Description

Oversees administration of all financial aid programs and the strategic utilization of financial aid funds to support recruitment and retention; directs the management and administration of scholarship award programs. Develops and expands the Federal Work Study award program; understands and manages federal and state regulations and institutional policies; provides senior level administrators and board of trustees with information that educates and ensures compliance with federal, state, institutional, agency, donor, and veterans financial aid programs; represents the University with the media, and at community service outreach and recruitment activities; ensures compliance and represents the University with auditors, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), and other outside agencies; works collaboratively during donor outreach activities that solicit scholarship funds; uses advancements in technology to communicate with students and streamline operations; publishes processing statistics and data (dashboards); manages operations and personnel activities.

Position Information 

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:  Supervises staff; assigns and reviews work; establishes timeframes for the completion of assigned tasks; trains and orients new employees; approves/disapproves requests for paid leaves; interviews candidates for employment and makes recommendations for hire; evaluates employee work performance; receives and responds to grievances; provides assistance with the development of unit work procedures and policies.

Constructs budget and monitors federal and state aid programs.

Ensures regulatory compliance and consistency as well as compliance with all university policies and federal and state regulations pertaining to student aid and veterans affairs.

Ensures that departmental programs contribute to the institution’s enrollment management goals. Provides financial aid services to complement and enhance the University’s ability to meet enrollment goals.

Oversees the management and administration of scholarship award programs to include monitoring, budgeting, and awarding of student scholarships.

Develops and expands the Federal Work Study award program in order to provide need-based employment for students.

Represents University by conducting community service financial aid outreach and recruitment programs on and off campus. Represents University with media regarding federal, state, and institutional aid matters and programs.

Serves as awarding official and final signature authority in all matters related to University, Gateway Football Conference, Horizon League, and NCAA regulations involving athletic grant-in-aid awards to student athletes. Presents financial aid data and/or challenges to executive officers as appropriate. Chairs all athletic grant-in-aid grievance hearings.

Serves as liaison for internal and external constituents and University departments as appropriate.

Provides budget analysis and projected expenditure forecasts for all institutional scholarships and grants and campus-based aid funds to constituents as needed.

Other Functions and Responsibilities: Assists with training new hires.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Equipment Operated: Computer and all other standard office equipment.

Work Schedule: Typically, Monday through Friday.

Supervision Exercised: Supervision is exercised over staff and students.

Reports to: Associate Vice President, Student Enrollment and Business Services

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:  

Knowledge of: University policies and procedures*; office practices and procedures; department/division goals and objectives*; department/division policies and procedures*; workplace safety practices and procedures*; English grammar and spelling; records management; office management; project management.

Skill in: Financial Aid and scholarship administration; use of office equipment; typing, data entry; computer operation; use of computer software and other programs applicable to the assigned department/division*.

Ability to: Work collaboratively with campus constituents in a multi-cultural and complex environment; deal with problems involving several variables within familiar context; define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions; determine material and equipment needs; calculate fractions, decimals, and percentages; compile and prepare reports; use proper research methods to gather data; understand a variety of written and/or verbal communications; communicate effectively; prepare accurate documentation; maintain records according to established procedures; travel to and gain access to work site; effectively interact with personnel and public to answer routine questions; train or instruct others; move quickly and effectively from one tasks to another; work independently and in a team environment; develop and maintain effective working relationships.  

(*) Developed after employment. 

Minimum Qualifications:  At least a master’s degree in business administration, student personnel, higher education administration, or a related field; five or more years of financial aid professional experience; and three or more years of management/supervisory experience within the financial aid profession. 

Preferred Qualifications:  Management experience at the associate director and/or director level within the financial aid profession and/or progressive managerial positions held within the financial aid profession; evidence of success in financial aid and scholarship administration from experience; work with campus constituents; effective written and oral communication skills; and an open and collegial approach to effectively manage staff in a complex and highly regulated financial aid environment.

Benefits

At Youngstown State University we are committed to a comprehensive employee benefit program that helps our employees live healthy, feel secure, and maintain a work/life balance. YSU offers two options for medical plans, optional dental and vision insurance and life insurance.  These plans are reviewed annually to maintain competitiveness while being cost effective. In addition, YSU offers tuition remission, 403(b) and 457 retirement planning options, as well as state pension programs and optional voluntary life insurance benefits. 

Medical Mutual of Ohio Medical plans
Dental Benefits
Vision Benefits
Group Life Insurance (University Sponsored and Voluntary)
Group Long Term Disability (University Sponsored and Voluntary)
Flexible Spending Account
Health Savings Account
Tuition remission
Employee Assistance Program
Wellness Initiatives
Sick Leave
Vacation Accrual
Paid Holidays
State Retirement Programs
403b and 457b Voluntary Retirement Options