Director, Scholarships and Financial Aid

The Director of Scholarships and Financial Aid implements policies and procedures to support the goals and objectives of the office, the Enrollment Management Division, and the university. The Director is responsible for managing internal and external communication efforts, seeking efficient use of technology, and working with campus partners to facilitate financial aid. Assists with the overall operation of the Office of Financial Aid and manages the office processing functions and customer service experiences

• Provides vision and leadership to the processing, customer service, and loans functions, ensuring that each function contributes to the financial aid office's timely, compliant, and cohesive operation
• Assists with administrative functions of the Financial Aid Office by supervising, providing ongoing professional development opportunities, and evaluating employees
• Processes financial aid applications and awards and disburses financial aid
• Analyzes data associated with applications and disbursement, coordinating with other staff members and/or offices as necessary; ensures compliance with relevant policies and procedures and data accuracy.
• Troubleshoots processing issues within the financial aid system; ensures comprehensive data management protocols are in place to create and maintain efficiency; performs testing as needed for regular system updates.
• Works with institutional offices as required to promote and inform students and staff of the financial aid function; strategizes efforts to recruit and retain financial aid
• Interpret and apply federal laws and regulations, college policies and regulations, and state regulations relating to the delivery of student financial assistance
• Formulates, implements, reviews, and evaluates policies, procedures, and standards to ensure departmental compliance with financial aid guidelines and objectives; makes suggestions regarding policy changes as appropriate
• Identify areas for efficiency or improvement within existing policies and procedures and recommend necessary changes to ensure best practices in financial aid service

• Performs all other duties as assigned

Direct Reports:

• Full-time Employees

Delegation of Work:

• Regularly assigns work to subordinate(s)

Supervision Given:

• Has primary responsibility for conducting performance evaluations and making recommendations for hiring and dismissing employees.

Required Education:

• Bachelor's degree

Required Experience:

• Minimum of eight (8) years of related job experience

License/Certification:

• NASFAA certification

• Master's Degree in Higher Education Administration, Supervision or related field

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of the financial aid function in a higher education environment, and of the related trends, issues, and practices;
• Knowledge of financial aid systems processing.

Skills:

• Strong analytical and problem solving skills;
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills;
• Good customer service skills.

Abilities:

• Ability to run system processes and perform system testing; ability to create and analyze reports;
• Ability to effectively communicate with a wide range of individuals and constituencies in a diverse community.

Primary Work Location:

• Works in an office environment.

Physical Demands:

• Work is performed in a typical interior work environment which does not subject the employee to any unpleasant elements; individual has discretion in relation to walking, standing etc., and has minimal exposure to physical risks.

Commitment to Excellence - UHD

• Demonstrates a commitment to competently perform his/her job duties and responsibilities within established time frames.
• Continuously strives to improve work performance.
• Accepts responsibility for his/her commitments to the university.
• Contributes to the success of the university by consistently providing quality results in the performance of his/her job duties and responsibilities.

Respect and Cooperation

• Treats others with courtesy, respect, and dignity in the workplace.
• Promotes cooperation through open and honest communications and consideration of others ideas, thoughts, and opinions.

Integrity

• Demonstrates high ethical standards of conduct in the performance of his/her job duties and responsibilities.
• Accepts responsibility for his/her actions.
• Respects and complies with department and university policies, procedures, and work rules.

Proficiency

• Possesses required job skills and knowledge.
• Demonstrates the ability to apply those skills and knowledge to competently perform his/her job duties and assignments.

Dependability

• Takes responsibility to accomplish job assignments within reasonable deadlines.
• Willing to accept new projects and/or commitments.
• Does due diligence to complete projects within specified timeframes and/or fulfill commitments.
• Arrives to work on time prepared and ready to contribute.

Flexibility

• Willingly adjusts to changing work assignments or conditions.
• Open to changes in operational procedures, technology, and/or organizational structure.
• Views changes as opportunities for learning and professional development.
• Displays a positive attitude to encourage others.
• Promptly responds to changes in work priorities and/or unexpected circumstances or situations.

Customer Relations Management

• Ensures customer's needs and expectations are addressed within his/her department or section. (Customers can be students, external constituents, employees, or university guests.)
• Mentors and guides department/section staff by sharing knowledge and best practices to appropriately respond to customer's requests.
• Monitors staff interactions with customers for professional conduct, consistent application of university policies and procedures, and follow up of outstanding requests.
• Assumes responsibility for addressing complex or unusual requests.

Operations Management

• Manages department or section operations consistent with department/section goals and objectives.
• Administers the department/section budget ensuring effective utilization of financial resources and appropriate disbursement of funds.
• Fosters a cooperative and productive work environment through motivation, encouragement, and mentorship of staff.
• Ensures department/section compliance with university and department policies, procedures, and work rules.
• Keeps management apprised of department/section activities and issues requiring senior management input.

Problem Solving

• Formulates plans and strategies to proactively resolve anticipated problems.
• Prudently responds to unforeseen problems through careful consideration and analysis of problem and relevant information and circumstances.
• Recognizes and apprises appropriate university administrator when resolution requires senior management input and/or approval.

Supervision

• Supervises the work of staff employees.
• Sets clear goals and expectations within reasonable timeframes.
• Motivates staff through constructive feedback, challenging assignments, and recognition of achievements.
• Provides mentorship and guidance by sharing expertise and best practices.
• Supports staff by providing essential resources, professional development opportunities, and open communication.
• Promptly addresses performance issues with appropriate measures and discretion.

Student Success Indirect Support

• Contributes to student success by assisting students with anything that supports their student experience, whether directly or indirectly.
• Helps students navigate their way through the different offices, programs, and services at the university and/or connects students with the appropriate party(ies).
• Connects students with services or resources that can help them with career exploration, goal selection, and ongoing academic assistance.
• Helps students build peer support networks.
• Encourages student participation in out-of-class activities.
• Provides encouragement and guidance to foster student success.
• Treats students with respect
• Maintains the learning environment to ensure quality and/or sound pedagogy.