Assistant Director of Financial Aid & Scholarships

Working Title

Assistant Director of Financial Aid & Scholarships

Position Number

FA400

FLSA

Exempt

Appointment Type

Full Time

Sensitive Position

No

Sensitive Position Statement

A sensitive position requires a fingerprint-based criminal history check. This is NOT a sensitive position. 

Campus Security Authority

No

Campus Security Authority Statement

A Campus Security Authority. A Campus Security Authority (or CSA) is defined as an “official of the institution with significant responsibility for student and campus activities.” A CSA is required to immediately report any crime that is reported to them to the University Police who will then review, evaluate, and investigate the reported crime. Annual training is required by the Department of Education for all personnel who have been designated as a Campus Security Authority.

This is NOT a Campus Security Authority.  

Designated Personnel

Yes

Designated Personnel Statement

This position is a “designated position” meaning this position could potentially be required to work (depending on the event) during an emergency closing.

Statement of Economic Interest

No

Statement of Economic Interest Statement

This position does NOT require a Statement of Personal Economic Interest.

Restricted Position

No

Restricted Position Statement

A restricted position would be subject to availability of funding. This is NOT a restricted position.

Chief Objective of Position

Reporting to the Director of Financial Aid, the Assistant Director of Financial Aid and Scholarships is responsible for the administration and oversight of over $5M in scholarship programs including Christopher Newport University (CNU) institutional, CNU Educational Foundation, and external scholarships. The Assistant Director leads, supervises, and manages the staff and functions of front desk operations. In addition, responsibilities include managing a caseload of students to include financial aid advising; financial aid data review; verification, awarding and packaging student financial aid files. The Assistant Director may assist in financial aid outreach and literacy programs both on-site and in the public community.

Work Tasks

Scholarship Administration

• Responsible for the administration of CNU’s Education Foundation (CNUEF) scholarships (excluding scholarship development and fundraising). Obtains funding availability from the Office of University Advancement and CNUEF. Works closely with the Office of Advancement in determining which scholarship funds are available to award, scholarship eligibility criteria and donor intent of awards. Selects recipients and coordinates awards for recipients selected by other departments. Acts as liaison with University Advancement during the establishment of award criteria for new scholarships and communicates criteria to individuals in other departments making scholarship nominations. Ensures that scholarship recipients are meeting and maintaining eligibility criteria. Responsible for submitting check requests to the Foundation Office and reconciling the disbursement of funds with the Foundation and Business Office each month. Fulfills reporting requirements specific to each scholarship ensuring that donor intent has been met.
• Maintains the award posting and eligibility statuses for CNU’s institutional scholarship programs to include the President’s Leadership and Honors Program Scholarships as well as other named University scholarships. Works in collaboration with the President’s Leadership and Honors Program Departments to ensure that scholars are maintaining the eligibility criteria outlined in their program contract. Corresponds with students and the respective departments each semester when a loss of scholarship occurs. Reconciles funding sources for scholarship disbursements and recommends funding sources each semester.
• Works in collaboration with the Office of Study Abroad to award and manage the University’s Study Abroad Travel Scholarships. Responsible for reviewing scholarship nominees for eligibility and posting awards. Determines funding source for awards and reconciles funding with the Business Office each semester. Ensures that funds allocated for study abroad travel are awarded and disbursed prior to the end of each fiscal year.
• Actively researches and disseminates information on private scholarships available to CNU students.
• Counsels students and parents on scholarship research. Integrates private scholarship awards with University award packages. 

Financial Aid Advising and Processing

• Provides outstanding customer service while demonstrating patience and understanding for students and families seeking and/or receiving financial aid.
• Advises students about financial aid eligibility; application procedures; available financial aid programs; educational costs; and financial management strategies, including loans, financing options, and other financial-aid related matters (further including debt management and financial planning).
• Counsels students and parents regarding financing a university education (heavy contact with students and families via e-mail, phone and in-person).
• Manages a student caseload and reviews student applications for accuracy and determines financial need and awards aid in accordance with applicable federal, state, and institutional policies and regulations.
• Calculates student award packages utilizing various software programs and federal, state and university resources, including gift aid and self-help aid; maintains compliance with federal and state regulations and the internal policies and procedures of the university, and monitors and verifies information with required documents.
• Processes applications and corrections, needs analysis, document tracking and evaluation of those documents; verifies accuracy of documents and consistency of financial aid data, federal tax transcripts, financial aid verification documents, and student information; and generates award notifications or denies aid if ineligible. 

Front Desk Operations

• Responsible for supervising, guiding, and directing front desk operations staff through scheduling, coverage, training, task delegation, audit, evaluation, and interpretation of applicable federal, state, and University guidelines, policies, regulations, and laws to ensure an effective and efficient staff capable of providing high quality customer service.
• Supervises the Financial Aid Assistant, monitors work performance and completes employee evaluations.
• Supervises Student Worker positions (1-4) to include hiring, training and scheduling.
• Ensures that the Front Desk has coverage at all times and that the highest level of customer service is provided. Staff should demonstrate the utmost level of professionalism at all times.
• Oversees supply inventory and purchasing responsibilities of the Financial Aid Assistant. 

