Associate Director for Processing Operations

Job Description

This position is responsible for developing and implementing financial aid strategies, policies, procedures, and new business system processes to serve the university's goals and ensure compliance with federal, state, and university statutes, regulations, and policies through the day-to-day administration of a complex financial aid program. The position will manage institutional aid and campus-based funds to prevent over or under expenditures of funds and assist the Director with the development of an awarding strategy. The Associate Director supervises select Assistant Directors and managers and oversees a staff between 11 and 15 full-time staff.
The Associate Director for Processing will also serve as a member of the Office of University Scholarships and Financial Aid leadership team by participating in the development and implementation of short- and long-range organizational goals, objectives, strategic plans, policies, operating procedures, and programs and services. Monitor and assess overall effectiveness of USFA policies and procedures and develop and implement changes required for improvement. Utilize qualitative and quantitative data to assess customer service and the delivery of financial aid to students. Assist in the compilation and submission of reports to state and federal agencies by established deadlines. Analyze data to identify trends, communicate observations to the Director, and recommend changes to processes. Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local laws and regulations and university policies. Maintain currency of knowledge relevant to position responsibilities. Serve on university committees as assigned. Perform other duties as assigned, including performing special projects and engaging in outreach to high schools, students, parents and others as appropriate regarding financial aid options.
Provide leadership by developing and maintaining a long-range plan for operational improvements and initiatives, in conjunction with the Director, Deputy Director, Associate Directors, and Director of Scholarships. Assess current operational processes to identify areas for improvement. Recommend ideas and opportunities for enhancements for a more efficient and robust awarding and delivery of financial aid funds. Assess new aid year startup activities and ensure timely execution of awarding and disbursement activities. Analyze data to improve processes and customer service. Identify, assess, and implement financial aid and Banner best practices, as appropriate.
Provide exceptional customer service by providing leadership in the day-to-day operations of the office through the timely delivery of federal, state, and institutional financial aid fund to students. Employ a comprehensive knowledge of financial aid laws, regulations, and policies to ensure that all Title IV and institutional funds are awarded, delivered, and maintained in a compliant manner. React and respond to trends and issues identified through assessment of daily operational activities. Assess all processes for accuracy and compliance. Develop and manage an operational calendar and assess changes, as needed. Provides leadership and supervision to the Operations Assistant Directors. Conduct recruitment, training, and professional development and evaluation of assigned personnel.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and related work experience and training.
• Experience in student financial aid, specifically Title IV regulations.
• Experience working in COD, CPS, NSLDS, and financial aid processing systems.
• Ability to manage a complex, high-volume operation with a high degree of accuracy.
• Supervisory experience.
• Extensive financial aid administration and processing experience. Ability to make independent decisions and exercise sound judgment.
• Ability to effectively work with and communicate with a wide range of constituents including students, families, and campus & community partners.
• Experience leading and conducting operations and business process reviews as well as developing quality assurance and process evaluations.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office products and ability to use data analytics to support and review policies and procedures.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree with significant related work experience
• Significant progressive work experience in Scholarship and Financial Aid positions.
• Experience with an Oracle based, scholarship and financial aid system, specifically Ellucian Banner.

Appointment Type

Regular

Salary Information

Salary commensurate with experience, a budget max of $100,000

Review Date

October 9, 2023

Additional Information

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges , a school of medicine , a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School , and Honors College . The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including the Innovation Campus in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerous Extension offices and research centers . A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Lisha Farrier at lfarrier@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.

Advertised: September 25, 2023
Applications close: