Human Resources

Summary

Michigan Technological University is seeking a Director of Financial Aid. As a key leader within Michigan Tech’s Enrollment Management team, the Director of Financial Aid heads a dynamic team of professionals committed to student recruitment and success through strategic administration of over $120 million in financial aid. This role oversees the seamless delivery of that aid in a way that ensures compliance with federal, state, and institutional policies while fostering clarity and confidence in the financial aid process. The Director serves as both an innovator and operations expert, driving process improvement and adapting to the evolving landscape of higher education that the fast changing needs of Michigan Tech and its students. With a sharp focus on service, integrity, and impact, this role is critical in shaping the experience of every Michigan Tech student.

Responsibilities and Essential Duties

• Oversee all operations of Michigan Tech’s Financial Aid operation, including direct supervision of all financial aid staff, disbursement of financial aid, and operational compliance within the office.
• Manage $70 million in scholarship administration and $50 million in loan administration.
• Manage a $500,000 departmental budget.
• Continue Michigan Tech’s growth trajectory by working hand in hand with the Executive Director of Admissions and the Director of Operations and Finance on strategically leveraging Leading Scholar and Sponsored Scholarships to increase yield of prospective students.
• Lead and inspire a thriving team of ~10 full-time staff members.
• Provide financial aid counseling to prospective and current students on-campus and at regional/national admissions events to support recruitment and retention.
• Understand and participate in strategic financial aid leveraging, and play an active role in liaising between Michigan Tech and key stakeholders/consultants to optimize that strategy.
• Liaise as needed between alumni, advancement, finance, and other key stakeholders to ensure accurate and timely administration of sponsored awards.
• Work closely with the assistant director of enrollment communications to ensure prospective students have accurate and timely information regarding the financial aid process, including scholarship opportunities that arise throughout that process.
• Research and complete federal, state, and institutional reports, audits, data requests, institutional surveys, and requests for funding
• Serve on the committees for Scholastic Standards and Satisfactory Academic Progress, and play an active role in the University’s role in NCAA Compliance.
• Serve as lead compliance officer for all Title IV, NCAA, State of Michigan, institutional and donor funded financial aid, ensuring conformity to policy and regulation.
• Perform other duties as assigned
• Commit to learning about continuous improvement strategies and applying them to everyday work. Actively engage in University continuous improvement initiatives.
• Apply safety-related knowledge, skills, and practices to everyday work.

Required Education, Certifications, Licensures

Bachelor’s degree.

Required Experience

• 7 years of progressive experience in education, financial services, non-profit administration, or other closely related field.
• At least 3 years of experience supervising professional staff.
• Demonstrated ability to manage a budget.
• Demonstrated ability to comply with rules and regulations in a financial setting similar to financial aid, fundraising, accounting, financial services, or higher education advancement work.

Desirable Education and/or Experience

• Master’s degree.
• Experience working in higher education.
• 9 years of progressive professional experience.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities

• Ability to effectively communicate highly complex information to students, staff, parents, donors, and other key stakeholders in the financial aid process.
• Critical-thinking and agile problem-solving skills
• Quantitative analysis and resource management skills
• Proven ability to create and maintain positive working relationships while demonstrating a caring and proactive attitude in working with students, staff, faculty, administrators, and external partners
• Demonstrated ability to work with accuracy and attention to detail
• Positive attitude with excellent communication, customer interaction, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to ensure positive financial aid communication with incoming and current students, and their families.
• Demonstrated ability to use judgement when dealing with highly confidential information
• Combine with the first bullet of this section.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities

• Demonstrated ability to independently organize, prioritize, and complete multiple work assignments in a complex work environment
• Ability to collect, analyze, interpret, and report data in a timely manner
• Knowledge of the Banner student database.
• Knowledge of sponsored scholarships.
• Demonstrated success in, or potential future contributions to, working with persons with a wide variety of backgrounds and viewpoints.

Work Environment and/or Physical Demands

Required Training and Other Conditions of Employment

Every employee at Michigan Technological University will receive the following 4 required trainings; additional training may be required by the department.

Required University Training:
• Employee Safety Overview
• Anti-Harassment, Discrimination, Retaliation Training
• Annual Data Security Training
• Annual Title IX Training

Additional training will be required by the department on a periodic basis.

Background Check:
Offers of employment are contingent upon and not considered finalized until the required background check has been performed and the results received and assessed.

1

FLSA Status

Exempt

Appointment Term

12 months

Shift

-

Pay Rate/Salary

The minimum salary for this position is $85,000 . The final salary will depend on experience and qualifications.

Title of Position Supervisor

Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management

Posting Type

Dependent on Funding