Description
This role is part of the Financial Aid and Scholarships leadership team and oversees a large unit of mid-level systems analysts and financial aid production staff. The position ensures the compliant, efficient processing of federal, state, and institutional aid and manages the department’s technology strategy and systems integration. Key platforms include PeopleSoft Campus Solutions/Oracle Student Financial Aid, Perceptive Content, TDClient, and other critical systems.
This leader serves as the department’s IT liaison, ensuring systems and data processes align with operational needs and compliance requirements. They coordinate across departmental units, represent Financial Aid on university-wide committees, and act as the director’s designee when needed.
The position manages a team of experienced professionals and hourly staff, guiding short- and long-term operational planning, setting objectives, and developing policies. It requires strong leadership and project management skills, with significant autonomy and responsibility for achieving strategic goals. This role frequently advises senior leadership and shapes campus-wide strategies related to financial aid systems and services.
Requirements
60% of Time the Position must:
Lead a team of experienced professionals in achieving departmental goals through coordinated efforts, setting objectives, and functioning with autonomy.
Interpret and apply federal, state, and institutional regulations related to student financial aid; ensure compliance through quality control, process reviews, and ongoing professional development (e.g., trainings, conferences).
Oversee the full financial aid awarding process for all eligible undergraduate, graduate, and extended studies students across all enrollment periods (fall, spring, summer).
Provide advanced technical and functional support for systems used in daily operations, including module management, system troubleshooting, testing, updates, and documentation.
Maintain and improve business processes to minimize downtime and encourage collaboration across departmental units.
Serve as information security steward by managing system access and ensuring appropriate internal controls.
Utilize structured change management methodologies to support successful system and process changes; adapt approaches based on departmental culture and needs.
Represent the department on project teams and lead the implementation of new functionality through project management best practices, including task delegation, timeline management, and risk mitigation.
Coordinate with end users to resolve production-critical issues by validating technical fixes in a test environment prior to implementation.
Ensure all system-supported financial aid processing functions (e.g., file completion, awarding, disbursement) comply with federal, state, institutional, and private aid regulations.
35% of the Time the Position must:
Oversee annual functional setup and audit controls for key financial aid processes including document tracking, needs analysis, budget formulas, award loading, notifications, aid processing, and reporting.
Collaborate with department managers to develop, implement, and update policies and procedures for verification, packaging, awarding, and aid refunds; regularly audit student files for accuracy and compliance.
Recruit, train, supervise, and evaluate staff; promote staff development through cross-training and professional growth opportunities.
Lead operational improvement initiatives and provide configuration support for the implementation of new system functionality.
Plan and deliver financial aid informational sessions and participate in community outreach events for students and families.
Provide ad hoc support for Client Services and Scholarships teams as needed.
Actively participate in and assign staff to support financial aid-related outreach and engagement activities.
5% of Time the Position must:
Perform other duties as assigned by the director.
