Michigan Technological University is an R1 technological research university founded in 1885 in Houghton. Our rural campus is situated just miles from Lake Superior in Michigan's scenic Upper Peninsula and is home to nearly 7,500 students from more than 60 countries around the world. Consistently ranked among the best universities in the country for return on investment, Michigan's flagship technological university offers more than 185 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Research focus areas include defense, health, energy, automotive, environment, and aerospace.
The area's waters, forests, and snowfall support year-round recreation, including skiing, snowboarding, hiking, biking, and paddling. The University is an integral part of the region, supported by a friendly and welcoming community that takes pride in being a true college town. We embrace our size, climate, sense of adventure, and originality.
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... For full info follow application link.
Michigan Technological University is an Equal Opportunity Educational Institution/Equal Opportunity Employer that provides equal opportunity for all, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
