Director, Financial Aid

Description

Because of a retirement, the University of Nebraska at Kearney seeks an experienced, dynamic leader to work with the vice chancellor for enrollment management as its next director of financial aid. The Director of Financial Aid is responsible for administering federal, state and institutional financial aid including scholarships, endowments and grants in excess of $50 million annually. The Director provides strong leadership and oversight for student financial aid and scholarship operations and financial aid administration and compliance by working collaboratively to achieve departmental and institutional goals, in particular, the university’s enrollment goals. The director works collaboratively with all internal constituents to oversee the development and implementation of financial aid awarding strategies to recruit and retain students, engaging in strategic and operational solutions based on data and best professional practices to set a university-wide standard for discounting, net tuition revenue, and retention/persistence that affect students. The Director is responsible for the efficient and effective daily procedures for financial aid administration while maintaining compliance with state and federal regulations. The UNK Director of Financial Aid is a working director who maintains systems of accountability, provides information and counseling to students on their financial aid eligibility, builds capacity through training of personnel and provides supervision of daily activities in the department. The director is responsible for budgeting for and managing the department utilizing innovative, efficient processes/systems and policies, providing positive, inclusive team leadership and development, and consistent high-quality student service.

UNK is part of a progressive community with exceptional quality of life in the heart of the Midwest. The university was established in 1905 as a state normal school and has become a top 10 regional public university with a growing student population as part of a campuswide focus on enrollment and the quality of the student experience.

Job duties:

Manage institutional, state and federal financial aid. Implements, monitors and revises office policies and procedures to ensure compliance with federal and state statutes and regulations and University policy. Completes all required reports regarding expenditures of federal, state and institutional financial to appropriate authorities. Responsible for budget reconciliation and audits.

Responsible for efficient and effective daily administrative and organizational functions of the office. Hires, trains, mentors and evaluates (or assigns responsibility for) all professional and support staff. Oversees office budget, including purchasing and acquiring technology systems, vended solutions and consultative relationships.

Monitors aid expenditures, forecast budgets and develops appropriate packaging philosophies/strategies to leverage financial aid resources (including scholarships) that are consistent with the University’s enrollment goals.

Oversees the use of data and student information to analyze and predict enrollment and maximize yield and completion as part of comprehensive enrollment and student success plans.

Plans and coordinates communication between the Office of Financial Aid and other university offices including Finance, Registrar, Admissions, Communications and Marketing, NU Foundation, Academic Advising and Career Development, Office of Diversity and Inclusion, the college deans, and Intercollegiate Athletics.

Renews knowledge and informs self and direct-reports on changing legislation and regulations that impact the administration of federal student aid benefits. Interprets federal statutes and regulations and establishes procedures to implement changes as needed. Communicates changes in legislation and regulations to internal audiences.

Counsels and advises students on the financial aid process and identifying and resolving special problems or situations raised by students or students’ families.

Represents the University to various internal and external customers including media, government agencies, funding agencies, professional associations, Office of the President, students and the general public.

Requirements

Applicants are required to have a Master’s Degree or higher; at least five years experience in a financial aid office or similar experience, preferably in a management position. Familiarity with integrated student information system. Experience with federal, state and internal audits, budget management, federal student aid reports. Demonstrated experience as a successful communicator. Demonstrated thorough understanding of the role for the Office of Financial Aid in advancing institution’s enrollment goals. Progression toward or completion of NASFAA Certified Financial Aid program is preferred.

To apply: visit https://unk.peopleadmin.com/postings/4428