Director, Financial Aid Programs and Administration in Kent

Physical Location: Kent Campus - Kent, OH

Salary: $86,249 - $90,000

Basic Function: Assist the Associate Vice President of Enrollment Management, Scholarships and Financial Aid in the administration of the Student Financial Aid Department. Reports to Associate Vice President of Enrollment Management, Scholarships and Financial Aid.

Examples of Duties: Duties/essential functions may include, but not be limited to, the following:

• Provide leadership, coordination, and supervision for activities of the Student Financial Aid department through a team of administrative, professional, and support staff; oversee personnel.
• Work closely with Associate Vice President of Enrollment Management to establish department goals, objectives, and strategies; develop programs and activities to accomplish goals, improve the image of the university, and attract and retain students.
• Work closely with Associate Vice President of Enrollment Management in strategic planning activities for the department and make recommendations concerning utilization of staff, procedural modifications, operating budget needs, publications, and purchase requisitions consistent with departmental objectives and activities; develop annual student aid packaging and awarding guidelines.
• Assist Associate Vice President of Enrollment Management as needed with annual audits, program reviews, FISAP, final reconciliation and other reports as required.
• Ensure compliance and consistency with all federal, state, and university policies and regulations related to student aid; consult with department staff to provide technical support and interpretation of policies and regulations.
• Lead internal and external communications for financial aid information in a proactive manner to include managing a website, financial aid portal content, and informational brochures.
• Serve as operational liaison with various university offices to ensure resolution of inter-departmental procedural conflicts and timely awarding of student aid.
• Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with academic units, administrative offices, and external partners to ensure timely awarding of financial aid.
• Conduct student aid presentations to campus and community groups to recruit and retain students.
• Resolve and respond to complaints regarding student aid issues.
• Evaluate technical needs and enhancements used in financial aid administration and incorporate improvements and modifications when appropriate.
• Serve on various departmental, divisional, and university committees.
• May manage all office functions in the absence of the Associate Vice President of Enrollment Management, Scholarships and Financial Aid; represent the Associate Vice President of Enrollment Management, Scholarships and Financial Aid at professional meetings and in university committees as needed.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications: Master’s degree in higher education administration, public administration, business administration, or a relevant field. Six or more years of progressively responsible experience in student financial aid in higher education to include two years of supervisory experience. License/Certification: None.

Knowledge Of: Personal computer applications, including Microsoft Office Suite. High-level and detailed understanding of integrated systems.

Skill In: Strong verbal and written communications and interpersonal skills. Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.

Ability To: Work closely with and demonstrate sensitivity to individuals with diverse backgrounds. Provide exemplary leadership and direction to the department. Keep current with changing policies in federal, state, and institutional aid programs.

Working Schedule: Monday - Friday 8 AM - 5 PM or otherwise discussed with your supervisor.

Additional Information: Kent State University is committed to creating a community that is culturally and intellectually diverse and to attracting and retaining a diverse staff. We strive to create and maintain working and learning environments that respect differences, and are inclusive, welcoming, respectful and kind. Must pass a security check. We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.