Financial Aid Outreach and Literacy

• Performs financial aid outreach presentations and workshops within the local community to include but not limited to local public high schools.
• Holds FAFSA workshops within the community to assist families with completing the application process for federal student aid.
• Performs financial aid and financial literacy presentations on campus. 

Other

• Accomplishes other tasks and projects as requested by the Director of Financial Aid.
• Develops and maintains a very positive and professional customer service and/or relations within the office/department and with all constituencies to include students, faculty, staff, guests, and employees. Demonstrates a positive and professional attitude and treats everyone with dignity and respect. Fully support the “Student’s First” value at CNU and routinely goes the extra mile in providing service.
• Safety issues are reviewed and communicated and goals are set to ensure a safe and healthy workplace and a reduction in work related absences.
• This position is designated as a “responsible employee” who has the authority to redress sexual violence, who has the duty to report incidents of sexual violence or other student misconduct, or who a student could reasonably believe has this authority or duty.
• Assumes other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities (KSA's) required

• Possesses a strong desire to provide the highest level of service to students and their families and demonstrate an energetic and positive approach to work, and be a team player.
• Exhibits excellent verbal and written communication skills and strong public speaking skills.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, and collaborative skills.
• Strong commitment to customer satisfaction.
• Strong computer skills to include the ability to use and understand complex computer software programs and to understand and have the ability to transmit and receive data electronically.
• Ability to adapt to change and to learn about and integrate specialized and/or upgraded software packages utilized by the University.
• Understanding of word processing and spreadsheet operations.
• Demonstrated customer service, problem-solving approach to work.
• Demonstrated experience in dealing with difficult situations and diffusing customer conflict.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities (KSA's) preferred

Strong management skills with proven ability to effectively supervise and motivate employees.

Required Education

Master’s degree in a related field or Bachelor’s degree plus demonstrated, directly related work experience that equates to an advanced degree.

Preferred Education

Experience Required

• Experience in interpreting federal and state financial aid rules and regulations.
• Experience in managing and administering financial aid and scholarship programs in a higher education environment.
• Experience in processing financial aid requests, determining eligibility, and in managing financial aid scholarship programs.
• Experience working directly with students and the public.
• Experience with University academic policies and their relationship to Federal Student Academic Progress (SAP) requirements.
• Experience with federal regulations that govern the administration of Title IV programs, including administrative capability and financial standards and University procedures for implementation.
• Demonstrated experience with the Microsoft Office Suite or equivalent solution.

Experience Preferred

• Experience in an environment with responsibility for the management of fiscal programs.
• Familiarity with the Commonwealth of Virginia’s financial aid programs.
• Experience with Ellucian Banner Financial Aid Software.
• Management or supervisory experience.

CNU Information

S​elected by The Princeton Review to be included in The 387​ Best Colleges: 2022 Edition, Christopher Newport University is a public school offering a private school experience – great teaching, small classes, and a safe, vibrant campus. The University is located in Newport News, Virginia, enrolls approximately 5,000 students, and is dedicated to the ideals of scholarship, leadership, and service.  Academic programs at Christopher Newport University encompass more than 90 areas of study, from biology to business administration and political science to the performing arts. The University is ranked by U.S. News & World Report’s America’s Best Colleges guide​ as 3rd among public regional universities in the South and 6th overall, and has recently completed more than $1 billion in capital construction on its 260-acre campus. Christopher Newport University is committed to ensuring that all people are welcomed, honored, and fully engaged in the life of our academic community.  We recruit exceptional and diverse faculty and encourage applications from individuals who are underrepresented in their profession. For further details and information about Christopher Newport, visit www.cnu.edu. 

Posting Detail Information

Posting Number

AP171P

Number of Vacancies

1

Posting Date

09/17/2021

Application Deadline

10/03/2021

Application Instructions

Interested parties are requested to submit a cover letter; current resume; and the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of at least three professional references at the time of application. 

Review of applications will begin October 3, 2021.

Applications received after October 3, 2021 will be accepted but considered only if needed. 

Search finalists are required to complete a CNU sponsored background check.

Per the Governor’s order, as a state employee, you would be required to disclose vaccine status. If you are fully vaccinated, you must provide documents confirming this status.  The Governor requires that all employees who are unvaccinated, or not yet fully vaccinated to be tested weekly until they are fully vaccinated. This is a condition of employment.

Christopher Newport University (CNU) will make a reasonable effort to accommodate persons with disabilities in the application and/or interview process. Persons with disabilities who require accommodation should contact the CNU Human Resources Office by calling (757) 594-7145. 

Quick Link for Internal Postings

https://jobs.cnu.edu/postings/11797

EEO Statement

Christopher Newport University, an EO Employer, is fully Committed to Access and Opportunity.
Notice of Non-Discrimination & Title IX Policy Statement: