Description
OVERVIEW AND ROLE SCOPE OF TEAM AND/OR TASKS
The Director of Financial Aid must have a dual passion for student support and data-driven fiscal management. The Director leads a diverse team responsible for awarding and communicating financial aid, managing and programming systems, analyzing data, and collaborating with the CMU Foundation, Athletics, and Student Services to support students and steward limited funds effectively. This leader must navigate complex federal and state laws and regulations while keeping CMU's mission and student needs at the forefront.
Financial Aid Operations
Ensure effective financial aid counseling, advising, and service delivery to students
Lead process improvement initiatives to enhance the student experience, including interdepartmental coordination and problem-solving
Conduct task analyses and process reviews to ensure efficient and strategic department operations
Oversee communications and systems management, with particular attention to web and electronic communications and the student experience
Develop and monitor the office operations budget, institutional financial aid budget, and federal and state financial aid budgets
Lead and manage staff
Build a positive department culture through recruiting, hiring, onboarding, training, and performance evaluation
Support Enrollment Management
Contribute to the development of institutional, state and federal financial aid strategy in alignment with enrollment plans
Participate in enrollment planning
Collaborate with others in student recruiting and yield activities on and off campus
Coordinate with other Colorado Mesa University departments including Admissions, Development, and Athletics to leverage financial aid for effective recruitment and retention
Work with Enrollment Management Planning Team to improve public information quality, raise public awareness, and present on financial aid availability and awarding processes
Steward and Use Data Effectively
Participate in CMU Data Governance
Ensure coherent, consistent, and useful classification of financial aid data (e.g., fund source, fund type, etc.)
Establish practices and procedures to ensure appropriate data use, security, and quality
Review and present financial aid scorecard and other reports/analysis to inform enrollment management and financial strategy decisions
Develop Financial Aid Policy & Ensure Compliance
Ensure compliance with federal, state and institutional regulations and policies
Review and updates policies and procedures regularly
Provide analysis and recommendations of federal and state financial aid issues
Interpret federal and state regulations and keep staff informed of changes
Serve as CMU’s representative on the CCHE Financial Aid Advisory Committee and other external organizations as appropriate
ROLES
Leadership, Management & Accountability specifically including financial management of federal, state, institutional, and private financial aid
Student support and counseling for college affordability and access to aid programs
Support enrollment management with financial aid strategy and practices
Steward data and use effectively
Develop financial aid policy in alignment with state and federal financial aid requirements; ensure compliance with institutional policy and state and federal law and regulations
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
DISCLAIMER - This position description is only a summary of the typical functions of this seat, and not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and areas of accountability.
Requirements
CAPACITY REQUIREMENTS
Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
Ability to interpret an extensive variety of legal and regulatory documents and deal with several abstract and concrete variables
Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, and percentages.
ESSENTIAL EXPERIENCE FOR RIGHT FIT
An earned Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution, is required.
A minimum of three years of progressively responsible management experience in a customer/student service environment
Experience in higher education is preferred
HOW TO APPLY: Applicants will be asked to complete an online application by creating a profile and then providing personal and demographic information. In addition, please be prepared to upload a:
https://coloradomesa.wd501.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/CMUCareers/details/Director-of-Financial-Aid_JR100204?jobFamilyGroup=b27d1ee81d9410015e55f6dc2edb0000
Cover letter
Resume
Copy of transcripts for all degrees completed (if your transcripts include a social security number or birthdate, please redact that information before uploading the document. Official transcripts will be required upon hire)
Colorado Mesa University is particularly interested in candidates who have experience working with students from diverse backgrounds and who have a demonstrated commitment to improving the levels of access and success for underrepresented students within higher education.
Colorado Mesa University is committed to providing a safe and productive learning and living community. To achieve that goal, we conduct background investigations for all final applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include reference checks, a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial and/or motor vehicle history. Applicant must be able to verify U.S. employment eligibility. Colorado Mesa University is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to a culturally diverse faculty, staff and student body. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. Any person with a disability as defined by the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA) may be provided reasonable accommodation upon request to enable the person to complete an employment assessment. To request an accommodation, please contact the CMU Human Resources Office by phone or email. You may be asked to provide additional information, including medical documentation, regarding functional limitations and the type of accommodation needed.
