Director Of Student Financial Aid

POSITION TITLE:  Director of Student Financial Aid

COMPENSATION RANGE: 98,000.00 - 115,000.00 USD per year

EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION: Professional Administrative
To ensure full consideration, applications must bereceived by 11:59pm (MT) on 08/12/2024. 
Position Summary The Director of Financial Aid position reports directly to the Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management and will provide leadership and supervision to all of the staff, functions and affairs of the Office of Financial Aid. The Director of Financial Aid is a member of the Enrollment Management leadership team and is expected to work collaboratively and strategically with departments within the Division, including Admissions, Registrar, Bursar and other campus departments. The Office of Financial Aid, Office of the Registrar, and BURSAR make up Bear Central, a "one-stop shop" supporting students across all of these units.
The Director of Financial Aid is responsible for administering student financial aid and awards for grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study as well as determining academic and financial aid eligibility for students.The Director is responsible for staying current on policy changes as well as monitoring practices that will ensure compliance with Sate and Federal Regulations. The Director will have a keen ability to provide tactical recommendations to senior management regarding strategic financial aid initiatives including developing and implementing innovative programs to address enrollment management goals and initiatives. As such, the Financial Aid Director should have a solid understanding of financial aid leveraging and discounting principles and have the ability to fold these principles into flexible financial aid awarding plans. The position is charged with exploring and executing improved operating efficiency of the financial aid unit as well as establishing and implementing strategic use of financial aid dollars to attract, enroll, and retain students. The Financial Aid Director will be expected to fully integrate financial aid strategies with enrollment, admissions, and campus retention plans. The Director will be a major contributor to the university's diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts as well as all HSI initiatives.
Job Duties Program Administration - Plans, directs and supervises the Office of Financial Aid which annually awards in excess of 125 million dollars. Ensures the timely and accurate distribution of the funds. Responsible for 100% utilization of all available resources to maximize the recruitment and retention of students. (30% - Essential)
University Community and Client Services Development -a strategic member of the Enrollment Services planning process in terms of financial aid leveraging as well as other enrollment management issues. Represents the office and university in various activities internal and external to the university. Performs outreach activities for the university. Counsels students and parents regarding the application, awarding and distribution processes for student aid. (30% - Essential)
Policy Development and Implementation - Interprets policy from governing board/institution, and regulations from state and federal aid programs for the development of philosophical/operational procedures. Monitors the daily functions of the operation, supervises/evaluates Associate/Assistant Directors and assures compliance for audit purposes. (25% - Essential)
Systems Design and Implementation - Responsible for assuring that all electronic systems are maximizing their capabilities for the smooth and timely distribution of financial assistance to the students of the university. When necessary, work with appropriate external agencies to develop cutting edge technological electronic systems and implementation of such systems that benefit the students and the university community. (10% - Essential)
NCAA Compliance – Demonstrate knowledge, understanding, adherence and commitments to all National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), Big Sky Conference, State and Institutional rules and regulations. (5% - Essential)
Minimum Qualifications Education:
Bachelor's degree in business administration, education, public administration, or a related field; Master's degree preferred
Experience:
Candidates must have a minimum of eight (8) years of financial aid experience of progressively increased responsibility, with five (5) years at the Assistant, Associate or Director level. The incumbent selected for this position will have an outstanding proficiency in the utilization of automated financial aid management systems, preferably Ellucian Banner. The candidate selected for this position must have an exceptional track record of implementing financial aid awarding and discounting while working strategically with senior administration to increase enrollment. The candidate selected for this role must have excellent organizational, analytical, and administrative skills, which are essential, along with the ability to communicate to various constituencies effectively. Must be able to work across institutional departments, demonstrate success in prior positions, have strong supervisory skills, and exhibit a proven commitment to diversity. A strong understanding of current issues in the profession is highly desirable.
Ability:
Expertise in the development and utilization of electronic technology. Good oral and written communication skills. Outstanding proficiency in the utilization of automated financial aid management systems, preferably Banner. Knowledge and adherence to NCAA, Big Sky Conference, State, Institutional and Departmental rules and regulations.
Special Considerations:
All employees, including the Director, are cross-trained in all office functions to ensure continuation of high level of quality service at all times. Knowledge of other university departments and their regulations are crucial in arriving at solutions for students.
Benefits:
Benefits available include health, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance, as well as a selection of several defined contribution retirement plans for all full-time positions. Employees at UNC receive sick leave, and other leave options may be available based on position. Full-time employees are eligible to receive tuition waiver benefits, as well as dependents and spouses of UNC Employees who are employed at 0.5 FTE or above are eligible for undergraduate dependent tuition grants of up to 50%. These tuition grants will cover in-state tuition charges. Further requirements may exist. Other benefits may be available based on position.
About UNC
The University of Northern Colorado is a public doctoral/research institution located in Greeley, Colorado. UNC's commitment to education began in 1889 andcontinues to be a transformational force for our students. According to CollegeNet's Social Mobility Index, UNC ranked #1 in social mobility (2022). UNC is also committed to providing our faculty and staff with the support they need to succeed as professionals, educators, and in life. Please visit UNC's Career Hub, tolearn more about UNC's strategic plan, school programs, and employee benefits. Go Bears!

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
The University of Northern Colorado believes diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging is the pathway to achieving an inclusive community and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. UNC supports the growth of individuals who care about race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, lifestyle, age, educational background, national origin, religion, or physical ability –to honor the intersectionality of our campus. Please visit UNC's Career Hub to learn more about UNC's commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
AAEO Employer
The University of Northern Colorado is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer that is committed to a culturally diverse staff, faculty, and student body.

The University will not engage in unlawful discrimination in employment or educational services against any person because of race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, disability, or veteran status. Veteran status and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. It is the University's policy to prohibit discrimination in employment or educational services on the basis of sexual orientation or political affiliation. The University will likewise take affirmative action to ensure that student applicants and enrolled students are treated during the enrollment at the University without regard to race, religion, gender, age, national origin, disability or veteran status. Such affirmative action shall include, but not be limited to the following: employment, upgrading, demotion or transfer, recruitment or recruitment advertising; layoff, retirement, or termination; rates of pay or other forms of compensation; and selection for training, including apprenticeship. Furthermore, the University will post in conspicuous places, notice setting forth the provisions of this University's Equal Opportunity Policy.

Federal regulations require that the University of Northern Colorado retain all documents submitted by applicants. Materials will not be returned or copied for applicants.
Background Check
Satisfactory completion of a background check, educational check, and authorization to work in the United States is required after a conditional offer of employment hasbeen made. The successful candidate must submit original transcripts within one (1) month of hire.

This position is contingent on funding from the Colorado State Legislature, approval by the Board of Trustees, and subject to the policies and regulations of the University of Northern Colorado.

Clery Act
In compliance with the Clery Act, the most recent University of Northern Colorado Annual Campus Security and Fire Safety Report is available online. A paper copy can be requested at the UNC Police Department. This report contains crime statistics and policy statements related to safety, conduct processes and Title IX investigations.

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