Director, Student Financial Aid

Reporting to the Vice Provost for Enrollment Management, the Director of Student Financial Aid directs operations to effect accurate, efficient, and timely delivery of student aid in compliance with regulations and formulates campus financial aid policies and fund utilization strategies to ensure access and affordability of a University of Michigan education to its students.

The director will provide oversight for all operations in the Student Financial Aid Office, including compliance oversight, reporting and analysis of the financial aid budget, administration of the University’s financial aid programs, and the integration of technology to operationalize an efficient office. He/she provides leadership in the department ensuring student-centered services, processes, and procedures are efficiently administered and best practices are followed. Successful incumbents will have an in-depth knowledge of federal and state financial aid programs, compliance required to maintain those programs, and how to successfully administer those programs to ensure timely and effective delivery of aid to support students at University of Michigan-Dearborn on their path to graduation. This role will develop close collaboration with campus partners in executing current and future strategic initiatives to meet enrollment goals.

Responsibilities*

Core Functions and Responsibilities (50%) Provide strategic direction, leadership, and development for the financial aid staff, while increasing the level of customer service and visibility of the University's financial aid operations both internally and externally. Oversees the Student Financial Aid (SFA) office, supervising timely processing of student financial aid according to federal and state accreditation and compliance guidelines. Develops and recommends policies for financial aid which support goals and policies of the institution, and which ensure compliance with state and federal regulations. Interprets federal and/or state program regulation changes, guidelines and professional literature on financial aid and establishes the infrastructure needed to deliver these programs to eligible students. Provides information and reports regarding financial aid to management, the community, and funding agencies. Organizational Development and Employee Management (25%) Designs, establishes, and maintains an organizational structure and staffing to effectively accomplish the organization's goals and objectives. Works with staff to assess change readiness and provide direct support and coaching through transitions. Trains new employees and provides leadership and management best practices to develop a strong sense of teamwork, equity, and investment among the financial aid team. Sets clear performance expectations and holds employees accountable; conducts regular check-in sessions and annual employee evaluations based on evidence, observation, and feedback. Leadership, Collaboration and Strategic Assessment (25%) This role is part of the EM Leadership team and will be a key member and contributor to our campus-wide initiatives supporting the recruitment and retention of a diverse and inclusive student body. These efforts will be in close collaboration with campus partners in continuing to build on current strategic planning initiatives and future SEM planning efforts. Will have an opportunity to collaborate with key campus partners in a variety of ways, including but not limited to: Undergraduate and Graduate admissions in effective support of timely and comprehensive cost and aid or financing plans to our prospective students. Work closely with the Vice Provost for Enrollment Management and other senior leaders to align financial aid strategies with the University's enrollment goals through data analysis and strategic planning to optimize the allocation of financial aid resources. Shared services one-stop and student accounts in streamlining the customer experience; advancing strategic goals of any enhanced student financial services environment that removes financial barriers on the students' path to graduation. EM Communications and Marketing to identify ways to improve student (prospective and current) communications regarding financial aid. Student Affairs on financial literacy and emergency funding programs. Registrar on compliance with CPOS and enrollment reporting. Information Technology (ITS) staff to develop, implement, and maximize financial aid functionality in all University systems. Institutional Advancement and Colleges on gift spending that meets donor and institutional objectives. Required Qualifications*

Bachelor’s Degree required; Master’s degree in business, Higher Education or related field preferred. Eight or more years of progressively responsible supervisory and leadership experience in a student-centered, service-oriented financial aid office. Experience with student financial aid software (Ellucian Banner preferred) including demonstrated implementation of systems analysis, functional operations and knowledge of student administration modules in an institution of higher education. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Expert-level knowledge of the state and federal regulations that govern financial aid and the resources available to ensure compliance. Expert-level knowledge of software (SIS: Banner Preferred and Federal systems) used to process financial aid. Demonstrated utilization of data, project management, resource optimization and current industry technology in support of meeting the department’s goals and responsibilities. Strong leadership and management skills, including effective training, coaching, evaluating and fostering a culture of service excellence, collaboration, and accountability. Skill in budget preparation and fiscal management; ability to analyze and interpret financial information and to develop and prepare financial aid reports and analyses. Demonstrated time management and priority setting skills. Knowledge of techniques for recruitment and retention of students through the use of financial aid and scholarship leveraging and predictive enrollment modeling. Advanced problem identification, critical thinking and problem solving skills, good judgment and decision-making ability. Exceptional written, verbal, and presentation skills. Strong interpersonal and leadership skills, along with the ability to initiate and maintain internal and external relationships. Strong professional integrity and ability to maintain strict confidentiality. Ability to collaboratively and effectively work in a diverse and inclusive environment. Ability to use general office software, including Microsoft Office Suite and Google Suite products. Working knowledge of leveraging an integrated CRM (Salesforce preferred). Knowledgeable in the areas of strategic enrollment management planning.

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. U-M EEO/AA Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

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