Description
Saint Mary’s College of California (SMC) seeks a dynamic and collaborative Executive Director for the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships who will develop, implement, and advance comprehensive financial aid services. Reporting to the Senior Vice President for Student Experience and Enrollment Management (SEEM), the Executive Director will join the SEEM Leadership Team consisting of campus partners in the Office of Admissions, Office of The Registrar, Student Life, Office of Marketing and Communications, and Mission & Ministry, and collaborate fully within a caring and supportive community.
The Executive Director oversees and leads the implementation of financial aid leveraging strategies, financial aid policies and procedures, and awarding practices to assist undergraduate and graduate student enrollment and retention. The Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships staff is optimistic, engaged, and eager to attract and support a seasoned leader who will provide exemplary customer service, and manage, mentor and train the staff for optimal professional performance.
Requirements
Essential Job Functions
§ Responsible for the integrity of all financial aid programs. The Executive Director will create and update policies and procedures to ensure accuracy and regulatory compliance, and all federal and state reporting and reconciliation is complete. Provide leadership as it relates to the impact of federal, state, and institutional financial aid budgeting decisions. The Executive Director will remain current on all regional and national financial rules, regulations, policies, and trends, and on financial aid best practices.
§ Establish and execute policies and procedures to support the objectives, goals, and priorities of the SEEM Division and of SMC. The Executive Director will collaborate and develop strong working relationships with the Senior Vice President and Leadership Team for SEEM and other campus partners to help SMC reach enrollment targets and retention goals through financial aid optimization, including but not limited to discount rate and net tuition revenue. The Executive Director will meet with campus partners regularly and serve on institutional committees to resolve issues and proactively work towards greater cross campus efficiencies to ensure full compliance and greater customer care.
§ Responsible for all awarding processes and disbursement of approximately $90 Million in financial aid, the Executive Director will facilitate effective financial aid packaging, including timely, electronic notification to students and delivery of financial aid funds. The Executive Director will implement best practices and practical delivery of funded and unfunded institutional gift assistance for students and support the efforts of the Advancement Office on endowed scholarship awarding and distribution, and appropriate donor stewardship.
§ Maintain a level of service excellence regarding financial aid policies and procedures, and best practices for financial aid processes, communications, and delivery. The Executive Director will ensure the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships staff has the knowledge and professional training to foster the continuity and clarity of office duties, as well as, consistency, empathy, support, and follow through for best practices in customer care. The Executive Director will guide, mentor, teach, and work alongside the staff to instill the value of team effort.
§ Maintain trust and confidence in the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships by being a prominent leader and an effective communicator among campus partners and students. The Executive Director will develop workshops and programming focused on financial literacy and college affordability for staff, faculty and students.
§ Encourage innovation and inclusive excellence within the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships to provide student-centered services for graduation. The Executive Director will ensure all the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships practices are guided by, and comply with, ethical standards.
§ Develop, analyze, and interpret statistical financial data for enrollment and financial reporting, including, but not limited to: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), Common Data Set, California SB70 enrollment, Federal Fiscal Operations Report and Application to Participate (FISAP), Federal Single Audit for Campus-Based Aid, federal and state (Cal Grant) Program Participation Agreement, and state Institutional Participation Agreement.
§ Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
§ Bachelor’s Degree is required; advanced degree is strongly preferred.
§ 8 years of progressive leadership and management experience in financial aid administration is required; previous director experience and higher education experience are strongly preferred.
§ Proven track record in systems optimizations, including experience working with Ellucian Colleague and financial aid modules is preferred; proficiency in financial aid related technology is required. Should be skilled in the use of technology to support efficient systems and a positive student experience.
§ Demonstrated evidence of customer service orientation with the ability to serve all individuals well in a highly diverse student population with tact, diplomacy and good judgment.
§ Experience training, managing, mentoring, and professionally developing a team with positive strength and energy.
§ Excellent written and oral communication skills.
§ Ability to multitask and advance multiple, high-priority projects simultaneously. Ability to meet deadlines while maintaining a high level of accuracy and professionalism.
§ Effective team player, as well as, the ability to complete quality work independently. Demonstrated executive presence. A collaborative and proactive problem solver, who works well under pressure with a positive demeanor.
§ Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.
§ Willing to actively contribute to SMC’s mission.
§ Recognition, appreciation and respect for the strength of a smaller community of staff, faculty and students.
Other Requirements
Some travel, weekend and evening work, as needed.
