aid and registration and records.
• Manages evaluation of need process, and distribution of funds, with Dean of Faculty and others to support students with extreme financial need.
• Monitors and ensures quality control in the transfer of data regarding enrollment and graduation to the National Student Clearinghouse and provides reporting to the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) for student loan repayment efforts.
• Oversees annual tuition calculation in Peoplesoft, set-up and initial calculation by semester, for application to the student account and billing.
• Ensures successful annual external audit of student financial services of SAIC. Also contributes to SAIC internal audit procedures with the SFS team.
• Identifies new technology solutions to support SFS operations, such as payment vendors, 1098T and net price calculator solutions, and other needs.
• Participates in development of short and long term institutional plans with regard to student enrollment, retention and graduation.
• Provides day-to-day supervision of Student Financial Services and establishes and reviews long term departmental goals and initiatives.
• Evaluates staff via regular performance evaluations, professional development opportunities, etc., and participates in hiring and performance management, as appropriate.
• Develops and monitors annual budgets for Enrollment Services and Student Financial Services with department Directors.
• Represents the Vice President for Enrollment Management at various meetings and serves on committees within the institution, as necessary.
• Acts as a liaison with academic, administrative, and student groups, including Central Services.
• Attends workshops and conferences within the field.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred;
• 7 years of experience in higher education enrollment in the student finance field required;
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and acute attention to detail required.

About the School of The Art Institute of Chicago:

The School of the Art Institute is located in the heart of Chicago, a city defined by an extraordinary and rich diversity, unparalleled architecture, and innovative public art. SAIC is one of the largest accredited independent schools of art and design in the country enrolling 3,400 degree-seeking students, comprised of 2,800 undergraduate and 600 graduate students. As one of the two entities that make up the Art Institute of Chicago, SAIC provides an unparalleled multidisciplinary approach to art and design education. Cultivating creativity and innovation, SAIC’s faculty, students, and alumni have extended the School’s influence on contemporary art and design throughout the United States and around the world. As the #2 Fine Arts Program in the U.S. by U.S. News & World Report, SAIC holds itself to the highest standard of collaboration and learning. 

The Mission of The School of The Art Institute of Chicago:

To provide excellence in the delivery of a global education in visual, design, media, and related arts, with attendant studies in the history and theory of those disciplines set within a broad-based, humanistic curriculum in the liberal arts and sciences. To provide instruction for this education in a range of formats: written, spoken, media, and exhibition-based.

About Chicago, Illinois:

Chicago is the third largest city in the United States, with a population of nearly three million people. SAIC is situated in downtown Chicago, in an area called the Loop. It’s a cultural hub, a destination for visitors looking for iconic architecture and world-class art. Chicago is also a diverse city of neighborhoods and strong communities.  With an expansive public transit system and walkable streets and parks, Chicago offers a uniquely beautiful environment to live and work. 

Application and Nomination Process:

All correspondence relating to the position of Executive Director of Student Financial Services at The Art Institute of Chicago should be directed in confidence to the Institute’s executive search consultant:

Danan Tsan, Vice President

Scott Healy & Associates

danan@scotthealy.com

A complete application should include the following:

1. Cover Letter outlining your interest and qualifications for the position;
2. Updated CV;
3. Three (3) professional references with contact information, title, institutional affiliation, email address and direct phone numbers. (No references will be contacted without written permission from the candidate.)

Applications received by October 9, 2023 will receive priority consideration. The search will remain open until the position is filled.

The Art Institute of Chicago, including both the School and the museum, is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for its students, visitors, faculty, and staff, and to ensuring that educational and employment decisions are based on an individual’s abilities and qualifications. The Art Institute of Chicago does not tolerate unlawful discrimination based on race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, military or former military status, or any other status protected by federal, state or local law, in its programs and activities, public accommodations or employment practices.

For information on notice of nondiscrimination, see the Office for Civil Rights Discrimination Complaint Form for the address and phone number of the office that serves your area, or call 800.421.3481.